Skip to main content
Last Updated:|Reflects current Ohio notary bond requirements
2025 Requirements Verified

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).

Electronic Estate Docs • 5-Year Term

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.

$125-250
5-Year Premium
5 Years
Commission Term
Standard notaries: no bond required
E-estate docs: $25,000 bond + E&O
3-hour education course required
5-year commission term
1
2

Get Your Ohio Notary Bond

Instant approval • Download in minutes

Bond amount will auto-populate for your state

$

Automatically filled based on state requirement

✓ No credit check • 99.7% approval rate • Instant download

Your information is secure and will only be shared with serving, pre-screened agents. By submitting this form, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and consent to receive calls, emails, and text messages from us and our serving partner agents regarding surety bond services. Message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time.

A- Rated Carriers
Instant Download
Treasury Listed
5-Year Coverage

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?

Standard Notary

No Bond Required

  • Perform standard notarizations
  • Acknowledgments & jurats
  • Oaths & affirmations
  • No surety bond needed
Electronic Estate Notary

$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?
According to Ohio law, standard Ohio notaries do NOT need a surety bond. However, notaries who notarize electronic estate planning documents (e-wills, electronic powers of attorney) must obtain a $25,000 surety bond plus $25,000 E&O insurance per Ohio Revised Code §147.03.
What are electronic estate planning documents in Ohio?
Electronic estate planning documents include e-wills and electronic powers of attorney. Ohio law allows these to be notarized electronically, but requires both a $25,000 bond and $25,000 E&O insurance.
How much does the Ohio electronic notary bond cost?
The $25,000 Ohio electronic estate planning notary bond costs $125-$250 for the 5-year term. You must also purchase a separate $25,000 E&O insurance policy with annual premiums.
Can I notarize regular documents without the bond?
Yes. Ohio notaries can perform all standard notarizations without any bond requirement. The $25,000 bond is only required for electronic estate planning documents.
Is an exam required for Ohio notaries?
Yes, Ohio requires first-time applicants to complete a 3-hour education course and pass an exam. Licensed Ohio attorneys must take the class but are exempt from the exam.
How long does an Ohio notary commission last?
Ohio notary commissions are valid for 5 years. Renewing notaries must complete a 1-hour refresher course but do not need to retake the exam.
Where do I file my Ohio notary bond?
Your Ohio notary bond (if required for electronic estate documents) must be filed with the county clerk in the county where you reside. You must file within 10 days of receiving your commission certificate.
Can I perform remote online notarizations in Ohio?
Yes, Ohio allows remote online notarization (RON). You must register as an online notary with the Secretary of State and use an approved technology platform. No additional bond is required beyond what electronic estate document notaries need.
What fees can Ohio notaries charge?
Ohio law limits notary fees to $2 for acknowledgments, $2 for administering oaths, and $1.50 for certifications. Mobile notaries often add travel fees for on-site services which are not regulated by statute.

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 StateOhio Revised Code §147.03
Written by BuySuretyBonds.com
Licensed surety bond agency operating nationwide with direct integrations to Treasury-certified surety carriers. Our platform enables instant approval for license and notary bonds, with 24-48 hour underwriting for commercial bonds. All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov) and reviewed by licensed insurance professionals.

Get Your Ohio Electronic Notary Bond

$25,000 bond for electronic estate documents • Instant approval