Ohio Notary Public Practice Exam
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary duty of a notary public in Ohio?
A. Provide legal advice
B. Administer oaths and affirmations
C. Issue licenses
D. Draft legal documents
Rationale: Notaries in Ohio serve as impartial witnesses to deter fraud by
administering oaths, affirmations, and notarizing documents.
2. How long is an Ohio notary commission valid?
A. 3 years
B. 4 years
C. 5 years
D. 10 years
,Rationale: Ohio notary commissions are valid for five years from the date
of issuance.
3. Who appoints Ohio notaries public?
A. The Governor
B. The Secretary of State
C. The County Clerk
D. The Attorney General
Rationale: The Ohio Secretary of State has authority to appoint and
commission notaries.
4. Before being commissioned, what must an applicant complete?
A. Law school
B. Court clerk internship
C. A notary education course and exam
D. Background check only
Rationale: Ohio requires completion of a notary education course and
passing an exam before commission.
5. What identification is acceptable for a signer in Ohio?
A. Library card
B. Government-issued photo ID
C. Birth certificate
D. Social Security card
Rationale: A valid government-issued photo ID is necessary to verify the
signer’s identity.
, 6. When can a notary refuse to notarize a document?
A. If the signer is a relative
B. If the signer lacks proper ID
C. If the document is lengthy
D. If it’s inconvenient
Rationale: A notary must refuse service when the signer’s identity cannot
be verified.
7. A notary’s seal in Ohio must include all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Notary’s name
B. Expiration date of commission
C. The words “Notary Public”
D. “State of Ohio”
Rationale: Ohio law does not require the expiration date on the seal,
though it may be added.
8. What is the maximum fee an Ohio notary can charge for a standard
notarization?
A. $2
B. $5
C. $10
D. No maximum
Rationale: The maximum fee for a standard acknowledgment or jurat is $5
per signature.
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary duty of a notary public in Ohio?
A. Provide legal advice
B. Administer oaths and affirmations
C. Issue licenses
D. Draft legal documents
Rationale: Notaries in Ohio serve as impartial witnesses to deter fraud by
administering oaths, affirmations, and notarizing documents.
2. How long is an Ohio notary commission valid?
A. 3 years
B. 4 years
C. 5 years
D. 10 years
,Rationale: Ohio notary commissions are valid for five years from the date
of issuance.
3. Who appoints Ohio notaries public?
A. The Governor
B. The Secretary of State
C. The County Clerk
D. The Attorney General
Rationale: The Ohio Secretary of State has authority to appoint and
commission notaries.
4. Before being commissioned, what must an applicant complete?
A. Law school
B. Court clerk internship
C. A notary education course and exam
D. Background check only
Rationale: Ohio requires completion of a notary education course and
passing an exam before commission.
5. What identification is acceptable for a signer in Ohio?
A. Library card
B. Government-issued photo ID
C. Birth certificate
D. Social Security card
Rationale: A valid government-issued photo ID is necessary to verify the
signer’s identity.
, 6. When can a notary refuse to notarize a document?
A. If the signer is a relative
B. If the signer lacks proper ID
C. If the document is lengthy
D. If it’s inconvenient
Rationale: A notary must refuse service when the signer’s identity cannot
be verified.
7. A notary’s seal in Ohio must include all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Notary’s name
B. Expiration date of commission
C. The words “Notary Public”
D. “State of Ohio”
Rationale: Ohio law does not require the expiration date on the seal,
though it may be added.
8. What is the maximum fee an Ohio notary can charge for a standard
notarization?
A. $2
B. $5
C. $10
D. No maximum
Rationale: The maximum fee for a standard acknowledgment or jurat is $5
per signature.
