reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.022 | Criminal Records Check.

Effective:
April 6, 2023
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 567 - 134th General Assembly
(A)(1) The secretary of state shall require each applicant for a notary commission, other than an attorney licensed to practice law in this state or a peace officer, to complete a criminal records check.
(2) The secretary shall not accept an application for a notary commission that includes the report of a criminal records check that is more than six months old.
(B) The secretary of state shall provide to each person applying for a notary commission, other than an attorney admitted to the practice of law in this state or a peace officer, information about accessing, completing, and forwarding to the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation the form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code and the standard impression sheet to obtain fingerprint impressions prescribed pursuant to division (C)(2) of that section.
(C) Each person requesting a criminal records check under this section shall pay to the bureau of criminal identification and investigation the fee prescribed pursuant to division (C)(3) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code.
(D) The report of any criminal records check conducted by the bureau of criminal identification and investigation in accordance with section 109.572 of the Revised Code and pursuant to a request made under this section is not a public record for the purposes of section 149.43 of the Revised Code and shall not be made available to any person other than the following:
(1) The person who is the subject of the criminal records check or the person's representative;
(2) The secretary of state and the staff of the secretary of state;
(3) A court, hearing officer, or other necessary individual involved in a case dealing with a commission denial resulting from the criminal records check.
(E) The secretary of state shall deny a notary commission application if, after receiving the information and notification required by this section, a person subject to the criminal records check requirement fails to do either of the following:
(1) Access, complete, or forward to the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation the form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code or the standard impression sheet prescribed pursuant to division (C)(2) of that section;
(2) Submit the completed report of the criminal records check to the secretary of state.
Last updated February 16, 2023 at 2:29 PM
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.03 | Term of Office - Oath - Removal for Violating Oath.

Effective:
September 20, 2019
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 263 - 132nd General Assembly
Each notary public, except an attorney admitted to the practice of law in this state by the Ohio supreme court, shall hold office for the term of five years unless the commission is revoked. An attorney admitted to the practice of law in this state by the Ohio supreme court shall hold office as a notary public as long as the attorney is a resident of this state or has the attorney's principal place of business or primary practice in this state, the attorney is in good standing before the Ohio supreme court, and the commission is not revoked. Before entering upon the duties of office, a notary public shall take and subscribe an oath to be endorsed on the notary public's commission.
A notary public who violates the oath of office required by this section shall be removed from office by the secretary of state, upon complaint filed and substantiated by the secretary of state. The person so removed shall be ineligible for reappointment to the office of notary public.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.031 | Renewal of Commission.

Effective:
September 20, 2019
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 263 - 132nd General Assembly
(A)(1) Except as provided in division (A)(2) of this section, a commission for a notary public appointed prior to the effective date of this section shall remain valid until that commission's expiration date.
(2) A commission issued to an attorney shall be governed by section 147.03 of the Revised Code.
(B) A commission that is set to expire as described in section 147.03 of the Revised Code or as in division (A) of this section shall not be renewed unless the notary submits to the secretary of state through the entities authorized in section 147.021 of the Revised Code all of the following:
(1) A new criminal records check report as required under division (B)(3) of section 147.01 of the Revised Code;
(2) A fee of not more than sixty dollars, set by the secretary of state in a rule adopted under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code;
(3) An application for renewal on a form prescribed by the secretary.
(C) A notary public may apply to renew the notary's commission beginning three months prior to the expiration date of the commission.
(D) If the notary public's commission expires before the notary submits the application for renewal, the secretary of state shall not renew that expired commission but shall permit the person to apply for a new notary commission.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.032 | Investigations; Penalties.

Effective:
September 20, 2019
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 263 - 132nd General Assembly
(A)(1) If the secretary of state believes that a violation of this chapter has occurred, the secretary of state may investigate such violations.
(2) The secretary of state may investigate possible violations of this chapter upon a signed complaint from any person.
(B) The secretary of state may hold a disciplinary hearing if the secretary of state determines a hearing to be appropriate after an investigation conducted under division (A) of this section.
(C) After holding an administrative hearing and concluding that a violation of this chapter has occurred, the secretary of state may do any of the following:
(1) Revoke the notary public's commission;
(2) Suspend the notary public's commission for a specified period of time or until fulfillment of a condition, such as retraining, or both.
(3) Issue a letter of admonition that shall be placed in the notary public's record.
(D) A person whose notary commission has been revoked may not apply for a subsequent notary commission.
(E) The secretary of state may adopt rules under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to set forth procedures for investigations and hearings regarding violations of this chapter and disciplinary actions taken.
(F) The secretary of state may establish an advisory board to meet as the secretary of state considers necessary to discuss matters related to notary law and procedures.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.04 | Seal.

Effective:
September 20, 2019
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 263 - 132nd General Assembly
Before entering upon the discharge of official duties, a notary public shall obtain the seal of a notary public. The seal shall consist of the coat of arms of the state within a circle that is at least three-quarters of an inch, but not larger than one inch, in diameter and shall be surrounded by the words "notary public," "notarial seal," or words to that effect, the name of the notary public, and the words "State of Ohio." The seal may be of either a type that will stamp ink onto a document or one that will emboss it. The name of the notary public may, instead of appearing on the seal, be printed, typewritten, or stamped in legible, printed letters near the notary public's signature on each document signed by the notary public.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.041 | Persons Commissioned Prior to September 20, 2019.

Effective:
September 20, 2019
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 263 - 132nd General Assembly
A person commissioned as a notary public prior to the effective date of this section may continue to use a seal that met the requirements of section 147.04 of the Revised Code and that was in that person's possession before that date.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.05 | Recordkeeping; Change of Address; Notice of Resignation or Conviction of Disqualifying Offense.

Effective:
October 9, 2021
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 263 - 133rd General Assembly
(A) The secretary of state shall maintain a record of the commissions of each notary public appointed and commissioned by the secretary of state under this chapter and make a proper index to that record.
The governor's office shall transfer to the secretary of state's office, on or after June 6, 2001, the record of notaries public formerly kept by the governor's office under section 107.10 of the Revised Code. The secretary of state's office shall maintain that record together with the record and index of commissions of notaries public required by this division.
(B) If a notary public legally changes the notary public's name or address after having been commissioned as a notary public, the notary public shall notify the secretary of state within thirty days after the name or address change. Such a notification shall be on a form prescribed by the secretary of state.
(C) A notary who resigns the person's commission shall deliver to the secretary of state, on a form prescribed by the secretary of state, a written notice indicating the effective date of resignation.
(D)(1) A notary shall inform the secretary of state of being convicted of or pleading guilty or no contest to a crime of moral turpitude as defined in section 4776.10 of the Revised Code, a violation of a provision of Chapter 2913. of the Revised Code, or any offense under an existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to such a disqualifying offense during the term of the notary's commission.
(2) The secretary of state shall revoke the commission of any person who is convicted of or pleads guilty or no contest to a disqualifying offense, including an attorney licensed to practice law in this state.
Last updated October 9, 2021 at 5:22 AM
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.051 | Database of Notaries.

Effective:
September 20, 2019
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 263 - 132nd General Assembly
The secretary of state shall maintain a database of notaries public on a publicly accessible web site. The web site shall provide all of the following information in relation to each notary public:
(A) A verification of the authority and good standing of the individual to perform notarial acts;
(B) Whether the notary is registered to perform online notarizations, as defined in section 147.60 of the Revised Code;
(C) A description of any administrative or disciplinary action taken against the notary.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.06 | Certified Copy of Commission as Evidence - Fee.

Effective:
September 20, 2019
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 263 - 132nd General Assembly
Upon application, the secretary of state shall make a certified copy of a notary public commission and the endorsements on the commission. The certified copy shall be prima-facie evidence of the matters and facts contained in it. For each certified copy of a notary public commission, the secretary of state shall be entitled to receive a fee of five dollars.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.07 | Powers - Jurisdiction.

Effective:
September 20, 2019
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 263 - 132nd General Assembly
A notary public may, throughout the state, administer oaths required or authorized by law, take and certify depositions, and take and certify acknowledgments of deeds, mortgages, liens, powers of attorney, and other instruments of writing. In taking depositions, a notary public shall have the power that is by law vested in judges of county courts to compel the attendance of witnesses and punish them for refusing to testify. Sheriffs and constables are required to serve and return all process issued by notaries public in the taking of depositions.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.08 | Fees.

Effective:
September 20, 2019
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 263 - 132nd General Assembly
(A) A notary public is entitled to the following fees:
s
(1) Up to five dollars for any notarial act that is not an online notarization;
(2) For an online notarization, up to twenty-five dollars.
(B) A notary charging the fee authorized under division (A)(2) of this section shall not also charge the fee authorized under division (A)(1) of this section.
(C) The fees charged under division (A) of this section shall not be calculated on a per signature basis.
(D) In addition to the fees authorized under division (A) of this section, a notary may charge a reasonable travel fee, as agreed to by the notary and the principal prior to the notarial act.
(E) The secretary of state may adopt rules under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to increase the fees authorized under this section.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.10 | Notary Public Acting After Commission Expires.

Effective:
June 30, 2005
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 66 - 126th General Assembly
No notary public shall do or perform any act as a notary public knowing that the notary public's term of office has expired or that the notary public has resigned the notary public's commission.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.11 | Forfeiture.

Effective:
June 30, 2005
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 66 - 126th General Assembly
A person appointed notary public who performs any act as such after the expiration of the person's term of office or after the person resigns the person's commission, knowing that the person's term has expired or that the person has resigned, shall forfeit not more than five hundred dollars, to be recovered by an action in the name of the state. Such act shall render the person ineligible for reappointment.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.12 | Acts Done by Notary Public After Term Valid.

Effective:
June 30, 2005
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 66 - 126th General Assembly
An official act done by a notary public after the expiration of the notary public's term of office or after the notary public resigns the notary public's commission is as valid as if done during the notary public's term of office.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.13 | Removal for Receiving Excess Fees.

Effective:
September 20, 2019
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 263 - 132nd General Assembly
A notary public who charges or receives for an act or service done or rendered by the notary public a fee greater than the amount prescribed by law, or who dishonestly or unfaithfully discharges any official duties as notary public, shall be removed from office by the secretary of state, upon complaint filed and substantiated by the secretary of state. The person so removed shall be ineligible for reappointment to the office of notary public.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.14 | Removal From Office for Certifying Affidavit Without Administering Oath.

Effective:
September 20, 2019
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 263 - 132nd General Assembly
No notary public shall certify to the affidavit of a person without administering the appropriate oath or affirmation to the person. A notary public who violates this section shall be removed from office by the secretary of state. The person so removed shall be ineligible to reappointment for a period of three years.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.142 | Advertisement as Immigration Consultant; Other Prohibited Acts.

Effective:
September 20, 2019
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 263 - 132nd General Assembly
(A) A notary public who is not a licensed attorney in this state shall not represent or advertise himself or herself as an immigration consultant or an expert in immigration matters.
(B) A notary public who is not a licensed attorney in this state shall not do any of the following:
(1) Provide any service that constitutes the unauthorized practice of law in violation of section 4705.07 of the Revised Code;
(2) State or imply that the notary is an attorney licensed to practice law in this state;
(3) Solicit or accept compensation to prepare documents for or otherwise represent the interest of another person in a judicial or administrative proceeding, including a proceeding relating to immigration to the United States, United States citizenship, or related matters;
(4) Solicit or accept compensation to obtain relief of any kind on behalf of another from any officer, agency, or employee of this state or of the United States;
(5) Use the phrase "notario" or "notario publico" to advertise the services of a notary public, whether by sign, pamphlet, stationery, or other written communication, or by radio, television, or other non-written communication.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.32 | Representatives of Veterans' Organizations May Be Appointed as Commissioners of the State.

Effective:
October 14, 1963
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 887 - 105th General Assembly
Representatives of the United Spanish War Veterans, The Disabled American Veterans, The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, and other congressionally chartered veterans' organizations, who are recognized as such representatives by the administrator of the veterans' administration, and who are engaged in the preparation and prosecution of claims of veterans and their dependents before the rating agencies of the veterans' administration within the state, may be appointed as commissioners of the state. Such commissioners shall continue in office for a term of three years. Each of such commissioners shall, before performing any of his duties, take and subscribe to an oath of office before a judge of a court of record within this state. Such oath, with his signature thereto and an impression of his seal of office and his residence address, shall forthwith be transmitted by him to the governor, and filed by the governor in the office of the secretary of state.
Each of such commissioners shall procure and employ a seal of the dimensions and inscription set forth and prescribed for notaries public, in section 147.04 of the Revised Code, except that the words shall be: "Commissioner of the State of Ohio for Veterans' Affairs."
Such commissioners may, without fee and within the state, administer oaths, take acknowledgments, and attest the execution of any instruments of writing only in connection with or used before the veterans' administration.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.37 | Fees for Commissions.

Effective:
September 20, 2019
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 263 - 132nd General Assembly
(A) The secretary of state shall establish a fee of not more than one hundred fifty dollars to be paid by each person receiving a commission as notary public.
(B) The notary public shall remit the fee to the authorized entity that administered the educational program and test required by section 147.021 of the Revised Code. The notary public shall remit to the secretary of state the portion of that fee specified pursuant to division (C)(2) of this section.
(C) The secretary of state shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to do all of the following:
(1) Establish the amount of the fee authorized by division (A) of this section;
(2) Establish the portion of the fee, not to exceed fifteen dollars, that the notary public is required to remit to the secretary of state;
(3) Establish the portion of the fee that a notary who is an attorney shall remit to the entity that administered the educational program.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.371 | Duplicate Commission.

Effective:
September 20, 2019
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 263 - 132nd General Assembly
(A) Upon receipt of a fee of two dollars and an affidavit that the original commission of a notary public has been lost or destroyed, a duplicate commission as notary public shall be issued by the secretary of state.
(B) Upon receipt of a fee of two dollars and the properly completed, prescribed form for a name and address change under division (B) of section 147.05 of the Revised Code, the secretary of state shall issue a duplicate commission as a notary public.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.39 | Prior Notarial Acts by Armed Forces Officers Valid.

Effective:
May 31, 1988
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 502 - 117th General Assembly
Any acknowledgment or proof of execution of a deed, mortgage, lease, power of attorney, or other instrument that was taken, and any other notarial act that was performed, by a commissioned officer in active service with the armed forces of the United States for a person who was a member of the armed forces of the United States, for a person who was accompanying the armed forces of the United States, or for a person who was a dependent of either such category of persons, and that was taken or performed between January 1, 1941, and January 1, 1974, in conformity with the provisions of a prior statute that then was in effect is as valid as if the acknowledgment, proof of execution, or other notarial act was performed in conformity with the provisions of sections 147.51 to 147.58 of the Revised Code.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.40 | Manner of Taking Depositions.

Effective:
May 31, 1988
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 502 - 117th General Assembly
Depositions taken in pursuance of sections 147.07 and 147.51 to 147.58 of the Revised Code by a person described in division (D) of section 147.51 of the Revised Code shall be taken on written interrogatories, on a written notice being given by the party desiring to take such depositions, which notice shall contain the names of the parties plaintiff and defendant, the court or tribunal in which the action is pending, the number of the regiment or battalion to which the witness belongs, and the names of the witnesses. The notice shall be served upon the adverse party, or his agent or attorney of record, or left at his usual place of abode, with a copy of the interrogatories, at least twenty days prior to the taking of such depositions. If the party on whom such notice is served desires to file cross-interrogatories, a copy of the them shall be served on the adverse party, or his agent or attorney of record, or left at his usual place of abode, within six days after the notice of taking depositions has been served, and the party giving the notice to take depositions, shall forward with his notice and interrogatories, the cross-interrogatories so served on him; and neither party, by himself, or his agent or attorney, shall be present at the time of taking such depositions.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.51 | Notarial Acts.

Effective:
September 20, 2019
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 263 - 132nd General Assembly
For the purposes of sections 147.51 to 147.58 of the Revised Code, "notarial acts" means acts which the laws and regulations of this state authorize notaries public of this state to perform, including the administration of oaths and affirmations, taking proof of execution and acknowledgment of instruments, attesting documents, and executing a jurat.
Notarial acts may be performed outside this state for use in this state with the same effect as if performed by a notary public of this state by the following persons authorized pursuant to the laws and regulations of other governments, in addition to any other persons authorized by the laws and regulations of this state:
(A) A notary public authorized to perform notarial acts in the place in which the act is performed;
(B) A judge, clerk, or deputy clerk of any court of record in the place in which the notarial act is performed;
(C) An officer of the foreign service of the United States, a consular agent, or any other person authorized by regulation of the United States department of state to perform notarial acts in the place in which the act is performed;
(D) A commissioned officer in active service with the armed forces of the United States and any other person authorized by regulation of the armed forces to perform notarial acts if the notarial act is performed for one of the following or for a dependent of one of the following:
(1) A member of the merchant marines of the United States;
(2) A member of the armed forces of the United States;
(3) Any other person serving with or accompanying the armed forces of the United States.
(E) Any other person authorized to perform notarial acts in the place in which the act is performed.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.52 | Notarial Acts by Authorized Person.

Effective:
June 13, 1975
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 1 - 111th General Assembly
(A) If the notarial act is performed by any of the persons described in divisions (A) to (D) of section 147.51 of the Revised Code, other than a person authorized to perform notarial acts by the laws or regulations of a foreign country, the signature, rank, or title and serial number, if any, of the person are sufficient proof of the authority of a holder of that rank or title to perform the act. Further proof of his authority is not required.
(B) If the notarial act is performed by a person authorized by the laws or regulations of a foreign country to perform the act, there is sufficient proof of the authority of that person to act if:
(1) Either a foreign service officer of the United States residing in the country in which the act is performed or a diplomatic or consular officer of the foreign country residing in the United States certifies that a person holding that office is authorized to perform the act;
(2) The official seal of the person performing the notarial act is affixed to the document; or
(3) The title and indication of authority to perform notarial acts of the person appears either in a digest of foreign law or in a list customarily used as a source of such information.
(C) If the notarial act is performed by a person other than one described in divisions (A) and (B) of this section, there is sufficient proof of the authority of that person to act if the clerk of a court of record in the place in which the notarial act is performed certifies to the official character of that person and to his authority to perform the notarial act.
(D) The signature and title of the person performing the act are prima-facie evidence that he is a person with the designated title and that the signature is genuine.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.53 | Taking an Acknowledgment.

Effective:
January 1, 1974
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 47 - 110th General Assembly
The person taking an acknowledgment shall certify that:
(A) The person acknowledging appeared before him and acknowledged he executed the instrument;
(B) The person acknowledging was known to the person taking the acknowledgment, or that the person taking the acknowledgment had satisfactory evidence that the person acknowledging was the person described in and who executed the instrument.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.54 | Recognized Certificate of Acknowledgment.

Effective:
June 13, 1975
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 1 - 111th General Assembly
The form of a certificate of acknowledgment used by a person whose authority is recognized under section 147.51 of the Revised Code shall be accepted in this state if:
(A) The certificate is in a form prescribed by the laws or regulations of this state;
(B) The certificate is in a form prescribed by the laws or regulations applicable in the place in which the acknowledgment is taken; or
(C) The certificate contains the words "acknowledged before me," or their substantial equivalent.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.541 | Acknowledged Before Me Defined.

Effective:
February 20, 2018
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 31 - 132nd General Assembly
The words "acknowledged before me" means that:
(A) The person acknowledging appeared before the person taking the acknowledgment ;
(B) The person acknowledging acknowledged executing the instrument ;
(C) In the case of:
(1) A natural person, the person executed the instrument for the purposes therein stated;
(2) A corporation, the officer or agent acknowledged holding the position or title set forth in the instrument and certificate, the officer or agent signed the instrument on behalf of the corporation by proper authority, and the instrument was the act of the corporation for the purpose therein stated;
(3) A partnership, the partner or agent acknowledged signing the instrument on behalf of the partnership by proper authority and the partner or agent executed the instrument as the act of the partnership for the purposes therein stated;
(4) A person acknowledging as principal by an attorney in fact, the attorney in fact executed the instrument by proper authority as the act of the principal for the purposes therein stated;
(5) A person acknowledging as a public officer, trustee, administrator, guardian, or other representative, the person signed the instrument by proper authority and the person executed the instrument in the capacity and for the purposes therein stated; and
(D) The person taking the acknowledgment either knew or had satisfactory evidence that the person acknowledging was the person named in the instrument or certificate.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.542 | Notarial Certificates.

Effective:
April 6, 2023
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 567 - 134th General Assembly
(A) A notary public shall provide a completed notarial certificate for every notarial act the notary public performs.
(B) If a notarial certificate incorrectly indicates the type of notarization performed, the notary public shall provide a correct certificate at no charge to the person signing in question.
(C) A jurat certificate shall state that an oath or affirmation was administered to the signer with regard to the notarial act.
(D)(1) A notary public shall not use an acknowledgment certificate with regard to a notarial act in which an oath or affirmation has been administered.
(2) A notary public shall not use a jurat certificate with regard to a notarial act in which an oath or affirmation has not been administered.
(E) A certificate required under this section may be provided through any of the following means:
(1) Preprinting on a notarial document;
(2) Ink stamp;
(3) Handwritten note;
(4) A separate, attached document.
(F) A notarial certificate shall show all of the following information:
(1) The state and county venue where the notarization is being performed;
(2) The wording of the acknowledgment or jurat in question;
(3) The date on which the notarial act was performed;
(4) The signature of the notary, exactly as shown on the notary's commission;
(5) The notary's printed name, displayed below the notary's signature or inked stamp;
(6) The notary's notarial seal and commission expiration date;
(7) If an electronic document was signed in the physical presence of a notary and notarized pursuant to section 147.591 of the Revised Code, or if an online notarization was performed pursuant to sections 147.60 to 147.66 of the Revised Code, the certificate shall include a statement to that effect.
(G) A notary public may explain to a signer the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat, but shall not, unless that notary is an attorney, advise the person on the type of notarial act that best suits a situation.
Last updated January 23, 2023 at 10:01 AM
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.55 | Statutory Short Forms of Acknowledgment.

Effective:
April 6, 2023
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 567 - 134th General Assembly
The forms of acknowledgment set forth in this section may be used and are sufficient for their respective purposes under any section of the Revised Code. The forms shall be known as "statutory short forms of acknowledgment" and may be referred to by that name. The authorization of the forms in this section does not preclude the use of other forms.
(A) For an individual acting in the individual's own right:
"State of ____________________________
County of ___________________________
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this (date) by (name of person acknowledging).
(Signature of person taking acknowledgment)
(Title or rank)"
(B) For a corporation:
"State of ____________________________
County of ___________________________
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this (date) by (name of officer or agent, title of officer or agent) of (name of corporation acknowledging), a (state or place of incorporation) corporation, on behalf of the corporation.
(Signature of person taking acknowledgment)
(Title or rank)"
(C) For a limited liability company:
"State of ____________________________
County of ___________________________
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this (date) by (name of member or managing member, title of member or managing member) of (name of limited liability company acknowledging), a (jurisdiction of formation) limited liability company, on behalf of the limited liability company.
(Signature of person taking acknowledgment)
(Title or rank)"
(D) For a partnership:
"State of ____________________________
County of ___________________________
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this (date) by (name of acknowledging partner or agent), partner (or agent) on behalf of (name of partnership), a partnership.
(Signature of person taking acknowledgment)
(Title or rank)"
(E) For an individual acting as principal by an attorney in fact:
"State of ____________________________
County of ___________________________
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this (date) by (name of attorney in fact) as attorney in fact on behalf of (name of principal).
(Signature of person taking acknowledgment)
(Title or rank)"
(F) By any public officer, trustee, or personal representative:
"State of ____________________________
County of ___________________________
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this (date) by (name and title of position).
(Signature of person taking acknowledgment)
(Title or rank)"
Last updated January 23, 2023 at 10:02 AM
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.551 | Jurat Form.

Effective:
April 6, 2023
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 567 - 134th General Assembly
A jurat may take the following form:
"State of Ohio
County of _________________
Sworn to or affirmed and subscribed before me by (name of signer) this date of (date).
(Signature of notary public administering jurat)
(Affix seal here)
(Title of rank)
(Commission expiration date)"
Last updated January 23, 2023 at 10:03 AM
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.56 | Notarial Act Performed Prior to January 1, 1974.

Effective:
January 1, 1974
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 47 - 110th General Assembly
A notarial act performed prior to January 1, 1974, is not affected by sections 147.51 to 147.58 of the Revised Code. These sections provide an additional method of proving notarial acts and do not diminish or invalidate the recognition accorded to notarial acts by other laws or regulations of this state.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.57 | Uniformity of the Law.

Effective:
January 1, 1974
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 47 - 110th General Assembly
Sections 147.51 to 147.58 of the Revised Code shall be so interpreted as to make uniform the laws of those states which enact it.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.58 | Uniform Recognition of Acknowledgments Act.

Effective:
January 1, 1974
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 47 - 110th General Assembly
Sections 147.51 to 147.58 of the Revised Code may be cited as the "Uniform Recognition of Acknowledgments Act."
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.59 | Designated Alternative Signer.

Effective:
September 20, 2019
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 263 - 132nd General Assembly
(A) An individual whose physical characteristics limit the individual's ability to sign a document presented for notarization may direct a designated alternative signer to sign on the individual's behalf, if all of the following are met:
(1) The individual clearly indicates, through oral, verbal, physical, electronic, or mechanical means, to the notary public the individual's intent for the designated alternative signer to sign the individual's name on the notarial document.
(2) Both the individual and the designated alternative signer provide satisfactory identification to the notary public.
(3) The designated alternative signer signs the document in the presence of the notary public.
(4) The designated alternative signer is not named in the document.
(5) The notarial certificate provided to the individual gives the name of the designated alternative signer and states that the document was signed under this section at the direction of the individual.
(B) An individual may use a designated alternative signer to perform an online notarial act if all of the requirements of division (A) of this section are met.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.591 | Electronic Documents.

Effective:
October 17, 2019
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 166 - 133rd General Assembly
(A) As used in this section, "electronic document," "electronic seal," "electronic signature," and "online notarization" have the same meanings as in section 147.60 of the Revised Code.
(B)(1) An electronic document that is signed in the physical presence of the notary public with an electronic signature and notarized with an electronic seal shall be considered an original document.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Revised Code to the contrary, a digital copy of a document executed electronically by the parties and acknowledged or sworn before a notary acting pursuant to this section shall be accepted by county auditors, engineers, and recorders for purposes of approval, transfer, and recording to the same extent as any other document that is submitted by an electronic recording method and shall not be rejected solely by reason of containing electronic signatures or an electronic notarization, including an online notarization.
(3) A county auditor, engineer, and recorder shall accept a printed document that was executed electronically for purposes of approval, transfer, and recording if that document contains an attached certificate in the following, or a substantially similar, format:
"AUTHENTICATOR CERTIFICATE
I certify and warrant that the foregoing and annexed paper document being presented for record, to which this certification is attached, represents a true, exact, complete, and unaltered copy of the original electronic document. The county offices of the auditor, treasurer, recorder, and others necessary to effectuate the transfer and recording of the instrument shall be entitled to rely on such certification and warranty for all purposes.
________________________[signature of authenticator]
________________________[printed name of authenticator]
________________________[street address of authenticator]
________________________[city, state, zip code of - authenticator]
________________________[telephone number of - authenticator]
State of ____________________
)
) :ss
County of ___________________
)
The foregoing authenticator certificate was subscribed and sworn to in my presence by _________________________ [printed name of authenticator] on this ____ day of ________, 20___
_______________________
Notary Public"
(C) Any notary public may obtain an electronic seal and an electronic signature for the purposes of notarizing documents under this section.
(D) A notary public shall comply with the provisions of section 147.66 of the Revised Code pertaining to the electronic seal and electronic signature.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.61 | Applicability.

Effective:
September 20, 2019
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 263 - 132nd General Assembly
Sections 147.60 to 147.66 of the Revised Code apply to online notarizations and online notaries public. To the extent that a provision of sections 147.60 to 147.66 of the Revised Code conflicts with another provision of this chapter or other applicable law, sections 147.60 to 147.66 of the Revised Code supersede the provision.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.62 | Standards for Online Notarizations and Online Notaries Public.

Effective:
September 20, 2019
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 263 - 132nd General Assembly
(A) The secretary of state shall adopt rules under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code necessary to implement, set, and maintain standards for online notarizations and online notaries public. Such rules shall address, at a minimum, all of the following:
(1) The standards, procedures, application forms, and fees for the authorization of a notary public to act as an online notary public;
(2) The means of performing online notarizations;
(3) Standards for the technology to be used in online notarizations;
(4) Standards for remote presentation, credential analysis, and identity proofing;
(5) Standards for the retention of records relating to online notarizations;
(6) The modification of forms of notarial certificates for any notarial act that is an online notarization;
(7) Standards and requirements for the termination of a notary public's authorization to perform online notarizations.
(B) The office of information technology in the department of administrative services shall provide assistance to the secretary of state relating to the equipment, security, and technological aspects of the standards established under this section.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.631 | Online Notary Course Fees.

Effective:
September 20, 2019
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 263 - 132nd General Assembly
(A)(1) The secretary of state may charge a fee for the online notary course of instruction and examination to each person who is registering to be an online notary.
(2) The secretary shall not charge a fee to a notary obtaining an electronic seal and signature solely for the purpose of conducting notarizations as described in section 147.591 of the Revised Code.
(B) The notary public taking the online notary course of instruction and the examination shall remit the fee to the authorized entity that administered the online notary course of instruction and examination required by division (B) of section 147.63 of the Revised Code. The notary public shall remit to the secretary of state the portion of that fee specified pursuant to division (C)(2) of this section.
(C) The secretary of state shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to do both of the following:
(1) Establish the amount of the fee authorized by division (A) of this section, which shall not exceed four times the amount of the fee established pursuant to division (C)(1) of section 147.37 of the Revised Code;
(2) Establish the portion of the fee, not to exceed twenty dollars, that the notary public is required to remit to the secretary of state.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 1 | State Government › Chapter 147 | Notaries Public and Commissioners › Section 147.99 | Penalty.

Effective:
October 1, 1953
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly
(A) Whoever violates section 147.10 of the Revised Code shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars.
(B) Whoever violates section 147.14 of the Revised Code shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.