What is defined as a “notary public” in Ohio law?

In Ohio law, a notary public is specifically defined as an individual appointed by the state to perform notarial acts. This definition emphasizes that notaries are individuals, rather than businesses or organizations, and underscores their role as official witnesses to the signing of documents and the verification of identities.

Being appointed by the state signifies that notaries must meet certain qualifications and follow state laws to ensure the integrity of the notarization process. These appointed individuals carry out their duties in accordance with established legal standards, which is crucial for maintaining the trust and reliability that the public places in notarized documents.

Other choices, while they may reference related concepts, do not accurately represent the definition under Ohio law. A business entity cannot be a "notary public"; rather, notarization is typically performed by individuals. Attorneys may provide notarial services, but the definition specifically focuses on the role of an individual, not exclusively on legal professionals. Similarly, an organization regulating notary practices exists to oversee and guide notaries but does not serve the function of a notary public itself.