Notary Law Changes

On September 20, 2019, Ohio will implement a number of changes to the notary process. A couple of the changes include the Ohio Secretary of State now administering the notary process instead of each individual county and also the requirement of filing the necessary documentation electronically.  The following is a brief summary of some of the new notary process requirements:

1. Each candidate who is applying to be a notary must submit an application electronically. The application will require that a criminal records check be done, will require a copy of the applicant’s signature, three hours of education and testing will be required, and a $15 fee will need to be paid. In addition, an education and testing fee will also need to be paid.
2. Whenever a notary is being renewed for anyone except an attorney, the notary is valid for five years. The renewal must be completed as early as three months before the expiration and must be completed prior to the expiration. Once again, in order to obtain the notary, a criminal background check will be conducted, one hour of continuing education must be obtained, and also an application fee must be paid. An education fee must be paid as well.
3. In Ohio, all attorneys are notaries, and the notary has no expiration date so long as the attorney is a resident of Ohio or the attorney’s principal place of business is in Ohio, the attorney is in good standing with the Ohio Supreme Court, and the commission has not been revoked. Each attorney who is admitted to the practice of law after September 20, 2019, shall also file an application with the attorney’s name, registration number, and proof that he or she is in good standing and admitted to the practice of law in Ohio, the residence address or business address if the individual does not reside in Ohio, the individual’s signature, three hours of education, and a fee of $15.  Also, an education fee must be paid.

Therefore, if you are a notary or thinking about becoming a notary, or you are an attorney or an individual who will be becoming an attorney, you should become aware of these Notary law changes. 

NOTE: This general summary of the law should not be used to solve individual problems since slight changes in the fact situation may require a material variance in the applicable legal advice.

James F. Contini II, Esq.
Certified Specialist in Estate Planning,
Trust & Probate Law by the OSBA
Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., LPA
405 Chauncey Avenue NW
New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663
Phone:   330-364-3472
Fax:  330-602-3187
Email:  jcontini@www.kwgd.com