Notary Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to these and many other notary questions on the OSN Notary Forum. Members can log in to communicate interactively with other notaries from all around Ohio and discuss experiences, issues and questions. You may also click on the "Ohio Notary 101" tab to view the necessities for a proper notarization in Ohio. 

In a signing situation and have a question about notary procedures or best practices? Call (614) 336-7878, or email from the "Contact OSN" tab. OSN is available 7 days a week to assist you.

All of these questions have been called into the OSN office by Ohio notaries. Have YOU ever wondered...

  • - Can I notarize if a document is in a foreign language?
  • - How must a signer with a power of attorney sign? Can I give the oath to a POA signer?
  • - Do I have to administer the oath for notarizing signatures on a Ohio vehicle title?
  • - Should I add the state and county venue to my notarization if none appears on the document?
  • - I’m notarizing in Delaware County, but reside in Franklin County; which county goes on the  

    notary block?

  • - Although I cannot certify a document copy, what is the alternative?
  • - Can I still notarize a signature on a document that is dated other than today?
  • - I heard that notary income is tax-exempt; is this right ?
  • - Can I notarize signatures on a document prepared in another state, or in a foreign country?
  • - Can a translator be used for a document signer who doesn’t speak English?
  • - How do I determine whether acknowledgement or jurat language should be used for the 

    notarization, if none is shown on the document? Can I just “stamp & sign” without either?

  • - Can a disabled patient in a health facility have their hand “guided” by a relative while 
  •   signing? How do I ensure they are aware of the document’s content and purpose? Can they sign 
  •   with an “X", or may the notary sign for them?
  • - My boss asked me to notarize on a document for his best client, who signed it in Cleveland and
  •   mailed it to our office in Dayton. I know I shouldn’t notarize without a personal appearance and
  •   ID, but I don’t want to upset my boss or risk my job. What to do?
  • - My boss fired me for insubordination after I refused to perform the notarization. He also says
  •   that since he paid for my application and commission costs, my notary stamp is company
  •   property. What to do?

  - How can I notarize electronically?

  - The signature line reads “Mary Ellen Smith”, but her ID reads as “Mary Smith"; can I notarize?

  - Am I required to have Errors & Omissions insurance, and where can I get it? Do I need a bond?

  • - Do I need to keep a journal of my notary acts? Where can I get one?
  • - A person is requesting a form authorizing consent for her child’s emergency medical care
  •   in her absence. Can I prepare the form for her, then notarize the signature?
  • - What is a “loose certificate”? When and how is it used?
  • - The content of a document is in conflict with my religious beliefs; can I refuse to notarize?
  • - Does notarization make a document “legal”?
  • - I’m asked to drive 20 miles for a notarization. Can I charge a travel fee in addition to the
  •   notarization fee?
  • - Where do my notary commission fees go?
  • -  Can a convicted felon hold an Ohio notary commission?
  • -  How do the state fees allowed for Ohio notaries compare nationally?
  • -  How many notaries are there in Ohio? How do the eligibility requirements for notaries differ
  •    between Ohio counties?
  • -  What are the penaties for violating the Ohio notary laws? Can I be personally sued for making a
  •    notarial error on a document?
  • -  Ink stamp seal or embosser – which is best?
  • -  What is an apostille? How are these handled, and by whom?
  • -  Do I have to record my commission with my County Clerk before performing any
  •    notarizations? What if I later move to a different Ohio county?
  • -  What is a "Medallion Notary"?
  • -  A man presented me a document that he signed and dated 3 weeks ago; can I notarize? 

    When you have questions, ask other Ohio notaries who have been there - call the OSN office at either (614) 336-7878 or (614) 348-3305, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.