OH Notary Notary Misconduct and Disciplinary Actions

Question 1

Which Ohio agency has authority to investigate complaints against notaries public and impose disciplinary sanctions?

Accepted Answer

Ohio Secretary of State

Answer

Ohio Attorney General

Answer

Ohio Supreme Court

Answer

Ohio Department of Commerce

Question 2

What is the most serious disciplinary action the Ohio Secretary of State can take against a notary?

Accepted Answer

Revocation of the notary commission

Answer

Written reprimand

Answer

Mandatory retraining

Answer

Temporary suspension for 30 days

Question 3

A notary who notarizes a document without the signer being present may face which consequence?

Accepted Answer

Commission revocation and possible criminal charges

Answer

A written warning only

Answer

A $25 fine

Answer

Mandatory journal audit

Question 4

Which of the following actions could constitute notary fraud in Ohio?

Accepted Answer

Backdating a notarial certificate

Answer

Charging the maximum statutory fee

Answer

Refusing to notarize a document

Answer

Keeping a paper notary journal

Question 5

Under Ohio law, a notary who engages in the unauthorized practice of law may be subject to what?

Accepted Answer

Commission revocation and criminal prosecution

Answer

A $100 fine only

Answer

Mandatory legal education courses

Answer

Loss of journal privileges

Question 6

If a notary is convicted of a felony in Ohio, what is the likely outcome regarding their commission?

Accepted Answer

The commission is subject to revocation

Answer

Nothing changes unless the crime involved notarial duties

Answer

The commission is automatically suspended for one year

Answer

The notary must retake the notary exam