Background check? Check! Ohio notary classes? Check! Pass the Ohio notary test? Check! Submit your certificate and application to the Secretary of State? Check! Get your commission? Check – and CONGRATS! It's time for one last thing to check off your list – the must-have Ohio notary public supplies to get the job done. This article will talk about the notary tools you need as an Ohio notary, as well as the nice-to-have supplies that will make your job that much easier. Read on and start compiling your notary supplies package!
Must-Have Ohio Notary Supplies
You may not need an expensive leather chair or fancy desk to fulfill your duties. But there are some Ohio notary public tools you need in your toolbox.
What's The Difference Between An Ohio Notary Stamp and Seal?
A notary stamp will validate a document using an inked identification or emblem. An Ohio notary seal is an embosser that creates a raised impression on the paper, providing a watermark that's more resistant to forgery. Embossing seal and stamp requirements state that the Ohio notary seal must feature a coat of arms logo along with the words "Notary Public" and "State of Ohio." You need either a notary stamp (traditional or self-inking) or Ohio notary seal to fulfill your duties as a notary public.
When you order yours, it's a good idea to request an additional stamp/seal lest you lose or damage the original. Replacing it can take time and be an arduous process, so having two at the start can save you time and headaches. If you decide to use a stamp, make sure you order extra Ohio notary stamp supplies like replacement pads & ink.
Am I Required To Keep A Notary Journal?
According to the Notary Modernization Act, you need to keep an official notary journal if you are a remote online notary in Ohio. If you're a traditional notary public, it's not mandatory to maintain a journal in your toolkit of notary public supplies in Ohio, although authorities will strongly recommend that you do.
A notary journal keeps your transactions organized and can be a crucial notary tool if anyone ever accuses you of incompetence or falsifying your notarial duties. It's recommended your journal entries include:
- Date and time when the signer came to have the document notarized.
- Type of notary service: Acknowledgment, jurat or verification by oath
- Where the notarization occurred
- Kind of document, i.e., deed, personal letter, affidavit of identity, etc.
- The date that appears on the document, if any
- Printed name and address of each person who signed the document
- Method used to identify each person who signed the document
- Notary fee charged
- Signature of each person who signed
- Any other important notes or references
Your journal contains confidential information, so it's critical you store it, along with your seal/stamp, in a locked drawer when you are away. If you're going mobile and want to take these materials out of your office, you should transport them in a secure manner.
Is A Notary Bond The Same As E&O Insurance?
A notary (or surety) bond was devised to protect your clients from any mistakes you make in performing notarial duties. In Ohio, notaries public are not required to purchase a notary bond. On the other hand, Errors & Omission (E&O) Insurance protects you from liability, paying legal fees and losses if a claim is made against you. E&O Insurance had best be part of your must-have arsenal because:
- There is no ceiling on the amount of damages for which a client could sue.
- The sheer volume of legal documents on which your signature appears makes it likely that at some point, you will be called into litigation.
- Legal costs can be devastating. You're required to retain legal counsel, even if you've done nothing wrong.
- Major title companies require their loan signing agents to provide an E&O policy.
Like any other type of insurance, the premium you pay will be based on the amount of insurance you want to carry and your deductible. Ohio Notary Services works with CNA Surety to offer low-cost E&O Insurance.
What Other Notary Public Ohio Supplies Do I Need?
Like any office setting, in addition to your computer and printer, you'll want to keep the usual accessories on hand along with your other notary Ohio supplies:
- Pens & pencils
- Paper clips & fasteners
- Blank paper
- Tape
- Calculator
- Rubber fingertips (for paging through endless legal tomes)
- Filing cabinet and supplies
Do I Need A Fee Chart?
It's a good idea to have a printed piece that shows the fee for each notary public action you perform. This reassures the client and saves you time explaining your services and the fees associated with each.
Get Your Notary Supplies at Ohio Notary Services
Contact Us
Once again, congratulations on becoming an Ohio Notary Public! Now, it's time to stock up. Luckily, you can find all the necessary Ohio notary supplies online at Ohio Notary Services. Keep it simple and get it done all at once with a notary public supplies kit from our selection of notary bundles. Or, purchase your notary seals, journals and supplies separately. Stock up at the Ohio Notary Store today!
