Step By Step Guide to Notarizing an Ohio Document

Were you aware that a notary in Ohio can charge up to $25 per online notarial act and $5 per signature in person? When you think of the many different procedures that require the presence of a notary, whether, in person or remotely, it can be a good idea to become a notary yourself. It could save you a lot of money over time!

But what does the job of a notary consist of and how does the process of notarizing an Ohio document work?

Read on for a step-by-step guide.

Personal Appearance for Notarizing an Ohio Document

When notarizing a document, you need the person to be present to verify they are who they say they are. Most documents will be signed in front of you, but if the document is an acknowledgment, it could have been signed before getting to you.

Some states, like Ohio, have made it possible for people to make their appearance via webcam. The only notaries allowed to accept webcam appearances are the ones whom the Secretary of State has approved to be able to do so.

Become a remote online notary to offer these services.

Review the Document

A notary in Ohio has to read through the document to make sure there are no blanks or missing information and that the notary certificate is present. You want to pay attention to the kind of document it is to ensure you know what kind of notarization you have to perform.

Keep in mind that if the notary certificate indicates jurat language, it will have to be signed in front of you.

Check Identification

You will want to verify the person has ID. The preference is an ID that the government issued but other forms may be permitted as long as they offer the confirmation of identity that you need.

In this process, you will need to also ask the person if they are signing of their own free will and that they know what they are signing.

If the document is signed already, ask the person to acknowledge it is their signature.

Record the Notarization

You will want to record the facts of the notarization, including the name of the person, the date, their address, the type of notarization, a description of the document, and even the fee charged. It is not mandatory in Ohio to keep this kind of record, but it is highly recommended.

Finish the Notarization

Now it is time to fill out the certificate, sign it, and add your seal to it. Remember that you should never backdate or predate the certificate. The date on it must be when the person appeared in front of you.

Make sure that the seal is next to your name and does not cover any other information. It should also be at least 1 inch away from any edges.

Become a Notary Today

Becoming a notary can save you lots of time and money, and it can be very rewarding. If you want to know more about notarizing an Ohio document, think about becoming a certified notary.

Browse our site for more information!

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