What is the primary role of the Ohio Secretary of State regarding Online Notarizations?

The primary role of the Ohio Secretary of State regarding online notarizations is to adopt rules and maintain standards. This responsibility entails establishing and enforcing regulations that govern how online notarizations are conducted in the state. The Secretary of State ensures that these processes are secure, reliable, and compliant with legal requirements, thereby protecting the integrity of the notarization process and the interests of the public.

While other roles such as serving as an online notary or providing direct training for notaries could be important, the primary function resides in regulatory oversight. The Secretary of State creates a framework for notaries to follow, which is crucial for maintaining consistent practices and ensuring that all notaries adhere to the same standards of professionalism and legal compliance. Overseeing court systems, on the other hand, aligns more with judicial administration rather than the specific role related to notarization.