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For your renewal application to be complete, you must have your background check results and proof that you have completed the required education.
If you would like to speak with our Notary Administrator, you may email notary@cbalaw.org, or call our office Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30am and 5:00pm at (614) 340-2031.
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For your convenience, we conduct BCI background checks by in-person appointment at the Columbus Bar Association offices. The $40 fee is due at the time of service by credit or debit card only. Valid Ohio ID required at your appointment. Please note, BCI test results are sent directly to you from BCI and could take up to 6 weeks for processing.
NOTE: The Secretary of State will not accept BCI background check results dated more than 6 months before application submission.
You must successfully complete a 1-hour notary continuing education class. The course is available as an ON-DEMAND video. The class is available online for $45. Credit or debit card only.
Submit a Renewal Application electronically to the Secretary of State’s office. That application must include your name, residential address, date of birth, BCI background check results, signature and evidence that you have successfully completed a 1-hour notary continuing education course through an authorized education provider. A $15 application fee must be paid directly to the Secretary of State with a credit or debit card when the application is submitted.
NOTE: Your renewal application may not be submitted to the Secretary of State more than 90 days before your commission expiration date.
The Secretary of State will process your completed renewal application and, if approved, it will issue your commission directly to you after you have affirmed your compliance with the rules. Your commission will expire 5 years from the date it was issued and your commission information will be posted on a public searchable database on the Secretary of State’s website.
The Columbus Bar Association has all the notary supplies you need, from stamps and embossers to nameplates and ink. Click here to order your notary supplies
Please note: There will be no refunds for any notary courses that were purchased more than six months ago.
If your commission has expired, you are treated as a new applicant and must follow the New Notary Application requirements under the Ohio Notary Public Modernization Act. There is no grace period under the new law.
If your commission expires within 6 weeks, you may proceed, but please note that your background check results may not be received in time to submit your renewal application.