Notary Commissions

In the State of Ohio, a Notary Public is a person appointed and commissioned by the Governor of the State to:

  • Administer oaths required or authorized by law
  • Take and certify depositions
  • Take and certify acknowledgements of deeds, mortgages, liens, Powers of Attorney and other written instruments
  • Receive, make and record notarial protests

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING NOTARY APPLICATIONS AND RENEWALS

In December 2018, the Governor signed Senate Bill 263, the Notary Public Modernization Act.  This Act removes the responsibility of the application, recording, renewal and discipline of Notary Commissions from the Common Pleas Courts and places it with the Ohio Secretary of State. 

The Act repeals the authority of the Common Pleas Courts to accept and process notary public applications as of September 19, 2019.  Therefore, the Delaware County Clerk of Courts office held its final testing dates in August of 2019.  After the final testing dates in August of 2019, applicants may apply with the Ohio Secretary of State to become a Notary Public or to renew a Notary Commission.  Please contact the Ohio Secretary of State’s office at 614-644-4559 or at www.sos.state.oh.us.   

If you are a licensed attorney in the State of Ohio and are interested in becoming a Notary Public, please contact the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office at 614-644-4559 for further assistance.

If you have any other further questions, you may contact our office or visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.state.oh.us for more information.