Can a notary public in Ohio give legal advice?

A notary public in Ohio is prohibited from giving legal advice. This is an essential boundary within the role of a notary, designed to protect the integrity of the notarial process and prevent unauthorized practice of law. Notaries are trained to perform specific tasks, such as witnessing signatures and administering oaths, rather than to offer legal opinions or guidance. Engaging in providing legal advice could lead to liability issues and can confuse the public about the notary's role.

In practice, this limitation ensures that individuals seeking legal advice are directed to properly qualified professionals, such as licensed attorneys, who are trained to interpret the law and advise clients accordingly. While some activities may appear to involve giving guidance, such as explaining how to fill out a form, a notary must refrain from interpreting the legal implications of those forms or advising on their use in legal contexts. This distinction helps maintain the professional standards and duties of a notary public in Ohio.