Ohio Notary Renewal Steps

To continue working as a notary, you must properly renew your commission on time. This page outlines the process for renewing an Ohio notary commission and answers some frequently asked questions.

How to Renew Your Commission

To renew your commission, you must submit an online renewal application within the three-month window prior to your commission’s expiration date. If you still meet Ohio's eligibility requirements, follow these steps to renew.

1. Obtain Another Criminal Record Check

Non-attorney renewal applicants must obtain another Ohio criminal records check — also known as a Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) report. Include a BCI report that is no more than six months old with your renewal application.

Start the process by finding an authorized agent of the BCI near you and completing a form and fingerprint impression.

Make sure the BCI report lists 147 022 as the reason code. This ensures the proper search is conducted and instructs the BCI location to send the report directly to you.

It may take up to 40 days to receive the BCI report, so plan accordingly.

2. Complete a Continuing Education Course

Renewal applicants must complete a Secretary of State-approved continuing education course and pass a test before becoming commissioned. The one-hour course must cover any updates to Ohio notary law or the administrative rules.

After completing the course, you must include your certificate of completion with your application.

3. Complete the Online Application

Visit notary.ohiosos.gov and select Notary Commission Renewal Application. Then, log in to your account and follow the on-screen instructions.

Your renewal application must include:

• An image of your signature
• Your BCI report
• Your continuing education certificate of completion
• Your credit or debit card information for the application filing fee

4. Get an Updated Notary Stamp & Other Accessories

Once your application is approved, the Secretary of State will email you your renewed commission certificate. If you purchased a stamp from us , email a copy of your commission to info@notaries.com so we can create it. Your stamp will meet or exceed all state requirements.

While not required, we recommend that all notaries keep a journal of their work. If you’re interested in other supplies like oath stamps, gold foil labels or stamp ink, check out our supplies store.

More Information About the Renewal Process