Ohio Rev. Code » Chapter 2935
Ohio Revised Code

Ohio Rev. Code § 2935.081 (2026)

Peace officer to administer oath or take acknowledgment

✓ current as of May 2026
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Effective:
March 23, 2018
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 33 - 132nd General Assembly
PDF:
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(A) As used in this section, "peace officer" has the same meaning as in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code, except that "peace officer" does not include, for any purpose, the superintendent or any trooper of the state highway patrol.

(B) A peace officer who has completed a course of in-service training that includes training in the administration of oaths and the acknowledgment of documents and that is approved by the chief legal officer of the political subdivision in which the peace officer is elected or of the political subdivision or other entity in which or by which the peace officer is appointed or employed may administer oaths and acknowledge criminal and juvenile court complaints, summonses, affidavits, and returns of court orders in matters related to the peace officer's official duties.

(C) A trooper of the state highway patrol who has completed a course of in-service training that includes training in the administration of oaths and the acknowledgment of documents and that is approved by the director of public safety may administer oaths and acknowledge criminal and juvenile court complaints, summonses, affidavits, and returns of court orders in matters related to the trooper's official duties.

(D) Except as authorized by division (B) or (C) of this section, no peace officer or trooper who has completed a course of in-service training of a type described in division (B) or (C) of this section shall knowingly perform any act that is specifically required of a notary public unless the peace officer or trooper has complied with Chapter 147. of the Revised Code.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 6 cases (3 in the last 5 years), 2014–2025 · leading case: State v. Arnold (Slip Opinion), 2016 Ohio 1595 (Ohio 2016).
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State v. Arnold (Slip Opinion), 2016 Ohio 1595 (Ohio 2016). · cites it 2× “” Further, there is no testimony in the record showing that Officer Ely has complied with R.C. 2935.081, which provides the authority for peace officers to administer oaths in particular circumstances.”
Miamisburg v. Rinderle, 2015 Ohio 351 (Ohio Ct. App. 2015). · cites it 2× “Even if we accept, arguendo, that this obvious error regarding the date on the jurat rendered it ineffective, Griffith subsequently testified under oath at a hearing on the issue. He explained that the date on the jurat was a typographical or clerical error and that he actually…”
State v. Kessigner, 2014 Ohio 2496 (Ohio Ct. App. 2014). · cites it 2× “01(B) states: “ ‘Peace officer’ includes, except as provided in section 2935.081 of the Revised Code, a sheriff; deputy sheriff; marshal; deputy marshal; member of the organized police department of any municipal corporation***” {¶ 30} The jury instruction’s definition of “Peace…”
State v. Daly, 2022 Ohio 632 (Ohio Ct. App. 2022). “2019-CRB-608E, the complaint bore the stamp “PEACE OFFICER AUTHORIZED TO ADMINISTER OATHS, ORC 2935.081” and a signature, but the complaint in Case No.”
State v. Nerswick, 2025 Ohio 1802 (Ohio Ct. App. 2025). · cites it 2× “Officer Goddard’s seal, which took the form of a round ink stamp, bore the words, “PEACE OFFICER,” in the middle, and the words, “AUTHORIZED TO ADMINISTER OATHS PURSUANT TO O.R.C. 2935.081,” along its circumference.”
Bryant v. City of Berea (N.D. Ohio 2025). “) The Complaint and Probable Cause Affidavit are notarized and signed by Stacia Bellini over a signature line that reads “Judge/Deputy Clerk/Officer Designated by Judge/Peace Officer Authorized by R.C. 2935.081,” with the words “Clerk/Officer” circled.”
Ohio Rev. Code § 2935.081(B): 1 case
State v. Nerswick, 2025 Ohio 1802 (Ohio Ct. App. 2025). “Officer Goddard’s seal, which took the form of a round ink stamp, bore the words, “PEACE OFFICER,” in the middle, and the words, “AUTHORIZED TO ADMINISTER OATHS PURSUANT TO O.R.C. 2935.081,” along its circumference.”
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