Attention Ohio Notaries: Important Law Changes Coming in April 2025

As Ohio Notaries, it’s time to get ready for some important updates! Starting April 3, 2025, new state laws will impact your responsibilities and the fees you can charge. Let’s dive into the key changes you need to know about:

1. Eligibility for Ohio Notary Commissions

The new law clarifies that only Ohio residents and non-resident attorneys who are licensed to practice law in Ohio can apply for an Ohio Notary commission. This update also repeals a 2023 law that allowed individuals with Notary commissions from other states to become Ohio Notaries under the Ohio Occupational License Reciprocity Act.

2. New Signer Identification Guidelines

The law now provides more details on what types of identification Ohio Notaries can accept. You can use the following forms of “satisfactory evidence” to verify a signer’s identity:

• Government-Issued ID: This includes a passport, driver’s license, or government-issued nondriver identification card. These IDs must be current or expired within three years of the notarial act and must have the individual’s signature or photo.

• Credible Witness: You can also use the oath or affirmation of a credible witness who is personally known to you or identifiable with a valid government-issued ID. This witness must have no financial or personal interest in the notarized transaction and cannot be named in the document.

If you have any doubts about a signer’s identity, you’re now allowed to request additional information or identification. If you’re not fully satisfied with the ID provided, you can refuse to notarize the document.

3. In-Person Oath Requirement for Ohio Notaries

Under the new law, Notaries must now take their oath of office in person before a Notary Public or another officer authorized by law to administer oaths. This change ensures a more formalized and accountable commissioning process.

4. Remote Online Notarization Fee Updates

For those offering remote online notarizations (RON), there are a couple of important changes regarding fees:

• RON Fee Increase: The maximum fee for online notarizations has increased from $25 to $30.

• New Technology Fee: Notaries are now allowed to charge an additional technology fee of up to $10 for the secure online notarization process.

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5. Updated Jurat Requirements

When executing a jurat, you’ll now need to certify the following:

• The signer appeared before you.

• You administered an oath or affirmation that the statement in the jurat is true and correct.

• The signer signed the document in your presence.

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How These Changes Affect You as an Ohio Notary

These law updates are all about enhancing the security, professionalism, and integrity of the notarization process. To make sure you’re in compliance, here’s what you should do:

• Get familiar with the new in-person oath requirement.

• Review the updated identification guidelines and remember that you can ask for extra verification if necessary.

• If you perform remote online notarizations, update your fee schedule to reflect the new limits.

  
  
  
  

These changes are designed to help make the notarization process smoother and more secure, so it’s important to stay informed and prepared. Let’s keep the Ohio notarization process strong and reliable for everyone!