If you've thought about becoming an Ohio notary public but didn't want to have to travel from place to place to fulfill your duties, becoming a RON (Remote Online Notary) may be a good fit for you. In this article, we'll discuss what a remote online notary is, the steps to becoming one and how Ohio Notary Services can help you prepare for and pass the remote online notary exam.
What Is a Remote Online Notary?
A notary public is an official appointed by the secretary of state who witnesses the signing of important documents. The act of signing these documents is called notarization. A traditional notary public signs these documents face-to-face. When you become a remote online notary, you're able to complete your duties using a special video chat platform on the Internet instead of having to meet the client in person.
What Are the Benefits of Remote Online Notarization?
The convenience of offering remote online notary service is clear, both for the notary public and for clients. Being able to offer your services without leaving your home (or office) or requiring your client to come to you is huge. There are other advantages of becoming a remote online notary:
- You can conduct an online notarization in far less time than a traditional notarization.
- Through the advanced security safeguards that are required by law, you can be confident about the identity of your client.
- With digital-only copies of notarized documents, you can support the "Going Green" initiative. Plus, you're burning less in fossil fuels traveling to and from appointments.
- You're able to offer clients a video recording of the notarization process from start to finish.
- The state maximum fee is $30 per remote online notarization.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Remote Online Notary in Ohio?
To become a remote online notary in Ohio, there are several requirements you need to meet. You must:
- Hold a traditional notary commission before you can apply for a remote online notary commission
- Be at least 18 years of age and a legal Ohio resident
- Not have been convicted of, pled guilty to or pled no contest to any of the disqualifying offenses
What Are the Steps Needed to Become a Notary Public?
There are eight steps to becoming a remote online notary in Ohio:
- Get a background check from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
- Go to Become An Ohio Notary Public and create an account.
- Attend the class and pass the Ohio notary public test.
- Complete the remote online notary class and exam. Ohio Notary Services will give you a certificate for submission to the Secretary of State.
- Obtain your notary service provider. (We recommend SIGNiX.)
- Submit your Certificate of Submission to the Secretary of State.
- Purchase your Ohio Notary custom electronic seal.
Remember, to become a remote online notary in Ohio, you must first pass the traditional notary public examination.
Can You Take a Notary Class Online?
Yes, Ohio Notary Services makes it possible for you to take online classes for the traditional Ohio notary public exam. You'll also be able to take the online notary public class & exam in the same manner.
Where Can I Find Remote Online Notary Service Providers?
There are several remote online notary service providers. Ohio Notary Services cuts through the clutter by recommending our partner, SIGNix, as your remote online notary platform provider. Before applying to the Secretary of State, you'll want to make sure you've taken care of this important step.
Step Into Remote Online Notarization with Confidence
Once you’re authorized as a Remote Online Notary, the next step is choosing the right platform. SIGNiX’s secure RON solution, trusted by Ohio Notary Services, provides everything you need to notarize documents online — safely, efficiently, and on your schedule.
Complete the RON (Remote Online Notary) Class & Exam at Ohio Notary Services
Contact Us
Get the support you need to become an Ohio notary public at Ohio Notary Services. We have the tools you need to study for the Ohio Notary Public Commission exam and to become a remote online notary. Still have questions about how to become a notary in Ohio? We're happy to help. You can count on Ohio Notary Services for everything you need to prepare for your remote online notary commission!
