Not a government website. We are a private company, not affiliated with any Secretary of State, notary commissioning office or contractor licensing board. Renewal applications are filed directly with your state.
Renew notary Ohio: in short
Ohio commissions run 5 years for non-attorneys, and every submission, renewals included, is electronic through the Secretary of State's notary portal.[3][1] The renewal application goes in during the 3 months before expiration.[1]
Two things have to be fresh: the one-hour renewal class from an authorized education and testing provider, and a criminal records check current within 6 months of your application. The test is only for new applicants.[1][2]
Ohio rules side by side with other states: how to renew a notary commission. Other states: New York notary renewal, Texas notary renewal, Florida notary renewal, Illinois notary renewal, Colorado notary renewal, North Carolina notary renewal, California notary renewal, New Jersey notary renewal, Missouri notary renewal, Virginia notary renewal, Georgia notary renewal, Michigan notary renewal, Arizona notary renewal, Pennsylvania notary renewal.
Ohio notary renewal requirements
This table is what Ohio Secretary of State and Ohio Revised Code Chapter 147 say, read on 2026-11-15. Where they say nothing, the row says so instead of guessing.
| Commission term | 5 years for non-attorney notaries.[3] (ORC 147.03) |
|---|---|
| Earliest day to apply | Your renewal application goes in during the 3 months before the commission expires.[1] |
| State fee | $15 to file the renewal online; the criminal records check is paid separately.[1] |
| Bond | Check with the Ohio Secretary of State. |
| Course to renew | Required: a one-hour class from an authorized education and testing provider.[1][2] |
| Exam to renew | No test is listed for renewal; the test is for new applicants.[1] |
| Fingerprints or background check | Yes: a criminal records check, current within 6 months of the renewal application (a peace officer certificate can stand in).[1] |
| Oath | Check with the Ohio Secretary of State. |
| Seal or stamp | Check with the Ohio Secretary of State. |
| Journal | Check with the Ohio Secretary of State. |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Check with the Ohio Secretary of State. |
After expiration
Ohio law bars notarizing once your term has expired.[5] The archived pages we read do not say whether a late renewal is still accepted, so renew inside the 3-month window. Online notarization is a separate authorization with its own class and $20 fee.[2][6]
How to renew a Ohio notary commission, step by step
Ohio renewal is 3 steps, in this order.[1][2]
- Get a criminal records check dated within 6 months of your application.
- Take the one-hour renewal class from an authorized provider.
- In the 3 months before expiration, file the renewal online and pay $15.
You apply to Ohio Secretary of State yourself: Ohio notary page. The state decides the application and its timing.
If your Ohio commission already expired
You may not notarize once your term has expired. The pages we read do not say whether a late renewal is still accepted or you apply as new.[5]
After a lapse: course check with the Ohio Secretary of State; exam check with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Name or address change during your commission
Check with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Electronic and remote online notarization: Online notarization needs separate authorization from the Secretary of State (a 2-hour class and test, $20) and ends with the commission.[2][6]
Frequently asked questions
How do I renew my Ohio notary commission?
Take the one-hour class, get a criminal records check dated within 6 months, then file online in the 3 months before expiration and pay $15.[1]
Do I need to take a test to renew my notary in Ohio?
No. Renewal takes the one-hour class only; the test is for new applicants.[1]
How long is an Ohio notary commission?
5 years for non-attorney notaries (ORC 147.03).[3]