Fees and total cost
Ohio Notary Fees and Total Commission Cost (2026)
Ohio’s cost includes category-specific authorized-provider charges, the Secretary of State filing fee, a BCI report for most applicants, and required supplies. Ohio does not require a traditional surety bond.
Reviewed August 2026. Always confirm current instructions with the official agencies linked below.
Initial provider fee
$130
State filing fee
$15
Traditional act
Up to $5
Surety bond
Not required
Initial commission costs
A non-attorney initial applicant pays the published $130 authorized-provider education/testing fee and the $15 Secretary of State filing fee. Add the local cost of the BCI report and a compliant seal.
The BCI vendor and supply prices vary. Ask for the complete fingerprinting charge before the appointment and avoid packages containing optional products you do not want.
Published provider categories
The Secretary of State currently lists $75 for attorney initial education, $45 for non-attorney traditional renewal, $250 for initial remote-online authorization, and $160 for remote-online renewal.
Provider fees are nonrefundable. Verify the correct category and complete the BCI review first when the state recommends it.
Required and optional expenses
Budget by requirement instead of relying on one advertised package.
- Authorized education and testing fee
- $15 Secretary of State application filing
- BCI fingerprinting and report unless exempt
- Ohio-compliant seal
- Optional traditional journal, although strongly recommended
- Optional E&O insurance
- RON technology only for separately authorized online notaries
Fees an Ohio notary may charge
The Secretary of State states that traditional and electronic notarial acts may cost up to $5 per act. A reasonable travel fee is allowed when agreed in advance.
A remote online notary may charge up to $30 per act plus a technology fee of up to $10 per online session. Follow current disclosure and agreement requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How much is initial education and testing?
The current non-attorney initial provider fee is $130.
What is the state application fee?
$15.
Is a surety bond required?
Ohio does not require a traditional notary surety bond.
What can a traditional notary charge?
Up to $5 per notarial act under current guidance.
Official sources
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