Bond Only Required for Electronic Estate Documents
Standard Ohio notaries do NOT need a bond. The $25,000 bond + E&O insurance is only required for notaries who perform electronic estate planning notarizations (e-wills, electronic POAs).
Ohio Notary Bond$25,000 • E-Estate Docs
Ohio notary bond required for electronic estate planning documents. Standard notaries do not need a bond. 5-year commission term.
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Quick Answer
According to Ohio Revised Code §147.03, Ohio requires a $25,000 surety bond from an admitted insurer for notaries who notarize electronic estate planning documents. Most applicants receive instant approval with no credit check. Standard Ohio notaries do not need a bond. You must file your bond with the county clerk after appointment.
Who Needs an Ohio Notary Bond?
No Bond Required
- Perform standard notarizations
- Acknowledgments & jurats
- Oaths & affirmations
- No surety bond needed
$25,000 Bond + E&O Required
- Electronic wills (e-wills)
- Electronic powers of attorney
- $25,000 surety bond
- $25,000 E&O insurance
Ohio Notary Education & Exam
New Applicants
- Complete 3-hour education course
- Pass comprehensive exam
- Total cost: $130
- Attorneys exempt from exam
Renewing Notaries
- Complete 1-hour refresher course
- No exam required for renewals
- Renew bond/E&O if applicable
- $15 filing fee
Where Do Ohio Notaries Work?
Major Metro Areas
Columbus: State capital, Ohio State University, healthcare system HQs (OhioHealth, Nationwide Children's).
Cleveland: Healthcare (Cleveland Clinic), manufacturing, professional sports franchises.
Cincinnati: Corporate headquarters (P&G, Kroger), financial services, Northern Kentucky overlap.
Regional Markets
Toledo: Manufacturing, automotive suppliers, University of Toledo medical complex.
Akron & Canton: Polymer industry, Pro Football Hall of Fame tourism.
Dayton: Wright-Patterson AFB military documents, Wright State University.
Ohio Notary Bond FAQs
Do Ohio notaries need a surety bond?
What are electronic estate planning documents in Ohio?
How much does the Ohio electronic notary bond cost?
Can I notarize regular documents without the bond?
Is an exam required for Ohio notaries?
How long does an Ohio notary commission last?
Where do I file my Ohio notary bond?
Can I perform remote online notarizations in Ohio?
What fees can Ohio notaries charge?
Official Ohio Requirements
"Ohio law requires notary publics who notarize electronic estate planning documents to obtain a surety bond in the amount of $25,000 and errors and omissions insurance in the amount of $25,000 to protect the public from financial loss."Ohio Secretary of State • Ohio Revised Code §147.03
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$25,000 bond for electronic estate documents • Instant approval