Ohio Notary Public Exam — All Questions

May an Ohio notary notarize a contract in which the notary is a beneficiary?

• a.Yes, for the $5 fee
• b.No—the notary has a direct beneficial interest and must decline✓
• c.Yes, with a witness
• d.Only online

A notary may not notarize a document in which the notary has a direct beneficial or financial interest. As a beneficiary of the contract, the Ohio notary is disqualified and must decline; proceeding is misconduct that can void the act and lead to discipline.

A non-attorney Ohio notary advertises as a 'notario publico.' This is:

• a.Encouraged for marketing
• b.Required
• c.Restricted, because it implies the ability to give legal services✓
• d.Only allowed online

Ohio restricts a non-attorney notary from using 'notario' or 'notario publico,' which in some countries implies attorney-level authority. Such advertising, and giving legal advice or preparing legal documents, is prohibited unauthorized practice of law.

An Ohio notary notarizes a signature for a person who did not appear, based on a phone call. This is:

• a.Misconduct that can lead to revocation and liability✓
• b.Acceptable for acknowledgments
• c.Fine if ID was emailed
• d.Allowed under the Modernization Act

Notarizing without personal appearance is serious misconduct in Ohio. It can lead to commission revocation, civil liability, and criminal charges. Personal appearance—in person or by authorized live audio-video for online acts—is mandatory.