(A)(1) If the secretary of state believes that a violation of this chapter has occurred, the secretary of state may investigate such violations.
(2) The secretary of state may investigate possible violations of this chapter upon a signed complaint from any person.
(B) After an investigation, the secretary of state may take any of the following actions:
(1) Revoke the notary public's commission;
(2) Suspend the notary public's commission for a specified period of time or until fulfillment of a condition, such as retraining, or both.
(3) Issue a letter of admonition that shall be placed in the notary public's record.
(C) A notary public shall cooperate fully with the secretary of state during the course of an investigation under this section, including by responding in a timely manner to all questions posed by the secretary of state as part of that investigation. The secretary of state shall revoke the commission of a notary public who does not cooperate or respond to questions as required by this division.
(D) The secretary of state may revoke the commission of a notary public for any act or omission by the notary public that demonstrates the notary public lacks the requisite honesty, integrity, competence, or reliability to act as a notary public, including any of the following:
(1) Failure to administer an oath or affirmation when executing a jurat;
(2) Performing a notarial act without requiring personal appearance, except in the case of an online notary public performing an online notarization in accordance with sections 147.60 to 147.66 of the Revised Code;
(3) Fraudulent, dishonest, or deceitful misstatement or omission on a notarial certificate.
(E) A person whose notary commission has been revoked may not apply for a subsequent notary commission.
(F) The secretary of state may adopt rules under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to set forth procedures for investigations and hearings regarding violations of this chapter and disciplinary actions taken.
(G) The secretary of state may establish an advisory board to meet as the secretary of state considers necessary to discuss matters related to notary law and procedures.
Last updated February 19, 2025 at 9:25 AM