Ohio Notary Practice Exam

What must an applicant provide to be appointed as a notary by the Secretary of State?

1. A certificate of completion from a notary training course

2. A certificate from a judge regarding the applicant's moral character and qualifications

3. Proof of Ohio residency for at least 10 years

4. A bond of $10,000

The correct answer is: A bond of $10,000

To be appointed as a notary by the Secretary of State in Ohio, an applicant must provide a certificate from a judge regarding their moral character and qualifications. This requirement underscores the importance of having ethical and responsible individuals serving as notaries, as they are entrusted with significant legal responsibilities. The certificate serves as a form of verification that the applicant meets the necessary standards of moral character, which is critical in maintaining the integrity of the notarial process. In Ohio, demonstrating good moral character involves more than just basic qualifications; it reflects an applicant's trustworthiness and ability to perform notarial duties ethically. Such duties include verifying identities, taking acknowledgments, and administering oaths, all of which require a sound moral foundation. The other options relate to important aspects of becoming a notary but do not fulfill the specific requirement of providing a moral character assessment from a judge, which is crucial for the appointment process.