Ohio Notary Acknowledgment Overview
A notary acknowledgment in Ohio is a certificate completed by an OH-commissioned notary public confirming that a signer personally appeared before the notary, was positively identified, and acknowledged signing a document voluntarily. Ohio law prescribes specific statutory wording that must be used for acknowledgment certificates to be valid and accepted by recording offices throughout the state. Using incorrect or out-of-state wording can result in document rejection.
Ohio notary acknowledgments are required for real estate deeds, powers of attorney, trust documents, mortgages, and many other legal instruments filed or recorded in the state. The notary does not verify the content or legality of the document — only the identity of the signer and that the signature was made willingly. Ohio notaries must hold an active commission, maintain proper bonding, and follow all OH notarial procedures when performing acknowledgments.
$5
Max fee per act
5 years
Commission term
Yes
RON allowed
Recommended
Journal
Ohio Acknowledgment Wording
Ohio law prescribes specific statutory wording for notary acknowledgment certificates. Using the correct wording is essential for documents that will be recorded with Ohio county recorders or filed with state agencies. Below are the required acknowledgment forms for different signer types.
Ohio Specific Note
The acknowledgment wording below reflects Ohio's statutory requirements. While substantially similar certificates may be accepted, using the exact statutory language ensures your document will not be rejected for recording. Always verify current requirements with your county recorder's office before filing.
Individual Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, _______________, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, personally appeared _______________, who acknowledged the signing thereof to be his/her voluntary act and deed.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal on the day and year last aforesaid.
___________________________
Notary Public, State of Ohio
My Commission Expires: _______________
Corporate / Representative Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, _______________, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, personally appeared _______________, who acknowledged himself/herself to be the _______________ [title] of _______________ [entity], and that he/she as such officer, being authorized to do so, executed the foregoing instrument on behalf of said entity.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal.
___________________________
Notary Public, State of Ohio
My Commission Expires: _______________
Multiple Signers Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, _______________, a Notary Public, personally appeared _______________ and _______________, who each acknowledged the signing thereof to be their voluntary act and deed.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal.
___________________________
Notary Public, State of Ohio
My Commission Expires: _______________
Ohio Notary Requirements
Ohio has specific requirements for notaries public who perform acknowledgments. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your notarization is valid and your documents will be accepted.
- Commission Term: Ohio notary commissions are valid for 5 years from the date of issuance
- Bond: A $10,000 surety bond is required for Ohio notaries
- Exam: A written exam is required to become a notary in Ohio
- Journal: Maintaining a notary journal is recommended but not legally required in Ohio
- Seal/Stamp: Ohio notaries must use an official seal or stamp on all notarial certificates
- Max Fee: $5 per notarial act for in-person notarizations
Remote Online Notarization in Ohio
Ohio does allow remote online notarization (RON), which permits signers to appear before a notary via secure audio-video technology rather than in person. RON sessions require multi-factor identity verification including knowledge-based authentication questions, credential analysis of a government-issued ID, and live video confirmation.
RON notaries in Ohio must use approved technology platforms that meet state requirements for security, recording, and record retention. All RON sessions are recorded and the recordings must be stored for the period specified by OH law. RON fees may differ from in-person notarization fees.
Ohio Notary Fees
Ohio regulates the maximum fees notaries may charge for notarial acts. Below is a breakdown of typical notarization costs in Ohio.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Jurat (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Oath / Affirmation | Up to $5 |
| Mobile Notary Travel Fee | Varies (not regulated in most cases) |
| Remote Online Notarization | $25 (typical, may vary by platform) |
Ohio Identification Requirements
Ohio notaries must verify the identity of each signer before performing an acknowledgment. The following forms of identification are generally accepted in Ohio.
Sample Ohio Acknowledgment Certificate
Below is a preview of our Ohio-specific notary acknowledgment certificate. Your customized document will include the exact OH statutory wording and all required notarial elements.
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF OHIO
Individual Acknowledgment
VENUE:
State of Ohio
County of [County]
SIGNER INFORMATION:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
ID Type: [ID Presented]
Date: [Date of Notarization]
NOTARY CERTIFICATION:
Notary Name: [Printed Name]
Commission #: [Number]
Commission Expires: [Date]
Signature:
[NOTARY SEAL / STAMP]
Ohio Notary Acknowledgment FAQ
Answers to common questions about notary acknowledgments in Ohio, including wording requirements, fees, and notarization procedures.
Official Ohio Resources
Use these official resources to verify Ohio notary requirements, find a notary, and access state notary forms and information.
Related Ohio Documents
Documents commonly used alongside notary acknowledgments in Ohio, or that require OH notarization.
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