How to Become a Notary Public in Medina, Ohio

A notary's stamp makes a document legal.

Becoming a notary public in Medina, Ohio, requires you to contact its county government because each county handles its own commissions. Once commissioned, notaries can administer oaths required by law and take and certify depositions, acknowledgments of deeds, mortgages, liens and powers of attorney. In taking depositions, notaries have a power like that of judges of county courts to compel the attendance of witnesses and punish them for refusing to testify. Sheriffs must serve and return all process issued by notaries in the taking of depositions.

Things You'll Need

• $15 examination fee (in 2010)
• $6 commission registration fee (in 2010)

Instructions

1. Obtain a Notary Commission Application Packet. Application packets are available at the Medina County Courthouse, Clerk of Courts Office and any Auto Title Office in Medina County. The packet contains an application, examination schedule and study guide for the exam.

2. Complete the Notary Commission Application.

3. Choose your exam date from the exam schedule.

4. Prepare for the exam using the Notary Commission study guide.

5. Take the notary public exam. At the time for your exam and on the day you chose from the exam schedule, go to Room 220 of the Medina County Career Center, Joint Vocational School District, 1101 W. Liberty St. in Medina. Take your completed Notary Commission Application and the required $15 examination fee (in 2010) with you to the exam.

6. Register your commission. After you pass the notary exam, the Ohio Secretary of State will mail your commission to you. Go to the Court of Common Pleas in the county you reside and have a clerk record your commission. To have it recorded, you must pay a $6 fee (in 2010).

Tips & Warnings

• To become a notary public in Ohio, you must be at least 18 years old and an Ohio resident or a resident of another state who is an attorney admitted to the practice of law in Ohio and has a principal place of business or a primary practice in Ohio

• Do not notarize documents before receiving your commission or after your commission expires, or you may be fined $500.

References

• NALS of Northeast Ohio: How to become a Notary for the State of Ohio in Medina County
• National Notary Association: Quickly and Easily Become an Ohio Notary
• Ohio Secretary of State: Notary FAQs