Become an Ohio Mobile Notary

Wish to become a mobile notary in Ohio? Before you can travel to clients and perform notarizations, you must first be commissioned as a notary public.

At Ohio Notary Services, we guide you through the entire notary certification process, from training and exams to background checks and official supplies.

Ohio Notary Services works in partnership with the Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Ohio State and Toledo bar associations.

What is a Mobile Notary?

Unlike an in-office or remote online notary (RON), mobile notaries travel to meet clients in-person. You bring the convenience of legal document verification to each client’s doorstep, saving them time and hassle. Mobile notary services are perfect for clients with busy schedules and limited travel capabilities. Mobile notarial fees are typically much higher as clients must pay for your travel time and expenses.

6 Steps to Becoming a Mobile Notary in Ohio

Step 1: Confirm You Meet Eligibility  
To become a mobile notary in Ohio, state law requires an individual meet the following:

Step 2: Complete a BCI Background Check
Get a Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) background check. Ohio Peace Officers may upload their Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy Certificate in lieu of a criminal record check report.

Step 3: Enroll in State-Approved Training & Exam
Take our online notary training course, pass the exam (licensed attorneys are exempt from testing) and receive your certificate of completion.

Step 4: Apply for Your Commission
Create an account on the Ohio Secretary of State's website, upload the required documents and submit your application.

Step 5: Receive Your Commission via Email

Step 6: Order Your Notary Seal and Supplies
Return to Ohio Notary Services to purchase your official notary seal and other supplies. Enjoy FREE standard shipping on all notary supplies bundles with code "FREE"!

Sign-Up for Our Online Ohio Notary Course

If you meet the states requirements and obtained a Bureau of Criminal Investigation background check, register for our state-approved online notary class to begin your journey to becoming a mobile Ohio notary!

No Law Degree Needed – Get Certified in Just 3 Hours!

Please Note: Failure to pass the required test automatically triggers a State-mandated 30-day waiting period before the applicant can apply to retake the exam. Ohio Notary Services is prohibited from waiving this legal requirement. If an applicant fails the exam a second time, the applicant must restart the Ohio Notary process with a new application including fee.

Register Now

Are You a Licensed Attorney?

The process for receiving your notary public commission is different if you are an Ohio-licensed attorney with a primary practice in the state. Learn about the education requirements and register for an attorney-specific notary course today.

Become an Attorney Notary

Advance Your Career as an Ohio Notary Public (Commission Required)

If you wish to become an online remote notary (RON) or notary signing agent (NSA), you MUST be commissioned as a "traditional" Ohio Notary Public or in the process of becoming one to pursue these additional notary certifications and authorizations.

Ohio Notary Services is a partnership of the Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Ohio State and Toledo bar associations.

We are the ONLY entity authorized by the state to provide education and testing for Remote Online Notary (RON) authorization.

Mobile Notary Travel Fees in Ohio

As a mobile notary, you may charge a travel fee in addition to the state-regulated notarization fee:

• $5.00 per in-person notarial act

 

Travel fees are not fixed by law and must be agreed upon before the notarization. Options include:

• Flat rates by distance
• Mileage-based fees
• Hourly travel time

 

Always disclose travel fees upfront and record them separately in your notary journal and client invoices.

Who Mobile Notaries Work With

Mobile notaries provide a valuable service by meeting clients wherever they are — whether at home, the office, or a neutral location. If you're considering becoming a mobile notary, here are the types of companies and institutions that often hire or contract mobile notaries:

Common Clients of Mobile Notaries

• Title and Escrow Companies: For real estate closings, deed signings, and mortgage paperwork.
• Mortgage and Loan Companies: Mobile notaries handle loan signing packages for buyers and borrowers.
• Real Estate Agencies: Agents may coordinate with mobile notaries for quick and convenient document signings. Tip: Earning your Notary Signing Agent (NSA) certification can make you more competitive in this field.
• Law Firms: Legal offices frequently need notarizations for affidavits, depositions, and power of attorney forms.
• Financial Institutions: Banks and credit unions rely on mobile notaries for customer loan documents, trust agreements, and account forms.

 

Niche & In-Demand Opportunities

• Adoption Agencies: Finalizing parental rights or court-related paperwork often requires notarization.
• Hospitals and Nursing Homes: Mobile notaries serve individuals who are ill, elderly, or unable to travel.
• Correctional Facilities: Prisons and jails frequently require notarized legal documents for inmates and attorneys.

Becoming a mobile notary opens the door to serving your community in meaningful ways — especially in circumstances where people can’t easily travel. If you want to expand your career opportunities even further, consider getting both your Ohio Notary Commission and your Notary Signing Agent certification

Still Have Questions?

Explore our online resources or talk with our notary experts.

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