The Clerk of Courts in its Common Pleas Division administers the oath of office to Notary Publics and issues the Notary Public Commission. There is a fee for this service.

In the State of Ohio, a notary public is a person appointed and commissioned by the Governor of the state to:

• administer oaths required or authorized by law ;
• take and certify depositions ;
• take and certify acknowledgments of deeds, mortgages, liens, powers of attorney, and other written instruments and ;
• receive, make, and record notorial protests ;

These functions may be performed by a notary anywhere in the State of Ohio. Notary publics hold their office for a term of 5 years, at which time their term may be renewed. Attorneys admitted to the practice of law in the State of Ohio hold their offices indefinitely as a notary public.

For further information regarding notary application procedures, please contact: Common Pleas Court at 419-562-5771.