Attorney Notary Education-Attorney Notary Education Part 1

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Charles Schneider, a longtime Ohio lawyer and former judge, explains the role and requirements of becoming a notary public. He emphasizes that a notary is far more than someone who stamps documents: a notary is a critical link in verifying identities, preventing fraud, and creating an atmosphere of truthfulness when oaths or affidavits are involved.<br /><br />The course is designed to satisfy Ohio’s three-hour education requirement and help students pass the notary exam, while also stressing the seriousness of the office. Key points include:<br />- Ohio notaries have statewide jurisdiction, but both the notary and signer must be physically in Ohio for traditional notarizations.<br />- Requirements to become a notary include being at least 18, being an Ohio resident or having a primary business in Ohio, completing the required course, passing a BCI background check, and taking the oath in person before a notary.<br />- A commission lasts five years. Renewal requires a one-hour refresher course and a new background check, and if a commission expires, the applicant must start over.<br />- Notaries must use the proper seal, complete the notarial certificate correctly, and charge no more than $5 per notarial act, with limited exceptions for reasonable agreed-upon travel fees.<br />- A journal is optional for traditional notaries but required for online notaries.<br />- Identification must be handled consistently, and special rules apply when someone cannot physically sign and must designate another person to sign.<br /><br />He also covers reciprocity for out-of-state notaries and warns against making legal judgments outside a notary’s role.

Keywords

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