Ohio Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws
RON EnactedEffective September 20, 2019 · Last verified September 2026
Available to signers in all 50 states. Live, commissioned notaries 24/7.
Quick Facts
- Status
- RON Enacted
- Year Enacted
- 2019
- Statute
- Ohio Rev. Code § 147.60 et seq.
- Bill Number
- SB 263 (132nd G.A.)
Ohio RON Law Overview
Ohio authorized remote online notarization in 2019 by SB 263 (132nd G.A.), codified at Ohio Rev. Code § 147.60 et seq., effective September 20, 2019. A Ohio online notarization is performed by a notary commissioned in Ohio who also holds the state's separate remote-notary registration or endorsement (2 hours of training required). The signer appears on a live audio-video call and is identified by automated analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication questions. The notary must record each act in an electronic journal.
Key details for Ohio
Ohio authorized online notarization in SB 263 (132nd General Assembly), effective September 20, 2019. Online notaries hold an Ohio commission, are Ohio residents, complete a two-hour course and examination through a Secretary of State-approved provider (§ 147.63; Ohio Adm. Code 111:6-1-02, -03), and renew the authorization with their commission. Identity proofing is dynamic knowledge-based authentication "or ... another process approved by the secretary of state" (rule 111:6-1-05(B)(5)), alongside credential analysis. Journals and recordings are kept for the term of the authorization and then transmitted to the Secretary of State or an approved repository, which retains them for ten years (§§ 147.65(F), 147.66). An online notary may not take or certify a deposition (§ 147.64). HB 315 (effective April 3, 2025) raised the online notarization fee cap to $30 plus a technology fee of up to $10 (§ 147.08) and amended the § 147.60 definitions; rules 111:6-1-01, -02, -05 and -06 were amended effective June 10, 2025.
Ohio RON Requirements
Ohio requires RON sessions to be conducted over a live, two-way audio-video connection. Credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID is required to verify the signer's identity. The signer must successfully complete knowledge-based authentication (KBA), answering personal questions generated from public records and credit data to confirm their identity. Notaries must maintain an electronic journal of all remote notarizations and apply tamper-evident technology to completed documents. Recording retention requirements apply as specified by regulation.
- Audio-video required
- Yes
- Tamper-evident seal
- Required
- Electronic journal
- Required
- Recording retention
- Per regulation
- Credential analysis
- Required
- KBA required
- Yes
- Commissioned in state
- Required
- RON endorsement
- Required
- Training hours
- 2 hrs
Interstate Recognition
Ohio gives a notarial act performed outside the state by a notary authorized where it was performed the same effect as one performed by an Ohio notary (Ohio Rev. Code § 147.51(B), as amended by HB 315 effective April 3, 2025), which covers a remote online notarization performed under another state's law. An Ohio online notarization itself must be performed by an Ohio online notary who is physically in Ohio at the time (§§ 147.63, 147.64).
Online Notary Availability in Ohio
Notaron is available 24/7 across Ohio. See location-specific guides for major Ohio cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote online notarization legal in Ohio?
Yes, Ohio has enacted permanent RON legislation in 2019 under Ohio Rev. Code § 147.60 et seq. Remote online notarization is fully legal and authorized for Ohio-commissioned notaries who meet the state's RON requirements.
What are the identity verification requirements for RON in Ohio?
Ohio requires credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) for all remote online notarizations. The signer must correctly answer personal questions generated from authoritative data sources.
Do I need a special endorsement to perform RON in Ohio?
Yes, Ohio requires notaries to obtain a RON endorsement or registration in addition to their standard notary commission before performing remote online notarizations. Notaries must complete 2 hours of approved RON training.
What technology is required for RON in Ohio?
Ohio requires RON sessions to use real-time two-way audio-video communication. Documents must be sealed with tamper-evident technology. An electronic journal must be maintained for all remote notarizations.
Does Ohio accept out-of-state RON?
Ohio gives a notarial act performed outside the state by a notary authorized where it was performed the same effect as one performed by an Ohio notary (Ohio Rev. Code § 147.51(B), as amended by HB 315 effective April 3, 2025), which covers a remote online notarization performed under another state's law. An Ohio online notarization itself must be performed by an Ohio online notary who is physically in Ohio at the time (§§ 147.63, 147.64).