The Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) is pleased to announce the formation of Ohio Notary Services, LLC, (ONS) a unique partnership between the OSBA and five metropolitan bar associations, including Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton and Toledo. ONS will provide statewide notary education and testing services for current and future Ohio notaries public, as well as for those who wish to add the new designation of online notary public.
Last year, the Ohio General Assembly passed the Notary Public Modernization Act (SB263 of the 132nd General Assembly), changing the process for becoming a notary public in Ohio and permitting, for the first time, the online notarization of documents. For years, each of Ohio’s 88 counties had their own process and standards for commissioning notaries. When the new law goes into effect on September 20, control of the notary commissioning process will move from local court systems to the Ohio Secretary of State. Along with centralizing the notary commission application process, there are new, uniform education and testing requirements and standard fees for both traditional notaries and those who wish to become online notaries.
That’s where ONS comes in. ONS is the Secretary of State’s sole authorized provider for training and testing to become an online notary. In addition, ONS will offer an easy online process as well as a local presence for traditional notaries public to meet their education requirements, including continuing education courses when they renew their commissions. Current notaries may begin the renewal process up to 90 days prior to the expiration of their commissions, and any notary renewing their commission following the effective date of the bill, will be subject to the new requirements and fee schedule as established under the law.
“We are excited to collaborate with our fellow bar associations and the Ohio Secretary of State’s office to ensure all Ohio notaries have the training and support they need to confidently and accurately witness documents that represent the most important transactions in the lives of many Ohioans,” said OSBA President Eleana Drakatos, Esq. “We believe our combined experience and convenient, online system for both traditional and online notaries will make it relatively easy for them to comply with the new law.”
ONS is available to answer any questions regarding the notary public application process and the recent law changes. Visit www.becomeanohionotary.com for more information.