The Clerk of Courts in its Common Pleas Division administers the oath of office to Notary Publics and files the Notary Commission. There is a $6.00 fee for this service. The Clerk also offers an optional Notary Public Identification Card--displaying the notary's name and commission expiration.

Individuals interested in becoming a Notary Public should contact the Notary Public Manager, 224 E. Main Street or call (740) 687-7116 for qualification information.

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 acknowledgements 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.