RENEW YOUR NOTARY PUBLIC COMMISSION

  1. You must be an resident of Ohio.

  2. You must be at least 18 years of age.

  3. You may begin the renewal process 3 months prior to the expiration date of your current commission. You are required to obtain a BCI criminal records check prior to renewing your notary. The Ohio Attorney General’s office shows the location of the authorized agents of the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation by county that can complete this function.  It must be current within 6 months of renewal. Have the report sent to yourself. The code is 147.022.

  4. An application must be filled out. You can find that under the Notary Application tab. Please send it to BarAssocED@lakecountyohio.gov.

  5. You are required to take a 1 hour review class before your commission is renewed. The classes are given the first and third Wednesday of each month. It is an online, on-demand webinar that you will take. The fee is $45.00 and we accept credit payment on our website at www.lakecountyohiobar.com

  6. Following the class you will be given a certificate of completion. Submit the background check results, certificate showing completion of education, application and a $15.00 credit card payment electronically to the Ohio Secretary of State. If the Secretary of State determines that you have complied with the requirements of this rule, they will renew your notary public commission and extend the term for a period of five years from expiration of the current commission. You will receive your commission electronically.

    There is NO GRACE PERIOD. If you are expired, you will need to start the process for a new notary application.

    Check the tab Notary Information for Applications and Instructions.