Ohio Administrative Code Title 111:6 - Notary Commission
Here’s a comprehensive overview of Ohio Administrative Code Title 111:6 – Notary Commission, specifically Chapter 111:6-1, which outlines the requirements and procedures for notary public and online notary authorizations in Ohio.
📘 1. Chapter Structure (§ 111:6‑1‑01 through § 111:6‑1‑07)
§ 111:6‑1‑01 Definitions – Key terms (e.g., “Notary Public,” “Notarial Act,” “Online Notary Public”) are clearly defined
§ 111:6‑1‑02 Education & Testing – Outlines curriculum requirements and testing protocols for initial and continuing education
§ 111:6‑1‑03 Fee Structure – Details fees for non-attorneys, attorneys, renewals, and online notarization – including $130 for education/testing, $15 SOS filing, $250 RON education/testing, $20 RON application, etc.
§ 111:6‑1‑04 Electronic Certificates – Specifies acceptable wording for notarial certificates (whether in-person or online)
§ 111:6‑1‑05 Online Notarial Acts – Sets stringent standards for remote notaries: must be in Ohio, use secure audio-video, verify signer identity via credential analysis and KBA, record acts, ensure tamper-evidence, etc.
§ 111:6‑1‑06 Complaints – Anyone may file a written complaint against a notary with the Secretary of State .
§ 111:6‑1‑07 Investigations & Discipline – Covers rules related to disciplinary proceedings (details available via same sources).
✅ 2. Education & Testing Requirements (§ 111:6‑1‑02)
Authorized providers must be approved by the Secretary of State. Curriculum includes:
Core notarial duties: oaths, acknowledgments, jurats, journals, seals, prohibited acts, fees, disciplinary rules, etc.
Online/national updates and electronic notarization topics
Testing is required for all applicants and must meet specific standards (e.g., multiple versions, updated with law changes)
💰 3. Fees (§ 111:6‑1‑03)
Non-attorneys initial: 3‑hour class + test ($130) + SOS filing ($15).
Attorney applicants: 3‑hour class ($75) + SOS filing ($15).
Renewals (non-attorneys): 1‑hour class ($45) + SOS filing ($15).
Online Notarization (RON):
New: 2‑hour class + test ($250) + SOS application ($20).
RON Renewal: 1‑hour class ($160) + SOS filing ($20)
🌐 4. Online Notarial Act Requirements (§ 111:6‑1‑05)
Remote notarization mandates:
Notary must be physically in Ohio; signer may be anywhere
Secure live audio+video via authorized platform
Signer identity proofing:
via personal knowledge, or
valid ID with credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication, or
credible witness procedure
System requirements include tamper-evident seals, document integrity, ability to generate paper copies, resolution standards, session recording, restart protocols upon interruptions .
Notaries must refuse notarizations if identity can’t be confirmed, security is compromised, or system fails to ensure integrity
Additionally, Ohio SOS FAQs reinforce these points and clarify that electronic journals are required, traditional journals are recommended, and remote notarizations must be session-recorded
📝 5. Complaints & Discipline (§ 111:6‑1‑06 & § 111:6‑1‑07)
Anyone can file a complaint in writing with the SOS Secretary’s office. The rules also define disciplinary processes, investigation procedures, and possible revocation scenarios .
📅 6. Effective Dates & Updates
These rules became effective on June 10, 2025, aligning with a five-year review cycle (next review in 2030)
🔍 Summary
Ohio’s Title 111:6 streamlines notary commission protocols by:
Clearly defining terms and roles.
Establishing mandatory education, testing, and fee structures for both traditional and online notaries.
Implementing robust standards for remote notarization to preserve document and signer integrity.
Enabling oversight through complaint and disciplinary mechanisms.
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