Notarial Acts & Their Differences
An Ohio notary may take acknowledgments, administer oaths and affirmations, take verifications/affidavits (jurats), witness or attest signatures, and—if separately authorized as an online notary—perform online notarizations.
Notarial acts under the Modernization Act
Ohio's Notary Public Modernization Act authorizes acknowledgments, oaths/affirmations, jurats (verifications on oath or affirmation), and signature witnessing. Each act has prescribed certificate wording. The notary confirms the signer's personal appearance and identity, and—for jurats—administers the oath before the signer signs.
Acknowledgment vs. jurat in Ohio
An acknowledgment confirms the signer executed the document willingly and may be signed beforehand. A jurat requires the signer to sign in the notary's presence and swear the contents are true. Ohio notaries must apply the certificate the document specifies and may not choose the act for the signer, which would be unauthorized practice of law.
State-specific details
State exam facts
- State regulator
- Ohio Secretary of State (Notary Commissions)
- Prelicensing education
- 3 hours (initial education; required of non-attorneys and attorneys)
- Passing score
- 80%
Does Ohio require a notary exam?
Yes for non-attorneys. Under the 2019 Notary Public Modernization Act, non-attorney applicants must complete a 3-hour education course and pass a proctored exam through a Secretary-of-State-authorized provider. Attorneys are exempt from the exam but must still take the education.
What score do I need to pass the Ohio notary exam?
The authorized testing providers require a score of at least 80% to pass the Ohio notary exam.
How long is an Ohio notary commission?
A non-attorney Ohio notary commission runs for 5 years.
Sources: https://www.ohiosos.gov/notary/, https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-111:6-1-03