OH Notary Basic 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Ohio law, what is the maximum term of a notary public commission?
- 3 years
- 5 years (Correct answer)
- 7 years
- 10 years
Correct answer: 5 years
Ohio notary commissions are issued for a 5-year term under ORC Chapter 147.
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 147.01, the Governor appoints notaries public for a term of five years. This 5-year term begins on the date of the commission and the notary must renew before expiration to continue performing notarial acts without interruption.
Question 2: Which Ohio state official is responsible for maintaining records of notary public commissions?
- Attorney General
- Governor
- Secretary of State (Correct answer)
- State Auditor
Correct answer: Secretary of State
The Ohio Secretary of State maintains records of all notary public commissions and oversees notary regulation.
The Ohio Secretary of State is the primary regulatory authority for notaries public in Ohio. This office processes applications, maintains commission records, handles complaints, and can revoke or suspend commissions. While the Governor technically appoints notaries, the Secretary of State manages the day-to-day administration of the notary program.
Question 3: What is the minimum age requirement to become a notary public in Ohio?
- 16 years old
- 18 years old (Correct answer)
- 21 years old
- 25 years old
Correct answer: 18 years old
An applicant must be at least 18 years old to become a notary public in Ohio.
Ohio Revised Code requires that notary public applicants be at least 18 years of age. This aligns with the age of majority in Ohio and ensures that notaries have reached the legal age to enter into contracts and take on the responsibilities associated with performing notarial acts.
Question 4: Which of the following is NOT a requirement for obtaining an Ohio notary commission?
- Being a legal resident of Ohio
- Being at least 18 years old
- Passing a state bar examination (Correct answer)
- Having no felony convictions
Correct answer: Passing a state bar examination
Ohio does not require notary applicants to pass a bar examination.
To become a notary public in Ohio, applicants must be at least 18 years old, be a legal resident of Ohio or have a principal place of business in Ohio, and not have been convicted of a felony. There is no requirement to pass a bar exam or hold a law degree.
Question 5: An Ohio notary's surety bond must be in the amount of:
- $5,000
- $10,000 (Correct answer)
- $15,000
- $25,000
Correct answer: $10,000
Ohio law requires notaries to maintain a $10,000 surety bond during their commission term.
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 147.01, every notary public must file a $10,000 surety bond with the county recorder of the county in which they reside. This bond protects the public from financial harm caused by a notary's misconduct or negligence.
Question 6: Where must an Ohio notary public file their commission and bond?
- With the Ohio Supreme Court
- With the county recorder of their county of residence (Correct answer)
- With the local police department
- With the Ohio Department of Commerce
Correct answer: With the county recorder of their county of residence
Ohio notaries must file their commission and surety bond with the county recorder of their county of residence.
After receiving their commission from the Governor, Ohio notaries must file the commission and their $10,000 surety bond with the county recorder of the county in which they reside. This filing is mandatory and must be completed before the notary can begin performing notarial acts.
OH Notary Basic 2
Under Ohio law, what is the maximum term of a notary public commission?