The Notary Modernization Act (SB 263 of the 132nd General Assembly) takes effect on September 20, 2019. Until further notice, the last day to apply for a new Notary Public commission is August 14, 2019; and the exam must be taken on August 15, 2019. The last day to renew a current Notary Public commission is August 30, 2019. Notary Public certificates must be recorded with the Geauga County Clerk of Courts by September 19, 2019. Please contact the Geauga County Law Library at (440) 279-2085 with any questions.
The Geauga County Notary Commission, a committee of the Geauga County Bar Association, was created by the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas Judges to administer Notary Applications and Renewals.
Procedure for New Applicants:
- You must be a resident of Geauga County.
- You should be registered to vote in your correct name at your current address. If you are not registered to vote please call the Geauga County Board of Elections at (440) 279-2030 to find out how to register.
- You must apply in person at the Common Pleas Courthouse, which is located on the square in Chardon. Hours of application are Monday through Friday between 9 and 11:30 in the morning. Applications cannot be made by mail, nor can anyone else pick up the application for you. Please bring a pen and photo I.D. when you apply.
- The application fee is $40.00 dollars and must be paid at the time of application. You may pay in cash or by check made payable to "The Geauga County Bar Association."
- All applicants will receive a study booklet when they apply.
- All applicants will attend a review class immediately preceding the test, the fee for which is included in the $40.00 application charge.
- The test is given once a month on the third Thursday of every month. Once you have applied, you may take the test in any month.
- You may not apply and take the test on the same day.
Procedure for Renewals
- You must be a resident of Geauga County.
- You should be registered to vote in your correct name and at your present address. For information on voter registration, please call the Geauga County Board of Elections at (440) 279-2030.
- Notary Commissions can be renewed no more than thirty (30) days before the expiration date and within 30 days afterwards. Beyond 30 days, you must apply for a new notary public. Even though the Geauga County Notary Commission allows you to apply for renewal of your commission up to 30 days after the expiration date, you may not, under any circumstances, perform notorial acts once your commission has expired. The renewal process may take up to one month once you have begun your application with the Geauga County Notary Commission.
- The renewal fee is twenty dollars ($20.00) and may be paid in cash or by check made payable to "The Geauga County Bar Association".
- Renewal applications are taken IN PERSON at the Common Pleas Courthouse on the square in Chardon. Hours of applications are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. ONLY. Renewals are not taken by mail, nor can anyone else pick up the application for you.
- You must have proof of your Commission, which is either the Certificate issued by the Governor or the white, wallet-size card that you received from the Clerk of Courts when you recorded Your Commission. Also bring with you a picture I.D. such as your driver's license.
If your name changes while you are commissioned:
Visit http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/recordsIndexes/Notary/info.aspx for the Application for Amendment of Notary Public Information.