If you're wondering, "How do I renew my notary commission in Ohio?" Ohio Notary Services can help. The Ohio notary renewal process has multiple steps, but it's relatively straightforward once you understand what you need to do.
This article will review how to submit a notary renewal in Ohio, when you should begin the process and what you can expect.
Ohio Notary Renewal Timeline
You'll need to plan ahead if you want to renew your notary license in Ohio. The state's Notary Modernization Act no longer allows a grace period after your license's expiration date. Instead, you need to make sure to renew in the three months before your notary commission expires.
If your commission has expired, then a renewal is not permitted, and you must submit a new notary commission application. You cannot go through the Ohio notary renewal process.
While Ohio law gives you three months to renew your commission, it's best to start much earlier because the required background check can take up to six weeks to process.
Once you complete your notary public renewal application with the Ohio Secretary of State, you can expect an email notification about whether your Ohio notary renewal request is approved within 24 to 48 business hours.
Preliminary Actions for Renewing an Ohio Notary License
Before taking any other steps to renew your Ohio notary license, you need to obtain a criminal records check from the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation. You MUST use reason code 147 022 for a notary application when requesting your background check. (Background checks used for other purposes may not be used unless they contain that code.) The Ohio Secretary of State will accept a records check performed within six months of your renewal submission.
If the BCI report contains no disqualifying offenses, you can then go to an authorized education provider to complete a one-hour renewal course and obtain a certificate of completion.
The 12-Step Ohio Notary Renewal Process
State law allows you to submit your Ohio notary renewal online. When you file online, you need to use Chrome, Firefox or Safari as your internet browser. The steps outlined below apply whether you're renewing in Cleveland, Columbus or anywhere else in the state. Be sure to have your records check and course certificate of completion ready to upload.
1. Go to the Ohio Secretary of State's website to file notary commission applications. If you already have a user account, log in, select "Renewal Application" from the navigation bar on the left, click the "File Online" button and go to Step 9.
2. Click "Create a User Account" at the bottom of the navigation bar on the left.
3. Select "Create User Account" on the subsequent screen.
4. Select "Existing Notary" and click the green "Continue" button.
5. Enter your contact information as it appears in the Secretary of State's records. Note: If you have moved since obtaining your last commission but failed to update your address with the Secretary of State's office, use your old information.
You'll need to enter the following details:
- Last name
- House/P.O. box number (not street name)
- ZIP code
- County
6. Click the "Search" button.
7. Enter your email address and phone number.
8. Click the "Register" button.
A one-time password will be sent to your email address, which you must copy and paste into the login screen.
9. If you need to update your name or address, select "Begin Application" and then "Amendment." Otherwise, select "Renewal Application."
10. Upload your documents (the records check and certificate of completion).
11. Pay the $15 renewal fee by credit card.
12. Select the "Submit" button.
Frequently Asked Questions About Notary Renewals in Ohio
The process for a notary renewal in Ohio has a lot of steps. Review these frequently asked questions to make sure you know how to apply.
I still have my BCI records check from my original notary application. Can I submit that to renew my notary commission?
No, your BCI records check must have been completed within six months before your renewal application.
Can I pay for my Ohio notary renewal by check?
No, you must pay the Ohio notary renewal fee by credit card.
What file types can I upload for my BCI records check and certificate of completion?
You must submit your documents as PDFs.
Get the Ohio Notary Renewal Assistance You Need From Ohio Notary Services
Now that we've answered the question, "How do I renew my notary license in Ohio?" you should be ready to renew your notary. Ohio Notary Services offers the one-hour renewal course as well as all the notary supplies you need. Please Contact us if you have any questions about your Ohio notary renewal.
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