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Please read this first We work to keep state commissioning information current, but requirements, fees, and forms can change faster than we can update this page. Confirm every step with the Ohio Secretary of State using the official links below before you apply. This article is a checklist, not legal advice. |
Overview
Ohio commissions notaries through the Secretary of State. A notary public may not perform remote online notarizations unless authorized by the Secretary of State. RON authorization requires a current Ohio commission, Ohio residence, a two-hour authorized education program and test, a $20 SOS filing, and identification of the technology you will use.
Use this page as a checklist of where to go and what to complete. Follow the Secretary of State’s current instructions if anything here differs from the official site.
For a U.S. overview of remote online notary authorization, see the National Notary Association’s How to Become a Remote Online Notary. Follow the Ohio Secretary of State’s instructions if anything differs.
Who Can Apply
To be commissioned as an Ohio notary public, you must meet all of the following:
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Start Here: Traditional Commission, Then RON Authorization
Complete education, BCI, the $15 application, and the oath. Then complete the two-hour RON course and test and file the $20 RON authorization.
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Read the official notary and education pages Open Notary Public Application Requirements, Notary Education and Testing, and Ohio notary portal. |
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Apply for the traditional commission Use Ohio notary portal. Pay $15. |
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If you already hold an Ohio commission and reside in Ohio, apply for RON authorization before the first remote session Complete the authorized two-hour class and test, then file as Ohio notary portal instructs. |
Part 1: Traditional Ohio Notary Commission
Skip this section if you already hold an unexpired Ohio notary public commission. You still need SOS RON authorization before remote online notarizations. Non-attorney commissions are five-year terms.
Checklist
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Review the official how-to Notary Public Application Requirements and R.C. Chapter 147. |
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Complete traditional notary education Non-attorney new applicants: three-hour education program and test with an authorized provider. OAC 111:6-1-03 lists a $130 provider fee for that program. Attorney initial education is listed on the SOS education page; confirm current provider tuition on Notary Education and Testing. |
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Obtain a surety bond Not listed in R.C. 147.01 or the official application-requirements summary as a required surety bond. |
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Submit the traditional application Obtain a BCI report (reason code 147.022 as commonly instructed by providers; confirm with BCI). File on Ohio notary portal with a sample signature, BCI report, and education/testing proof. Pay $15 to the Secretary of State. |
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Take the oath and receive the commission After approval, personally appear before a notary public or other authorized official and take the oath of office before performing notarial duties. |
Part 2: Online (RON) Commission
Only an Ohio-resident commissioned notary may apply for online notary authorization (R.C. 147.63). Name the technology you will use. The Secretary of State does not publish an approved RON platform list on the notary portal. If you change hardware or software, inform the Secretary on the prescribed form. Non-attorney RON authorization expires with the notary commission.
Have these ready
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Checklist
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Read the official online-notary instructions Ohio notary portal, Notary Public Application Requirements, R.C. 147.63, and OAC 111:6-1-03. |
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Complete online notary education Complete a two-hour class and pass a test with the authorized online-notarization education provider listed on Notary Education and Testing. OAC 111:6-1-03 lists a $250 provider fee for that program. Obtain PDF certificates. |
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Start the online commission application Select Remote Online Notarization Authorization Application on Ohio notary portal. Upload education and testing certificates as PDFs and identify the technology. |
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Sign with a digital certificate Obtain and pay for RON technology directly with the selected provider. The SOS filing fee is separate. |
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Upload your electronic seal Ohio’s RON filing is the portal application and certificates. Complete seal setup with the named technology. |
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Pay and submit The SOS filing fee is $20. Do not perform online notarizations until the Secretary issues written authorization. Failure to obtain authorization before remote acts may result in disciplinary action. |
After You Are Commissioned
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Do not perform a remote online notarization until the Secretary of State has issued written authorization. Traditional in-person acts and authorized online notarizations are not interchangeable.
Fees Listed by the Secretary of State
SOS filing amounts are from Ohio notary portal and OAC 111:6-1-03. Education amounts in OAC are paid to the authorized provider. Confirm current provider tuition on Notary Education and Testing before you pay. Platform fees are extra.
| Item | Listed amount |
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| Traditional education and testing (non-attorney initial) | $130 to the authorized provider (OAC 111:6-1-03) |
| RON education and testing | $250 to the authorized provider (OAC 111:6-1-03) |
| Traditional application | $15 |
| RON authorization application | $20 |
| Surety bond | Not listed as required on the official application-requirements summary |
Official Ohio Links
| Resource | Where to go |
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| Application requirements | ohiosos.gov/notary/application-requirements |
| Education and testing | ohiosos.gov/notary/become-a-notary-in-ohio/education-and-testing |
| Notary portal | notary.ohiosos.gov |
| Secretary of State | 1-877-767-6446 |
Common Questions
Q: Can I apply for the online commission first?
A: No. Hold a current Ohio notary public commission and reside in Ohio, then complete RON education and file the $20 authorization before the first remote online notarization.
Q: Does Ohio approve a list of RON platforms?
A: The Secretary of State does not publish a list of approved RON platforms on the notary portal. You select technology that meets Ohio’s standards and name it in the filing. Authorized education providers are listed on the SOS education page and are not a platform-endorsement list.
Q: Where can I confirm a fee or form changed?
A: Use Ohio notary portal, Notary Education and Testing, and OAC 111:6-1-03.
Last Updated: August 26, 2026 | Author: Customer Success Team | Version: v1.0
