Education and testing
Ohio Notary Education Course and Exam Requirements
Ohio requires approved education and testing before an initial commission, renewal, or remote-online authorization. Hours, testing, and provider fees depend on the application category.
Reviewed August 2026. Always confirm current instructions with the official agencies linked below.
Initial non-attorney
3 hours + test
Initial provider fee
$130
Renewal
1 hour
Proof validity
12 months
Initial non-attorney requirement
A non-attorney seeking an initial commission completes three hours of instruction and passes a test through a Secretary of State–authorized provider. The published provider fee for this category is $130.
Do not submit the application until the provider issues proof of successful completion. Upload that proof through the official application portal.
Other applicant categories
The current fee table lists three hours with no test and a $75 provider fee for an attorney initial application; one hour with no test and $45 for a non-attorney renewal; two hours plus a test and $250 for an online authorization; and one hour with no test and $160 for an online-authorization renewal.
Use the row matching the actual filing. A traditional commission course does not substitute for the separate remote-online requirement.
Choose an authorized provider
Register directly with a provider appearing on the current Secretary of State list. Providers may offer online or in-person formats and manage their own scheduling.
Education and testing fees are paid to the provider and are nonrefundable regardless of test outcome or withdrawal. Confirm the format and completion process before paying.
Completion timing and proof
Education must be completed within 12 months before the application or renewal. Save the certificate in a readable format and verify that the name matches the application.
If the proof expires before filing, expect to complete the current requirement again. Keep a copy after upload.
What the course and test prepare you to do
Training covers legal duties, ethics, identity, acknowledgments and jurats, certificates, seals, fees, prohibited acts, and other procedures needed for lawful Ohio notarization.
Passing demonstrates completion of one application condition. It does not authorize notarial acts before commission approval and the oath.
Frequently asked questions
Does Ohio require a notary exam?
Yes for a non-attorney initial applicant and for an initial remote-online authorization under the current category table.
How long is initial training?
Three hours for an initial traditional commission.
How much is the non-attorney initial provider fee?
$130 under the current Secretary of State fee table.
How long is proof valid?
Education must be completed within 12 months before applying.
Official sources
Continue preparing
Practice the rules in exam-style scenarios and explore the rest of the Ohio commissioning process.
Start the Ohio practice test