Ohio notaries do not have to pay the state to explore, but you will pay for fingerprinting and a background check

Ohio does not charge an process fee to become a notary public. The Secretary of State's office processes your process for free. However, you will pay for background check and fingerprinting services, which are required before the state will commission you. These costs typically run $20 to $50 depending on where you get fingerprinted. Some county sheriff's offices offer fingerprinting at the lower end of that range; private vendors charge more.

The free part is the actual notary commission. The paid part is proving you are not disqualified from holding one. That distinction matters because it means you can control your total cost by choosing where you get fingerprinted.

Key Takeaways

  • Ohio's Secretary of State charges no fee to process your notary process, but you must pay for fingerprinting and a background check before submitting it.
  • You can get fingerprinted at your county sheriff's office, which is usually cheaper than private fingerprinting vendors.
  • You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Ohio, and have no disqualifying criminal convictions to become a notary.
  • Your notary commission lasts four years and can be renewed for the same cost (fingerprinting and background check only).

What Ohio requires before you submit your process

Before you contact the Secretary of State, you need to meet three basic requirements. You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Ohio, and have no felony convictions or disqualifying criminal history. Ohio law bars people convicted of forgery, fraud, or crimes involving dishonesty from becoming notaries.

You also need a background check and fingerprints on file. This is not something the Secretary of State does for you — you arrange it yourself and submit the results with your process. Most people get fingerprinted at their county sheriff's office, which is the cheapest option. Call your sheriff's office and ask if they offer fingerprinting for notary applicants; most do, and the cost is usually $15 to $25.

If your sheriff's office does not offer fingerprinting, or if you prefer not to go there, private fingerprinting vendors (often found at UPS stores, pharmacies, or security companies) will do it for $30 to $50. Either way, you will receive a card or document with your fingerprints and the background check results. Keep this — you will need to submit it with your process.

How to submit your process to the Secretary of State

Ohio's Secretary of State accepts notary applications by mail only; there is no online process. You will need to read the Notary Public process form from the Secretary of State website (sos.ohio.gov). The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and Ohio driver's license or ID number.

Mail the completed form along with your fingerprint card and background check results to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your Ohio driver's license or state ID. Do not send cash or a check — there is no fee to pay. The Secretary of State will process your process and mail your commission certificate to you when it is approved.

Processing typically takes four to six weeks. If you do not hear back within that time, call the Secretary of State's notary division to check on your status. Have your process date and full name ready when you call.

Where to get fingerprinted for the lowest cost

Your county sheriff's office is almost always the cheapest place to get fingerprinted. Call the non-emergency number for your sheriff's department and ask if they do notary fingerprinting. If they do, ask what the cost is, what hours they are open, and whether you need an appointment. Many sheriff's offices take walk-ins, but some require you to schedule ahead.

Bring your Ohio driver's license or state ID when you go. The fingerprinting takes about 10 minutes. You will receive a card with your fingerprints and the results of the background check. This is what you mail to the Secretary of State.

If your sheriff's office does not offer fingerprinting, or if the cost is higher than you expected, check with UPS stores, CVS pharmacies, or local security companies in your area. Prices vary, but expect to pay $30 to $50. Ask before you go whether they can do notary fingerprinting and whether they mail the results directly to the Secretary of State or give them to you to mail yourself.

What happens after your commission is approved

Once the Secretary of State approves your process, you will receive a commission certificate in the mail. This certificate is your proof that you are a notary public. You do not need to register with any county or local office — the state commission is all you need to work.

Your commission lasts four years. When it is about to expire, you will need to renew it. Renewal requires the same fingerprinting and background check process, but again, the state charges no fee. You can renew up to 90 days before your commission expires.

As a notary, you can charge a fee for your services. Ohio law allows notaries to charge up to $5 per signature for most notarizations, though some services (like witnessing a will) have different rules. Keep records of the documents you notarize in case you are ever asked to testify about your work.

Common reasons applications are delayed or denied

The most common reason for delay is incomplete fingerprinting. If the background check comes back unclear or if the fingerprints are smudged, the Secretary of State will ask you to resubmit them. This can add two to four weeks to your timeline. To avoid this, make sure the person fingerprinting you takes clear, complete prints and that the background check is legible.

Applications are denied if you have a disqualifying criminal conviction. Felonies involving dishonesty, forgery, or fraud are automatic disqualifiers. If you have a criminal history and are unsure whether it disqualifies you, call the Secretary of State's notary division before you pay for fingerprinting. They can tell you whether your record will prevent you from becoming a notary.

Address mismatches can also cause delays. Make sure the address on your process matches the address on your driver's license or state ID. If you have moved recently and have not updated your ID yet, update it first, then submit your notary process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a notary in Ohio if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the conviction. Felonies involving dishonesty, fraud, or forgery disqualify you. Other felonies may not. Call the Secretary of State's notary division before you pay for fingerprinting and they can tell you whether your specific record disqualifies you.

Do I need to take a notary class in Ohio?

No. Ohio does not require a class or exam to become a notary. You only need to meet the age and residency requirements, pass a background check, and submit your process. Some people take a class anyway to learn the job better, but it is not required by the state.

How long does it take to become a notary in Ohio?

Fingerprinting takes about 10 minutes. Mailing your process and waiting for approval typically takes four to six weeks. The total time from start to commission is usually one to two months, depending on how quickly you get fingerprinted and how busy the Secretary of State's office is.

Can I renew my notary commission online?

No. Renewal is by mail only, just like the initial process. You will need to submit a new process form, fingerprints, and a background check. The Secretary of State does not charge a renewal fee, but you will pay for fingerprinting again.

What if I move out of Ohio after I become a notary?

Your Ohio notary commission becomes invalid once you move. If you move to another state, you will need to become a notary in that state instead. If you move back to Ohio later, you can reapply.