Commission: Eligibility, Term, Bond & Oath
Ohio commissions run five years. New non-attorney applicants complete education, pass the exam, and clear a background check; attorneys follow a separate track.
Eligibility, education, and background check
An applicant must be 18+, a resident of Ohio (or an attorney licensed in Ohio with a principal place of business/practice in Ohio) and of good moral character. New non-attorney applicants must complete a 3-hour education course, pass the exam (80%), and submit a criminal background check. Attorneys are exempt from the exam and course.
Term and filing
An Ohio notary commission is valid for five years. After qualifying, the applicant files with the Secretary of State (plus a $15 filing where applicable). No bond is required statewide for a traditional Ohio commission, unlike some states.
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