Ohio Notary Public Exam — All Questions

What Ohio law modernized the notary program and authorized online notarization?

• a.The Ohio Notary Repeal Act
• b.The Notary Public Modernization Act (SB 263)✓
• c.The Ohio Seal Act
• d.The Uniform Commercial Code

Ohio's Notary Public Modernization Act (Senate Bill 263, effective 2019) restructured the notary program—adding education, testing, background checks, statewide commissions, and authorization for online notarization. It is the framework the Ohio exam is built on.

In an Ohio jurat, the signer must:

• a.Sign at home beforehand
• b.Provide a thumbprint
• c.Sign in the notary's presence and swear the contents are true✓
• d.Only show ID

A jurat (verification on oath or affirmation) requires the signer to sign in the notary's presence and take an oath or affirmation that the statement is true. An acknowledgment, by contrast, only confirms voluntary execution and may be signed beforehand.

Which act may an Ohio notary perform?

• a.Administer an oath or affirmation✓
• b.Grant a marriage license
• c.Certify a birth certificate as a state record
• d.Issue a court subpoena

Ohio notaries take acknowledgments, administer oaths/affirmations, take jurats, and witness signatures. They do not issue marriage or birth records or court process. Knowing the scope of notarial authority is a core exam topic.

An Ohio signer asks the notary which certificate to use. The non-attorney notary should:

• a.Pick the acknowledgment
• b.Pick the jurat
• c.Not choose for the signer; let the document or signer specify, or refer to an attorney✓
• d.Perform both acts

Choosing the notarial act/certificate is a legal determination. A non-attorney Ohio notary who selects it for the signer commits the unauthorized practice of law. The document or signer must specify the act; otherwise the signer should consult an attorney.