Can a notary public use the term "notario" or "notario publico" to advertise their services?

A notary public cannot use the terms "notario" or "notario publico" to advertise their services because these terms can connote a legal status or profession that is misleading in most jurisdictions, including Ohio. The use of these terms may suggest to the public that the notary has additional legal credentials or qualifications, particularly in the context of Spanish-speaking communities where "notario" usually refers to an attorney with specific powers under civil law. This creates potential confusion and could mislead clients regarding the notary's role and capabilities.

Maintaining clarity about the role of a notary is essential to ensure that the public understands the services they can legitimately provide, which are primarily related to witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and performing other acts of notarization as defined by law. This aligns with the ethical obligations of notaries to avoid any deceptive practices in advertising their services.