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.
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