Commission renewal
Ohio Notary Renewal Requirements, Education, and BCI Check
A non-attorney Ohio commission lasts five years. Renewal requires a current BCI report for most applicants, one hour of approved education, proof of completion, and an online renewal application.
Reviewed August 2026. Always confirm current instructions with the official agencies linked below.
Non-attorney term
5 years
Renewal education
1 hour
Provider fee
$45
BCI validity
6 months
Start before the commission expires
Keep the address on file current because renewal notices are mailed there. Ohio requires name and address updates within 30 days.
Plan enough time for fingerprinting, the one-hour approved course, certificate issuance, and online processing. Do not continue acting after expiration without an active commission.
Traditional renewal requirements
A non-attorney renewal applicant completes one hour of authorized education; the current category table lists no renewal test and a $45 provider fee. Education must be completed within 12 months before renewal.
Upload a BCI report issued within six months unless an official exception applies, along with proof of education and the other portal requirements.
Attorney and peace-officer considerations
Ohio attorneys are not required to upload a BCI report. Qualifying peace officers use OPOTA certification instead. Attorney commission duration and education treatment can differ, so select the correct portal category and follow current instructions.
Do not use another person’s exemption or a document that does not match the renewal record.
Remote-online authorization renewal
RON authorization expires when the underlying commission expires. Renewing remote authority has its own one-hour education category and published $160 provider fee.
Coordinate the underlying commission and RON filings so there is no period in which remote acts are performed without both active authorities.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a non-attorney commission?
Five years.
Is renewal education required?
Yes. The current non-attorney category requires one hour.
Is there a renewal test?
The current category table lists no test for non-attorney traditional renewal.
Do I need another BCI report?
Yes for most renewals; it must be issued within six months unless an official exception applies.
Official sources
Continue preparing
Practice the rules in exam-style scenarios and explore the rest of the Ohio commissioning process.
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