Journal Requirements in Ohio
Ohio adopted a comprehensive notary law update effective July 2019, which also authorized electronic and remote notarizations. For traditional paper notarizations, Ohio does not require a journal. For electronic notarizations and RON, Ohio Revised Code §147.65 requires an electronic journal with a minimum 5-year retention period. Ohio also requires an audio-visual recording for RON sessions. Ohio created a dedicated notary regulatory website at notary.ohio.gov when it modernized its law, making it one of the easier states to find current requirements.
Ohio Notary Commission Quick Facts
| Element | Ohio Requirement |
|---|---|
| Governing authority | notary.ohio.gov |
| Commission term | 5-year term |
| Bond required | No bond required |
| Exam/training | 3-hour education course required |
| Journal (paper notarizations) | Not required — recommended |
| Journal (electronic/RON) | Required — 5 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ohio does not have a separate state-issued notary signing agent certification. The notary commission is the legal credential. Most signing services and title companies operating in Ohio require NNA certification, a background check, and E&O insurance as vendor requirements regardless of state law.
Standard government-issued photo identification is accepted: state driver’s license or ID card, U.S. passport or passport card, military ID, and permanent resident card. Always verify current Ohio statutes for state-specific variations. When in doubt, require documentary ID rather than relying on personal knowledge of the signer.
Yes, absolutely. A journal provides contemporaneous documentation of every notarial act. In the event of a fraud allegation or dispute, your journal is your primary defense. Professional signing agents in Ohio maintain journals as standard practice regardless of legal mandate.