For existing Online Notaries Public only! If you're ready to renew your authorization and looking for notary classes near you, this one-hour online course provides the required education to renew your Ohio Online Notary Public Authorization.

Before You Renew Your Commission & Authorization

Ohio notary public commissions and Remote Online Notary (RON) authorizations are valid for 5 years. Renewing your commission and authorization must be done BEFORE they expire.

We recommend starting the renewal process 90 DAYS BEFORE your current notary commission and RON authorization expire to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any gaps in your notarial services. We recommend 90 days for the following reasons:

No Grace Period

Ohio no longer provides a grace period for renewing expired notary commissions and RON authorizations. If your commission and authorization have expired, you must apply as a new applicant for both.

Background Check Required

As of September 2019, a background check is required to renew your Ohio notary public commission and remote online notary (RON) authorization. It can take FOUR TO SIX WEEKS to receive the results. If your commission and authorization expire while waiting on the results of your background check, the Notary Modernization Act requires you register as a completely new applicant.

Renewing BOTH Your Commission & Authorization

Remote Online Notary (RON) authorization expires at the same time as your notary public commission. Both should be renewed before the expiration date. Renewing your commission and authorization requires additional training, documents, and applications that you must submit to the Ohio Secretary of State. It is important to give yourself enough time to complete all the necessary requirements if you wish to renew both.

Terms and Conditions of Purchases:

Payment: All payments are due upon receipt. If a payment is not received or the payment method is declined, the buyer forfeits access to the education and testing options provided by ONS.

Refund Policy: Unless otherwise specified, fees for services, courses, education, testing, and related functions are not returnable, and refunds are not permitted. This "no refund" policy specifically includes situations where a customer pays for the education and testing prior to receiving their background check results – and the background check ultimately indicates disqualifying offenses – because Ohio Notary Services and the Ohio Secretary of State strongly suggest that individuals wait to pay for the education and testing until they know they have passed the background check step. Doing otherwise is at the customer's own risk. In addition, refunds are specifically not permitted for individuals who fail one or both test attempts. According to the Ohio Secretary of State: "Fees paid to the authorized provider are non-refundable even if the commission or renewal application is rejected by the Secretary of State." Changes to notary education class registration are subject to a $15.00 change fee.

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