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)

   Columbus has no general business license. The city's License Section (Dept. of Public Safety) issues licenses only for specific categories — mobile food vending, itinerant/roadway vending, vehicle-for-hire, massage establishments, short-term rentals, and similar — none of which cover this business. Notaries are commissioned by the Ohio Secretary of State; no separate Columbus business license applies, standalone or incidental.

   Official government source

   N/A — no general business license exists·N/A

   N/A — no general business license exists

   N/A

Official Sources

• Ohio — Notary Public Requirements
• Ohio Secretary of State

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