Steps to Become a Notary Public
1. Obtain an Ohio Criminal Records Check Report (BCI)
To obtain an Ohio criminal records check report, an applicant must complete a form and complete a fingerprint impression at an authorized agent of the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation. You will receive the completed Criminal Records Check Report in the mail.
Geauga County Locations:
Geauga County Sheriff’s Office
(440) 279-2009 ext. 4346
Lake Hospital System – Chardon
Lake Health – Chardon Medical Campus
(440) 279-1525
UH Occupational Health – Chardon
University Hospitals
(440) 279-1525
2. Complete a Notary Public Education Course and Pass the Notary Public Exam
To complete the Notary Public Education Course and exam, contact the Geauga County Bar Association at (440) 279-2085 to schedule an appointment. The course can be completed in-person, and will take three hours to complete.
Geauga County Bar Association
470 Center St., Building 4
Chardon, Ohio 44024
The fee for the Notary Public Education Course is $130.00 and can be paid by cash or check, made payable to Geauga County Bar Association, upon arrival. Along with payment, please bring your Criminal Records Check Report with you that you received in the mail, and a valid ID. Once you have completed the Notary Public Education Course and passed the exam, you will be given a Certificate of Completion.
3. File the Certificate of Completion and Criminal Records Check Report with the Secretary of State
To file the Certificate of Completion and Criminal Records Check Report, go to the Secretary of State’s website at https://www.ohiosos.gov/notary/ and choose File Notary Applications and Commission Updates. You will be asked to Login or Create an Account. Please have your e-mail accessible, as you will be sent a temporary password to use each time you login. Once logged in, you will be asked to fill in your name, address, payment information ($15.00 payable by credit or debit) and to upload the Certificate of Completion and Criminal Records Check Report. Once submitted you will receive a confirmation of submission in your e-mail; and once reviewed you will receive a confirmation of renewal e-mail. Please feel free to complete this portion of the application process at the Law Library immediately after completing the course and exam, or at your own convenience.
1. Obtain an Ohio Criminal Records Check Report (BCI)
To obtain an Ohio criminal records check report, an applicant must complete a form and complete a fingerprint impression at an authorized agent of the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation. You will receive the completed Criminal Records Check Report in the mail.
Geauga County Locations:
Geauga County Sheriff’s Office
(440) 279-2009 ext. 4346
Lake Hospital System – Chardon
Lake Health – Chardon Medical Campus
(440) 279-1525
UH Occupational Health – Chardon
University Hospitals
(440) 279-1525
2. Complete a Notary Public Education Course and Pass the Notary Public Exam
To complete the Notary Public Education Course and exam, contact the Geauga County Bar Association at (440) 279-2085 to schedule an appointment. The course can be completed in-person, and will take three hours to complete.
Geauga County Bar Association
470 Center St., Building 4
Chardon, Ohio 44024
The fee for the Notary Public Education Course is $130.00 and can be paid by cash or check, made payable to Geauga County Bar Association, upon arrival. Along with payment, please bring your Criminal Records Check Report with you that you received in the mail, and a valid ID. Once you have completed the Notary Public Education Course and passed the exam, you will be given a Certificate of Completion.
3. File the Certificate of Completion and Criminal Records Check Report with the Secretary of State
To file the Certificate of Completion and Criminal Records Check Report, go to the Secretary of State’s website at https://www.ohiosos.gov/notary/ and choose File Notary Applications and Commission Updates. You will be asked to Login or Create an Account. Please have your e-mail accessible, as you will be sent a temporary password to use each time you login. Once logged in, you will be asked to fill in your name, address, payment information ($15.00 payable by credit or debit) and to upload the Certificate of Completion and Criminal Records Check Report. Once submitted you will receive a confirmation of submission in your e-mail; and once reviewed you will receive a confirmation of renewal e-mail. Please feel free to complete this portion of the application process at the Law Library immediately after completing the course and exam, or at your own convenience.