Prohibited Acts, Misconduct & Liability
Ohio disciplines notaries for false acts, conflicts, and unauthorized practice; the Secretary of State may revoke a commission for misconduct.
Disqualifying interest and false acts
An Ohio notary may not notarize a document in which the notary has a direct beneficial or financial interest, and may not execute a certificate the notary knows to be false or notarize without the signer's personal appearance. Such misconduct can lead to commission revocation, civil liability, and criminal charges.
Unauthorized practice of law
A non-attorney Ohio notary may not give legal advice, prepare legal documents, or advertise as a 'notario publico.' Ohio law restricts the use of terms that imply the notary can provide legal services. The notary may complete a notarial certificate but must not counsel the signer on legal matters.