Free Ohio Notary Public Exam Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Ohio Notary Public Exam practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1A newly commissioned Ohio notary who is not an attorney asks how long the commission normally remains in force. What term applies unless the commission is revoked?

   1. A. Three years
   2. B. Four years
   3. C. Five years
   4. D. Six years

   Answer: C

   Explanation: R.C. 147.03 states that each non-attorney notary "shall hold office for the term of five years unless the commission is revoked." The normal term is therefore five years.

   Reference: Chapter 147 - Ohio Revised Code | Ohio Laws — R.C. 147.03

2. 2Which prerequisite applies to an initial Ohio notary commission applicant who is not an attorney?

   1. A. Complete a three-hour education program and pass an authorized-provider test
   2. B. Complete a one-hour renewal course without a test
   3. C. Complete a two-hour online-authorization course only
   4. D. Pass a county-created examination without education

   Answer: A

   Explanation: O.A.C. 111:6-1-03(A)(1) says, "Non-attorney notary commission applicants must complete a three-hour education program and pass a test administered by an authorized provider."

   Reference: Chapter 111:6-1 - Ohio Administrative Code | Ohio Laws — O.A.C. 111:6-1-03(A)(1)

3. 3An Ohio attorney-notary remains an Ohio resident and in good standing, but more than five years have passed since commissioning. What is the effect on the attorney's notary term?

   1. A. It continues while the statutory conditions remain satisfied
   2. B. It expires automatically at five years
   3. C. It converts to a one-year renewal term
   4. D. It pauses until annual registration with the Secretary of State

   Answer: A

   Explanation: R.C. 147.03 provides that an Ohio attorney "shall hold office as a notary public as long as" the attorney meets the residency-or-practice, good-standing, and nonrevocation conditions. A fixed five-year term does not apply to that attorney.

   Reference: Chapter 147 - Ohio Revised Code | Ohio Laws — R.C. 147.03

4. 4What education must a non-attorney Ohio notary complete for commission renewal under the current rule?

   1. A. A one-hour program
   2. B. A two-hour program
   3. C. A three-hour program
   4. D. A four-hour program

   Answer: A

   Explanation: O.A.C. 111:6-1-03(C)(1) requires a renewal applicant to "successfully complete a one-hour education program."

   Reference: Chapter 111:6-1 - Ohio Administrative Code | Ohio Laws — O.A.C. 111:6-1-03(C)(1)

5. 5For what geographic office is an Ohio notary appointed and commissioned?

   1. A. For the county of residence
   2. B. For the judicial district of residence
   3. C. For the municipality of appointment
   4. D. For the State of Ohio

   Answer: D

   Explanation: R.C. 147.01(C)(1) says, "A notary public shall be appointed and commissioned as a notary public for the state." The commission is statewide, not county- or city-based.

   Reference: Chapter 147 - Ohio Revised Code | Ohio Laws — R.C. 147.01(C)(1)

6. 6How early may the required one-hour Ohio commission-renewal education be completed?

   1. A. No earlier than 3 months before expiration
   2. B. No earlier than 6 months before expiration
   3. C. No earlier than 12 months before expiration
   4. D. At any time during the five-year term

   Answer: C

   Explanation: O.A.C. 111:6-1-03(C)(1) specifies that the one-hour program be completed "no earlier than twelve months prior to the expiration" of the commission.

   Reference: Chapter 111:6-1 - Ohio Administrative Code | Ohio Laws — O.A.C. 111:6-1-03(C)(1)

7. 7After receiving an Ohio notary commission, what must the notary do before beginning official duties?

   1. A. File a bond with the county recorder
   2. B. Personally appear before an authorized officer and take the oath of office
   3. C. Publish the commission in a local newspaper
   4. D. Register every intended work location

   Answer: B

   Explanation: R.C. 147.01(G) requires that, "Before entering upon the duties of office, a notary public shall personally appear" before a notary or other authorized officer, who administers an oath of office.

   Reference: Chapter 147 - Ohio Revised Code | Ohio Laws — R.C. 147.01(G)

8. 8Where must an Ohio online notary be physically located when performing an online notarization?

   1. A. Anywhere in the United States
   2. B. In the same county as the signer
   3. C. Within Ohio
   4. D. At the notary's registered business address

   Answer: C

   Explanation: O.A.C. 111:6-1-05(A) says an online notary "must be physically located within the boundaries of Ohio at the time the notarial act takes place."

   Reference: Chapter 111:6-1 - Ohio Administrative Code | Ohio Laws — O.A.C. 111:6-1-05(A)

9. 9Who oversees processing Ohio notary applications and issues the commissions?

   1. A. The county recorder
   2. B. The clerk of the supreme court
   3. C. The Secretary of State
   4. D. The Attorney General

   Answer: C

   Explanation: R.C. 147.01(D) provides, "The secretary of state shall oversee the processing of notary public applications and shall issue all notary public commissions."

   Reference: Chapter 147 - Ohio Revised Code | Ohio Laws — R.C. 147.01(D)

10. 10What additional statement must identify an electronic notarial act performed with the principal physically present?

    1. A. This certificate pertains to an electronic notarial act performed with the principal(s) in my physical presence
    2. B. This certificate certifies a true copy of the electronic record
    3. C. This certificate waives identity proofing
    4. D. This certificate was completed without personal appearance

    Answer: A

    Explanation: O.A.C. 111:6-1-04(A) supplies the statement: "This certificate pertains to an electronic notarial act performed with the principal(s) in my physical presence."

    Reference: Chapter 111:6-1 - Ohio Administrative Code | Ohio Laws — O.A.C. 111:6-1-04(A)