Notary Public Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you operate as an LLC/corporation or have employees. Sole proprietor notaries with no employees may use their SSN.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Ohio Notary Commission

   Apply for an Ohio notary commission through the Ohio Secretary of State. Must be an Ohio resident, 18+, complete an approved 3-hour education course, and pass a test. Commission lasts 5 years.

   Official government source

   $15 (application fee) + course cost (~$50–$100)·2–4 weeks

   $15 (application fee) + course cost (~$50–$100)

   2–4 weeks

2. Notary Errors & Omissions Insurance (Recommended)

   While not required in Ohio, E&O insurance protects notaries from financial losses due to unintentional mistakes. Coverage of $25,000–$100,000 typically costs $40–$80/year. The National Notary Association offers bundled packages.

   $40–$80/year·Immediate

   $40–$80/year

   Immediate

1. Columbus Business License (if operating a notary business)

   If you operate a standalone notary business (notary signing agent services, mobile notary, etc.) in Columbus, you generally need a Business License from the city. If notarization is incidental to another profession (e.g., attorney, bank teller), a separate business license may not be required.

   Official government source

   $25–$100/year·1–3 weeks

   $25–$100/year

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Ohio — Notary Public Requirements
• Ohio Secretary of State

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