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How To become Notary Public in Oklahoma

by oziel in Uncategorized

What qualifications are required to become an Oklahoma notary public?

To become an Oklahoma notary public, a notary applicant must meet the following requirements:   

  1. You must be eighteen (18 years old) or older
  2. Be a citizen of United States
  3. You must be a legal resident of Oklahoma or a non-resident employed in Oklahoma.
  4. Learn English to read and write.
  5. You have not been convicted for a felony.

What are the steps to becoming an Oklahoma notary public?

To become an Oklahoma notary public, a notary applicant must meet the following requirements:   

  1. You must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the previous section.
  2. Send the application to the Secretary of States with a $25 fee. It can be submitted in person, by post, or both.Online.
  3. On commissioning, you will receive a “Notary Public Guide” by mail and a blank $1,000 bond document.
  4. After receiving the notary commission, you can purchase a $1,000 surety guarantee and a notary seal.
  5. Attach an impression of the official seal to the bond form.
  6. The Secretary of State will accept the notarized bond, oath of office, loyalty oath and official signature within sixty days of the issuance of the commission. A $10 filing fee will be charged.
  7. A notary public can then perform notarial acts after the Secretary of State has approved the bond, official seal and loyalty oath.

Notice:Applications that are not in writing or that have been submitted in error will be refused. P.O. P.O. boxes are unacceptable. An applicant may substitute a street address for a route number. If applicants don’t have a street address, or route number, they will need to provide directions to their home. Additional $25 is required for applicants who want same-day service to expedite the processing of their application.

Is it possible for a non-resident to become a Oklahoma notary?

Yes. If the following requirements are met, a non-resident can apply to be an Oklahoma notary public. Non-residents must meet the following requirements:

  1. Find work in Oklahoma
  2. You must meet the same requirements as Oklahoma residents.
  3. Complete an application form. Follow the same process as Oklahoma residents to apply for appointments.
  4. As required by law, provide the following information: street address, city, zip code, county, place of employment in Oklahoma; daytime telephone number and valid email address.
  5. Maintain a job in Oklahoma.
  6. If the notary is no longer employed in Oklahoma, he or she must relinquish their notary commission.

What is the cost of becoming an Oklahoma notary?

The expenses of an Oklahoma notary may include: (1) a $25 application fee to process a request for appointment as a public notary; (2) a $25 same day filing fee service to expedite a request for appointment or reappointment application; (3) a $20 filing fees to process an appointment for reappointment application; (4) a $1,000 bail; (5) a journal, if the notary wants to follow the Secretary of State’s recommendations to record all notarial actions in a journal; and (7) if a policy for personal protection.

How can I renew my Oklahoma notary license?

An Oklahoma notary can apply for a renewal as a notary public up to six weeks before the expiration of the commission. A renewal application may be made OnlineThe renewal fee for this service is $20. The renewal application must be received no earlier than six weeks before the expiration of the current appointment or the expiration date for the commission. A renewal application must be completed by an Oklahoma notary. The application must follow the same process as the original application for appointment as notary public. Any renewal application received after the expiration date of the commission will be considered a new appointment. The fee for renewal is $25. A new number and expiration date of the commission will be issued. The Secretary of State does not have to accept any prior determinations regarding eligibility. 

Is there an exam or course that is required in order to become an Oklahoma notary or renew my Oklahoma notary commission?

No.

What is the best way to electronically notarize in Oklahoma?

Yes. Yes. The Oklahoma notary statute states that the principal must appear in person before the notary public to electronically notarize electronic records. The signer(s), and notary must be physically present before the notary public at the time of electronic notarization. The same rules, regulations, standards, and practices that are applicable to traditional paper notarizations also apply to electronic signed documents, including the personal appearance before a notary public. Oklahoma law also requires that the notary public must verify that the person signing the document is the one who signed it (49 OS 113). The law requires that the principal be present in physical presence of the notary public to perform any notarial act. The electronic seal of the notary must replicate the elements of the official seal. The Oklahoma Secretary of State does not have any administrative rules, standards or procedures regarding electronic notarizations.

What is the best way to remote notarize in Oklahoma?

Yes. Yes. The new law allows Oklahoma notaries to remote notarize individuals remotely via audio and video communication technology, effective January 1, 2020. The Secretary of State has not yet issued rules to ensure that the Remote Online Notary Act is implemented and administered effectively. The Remote Online Notary Act requires that the Secretary-of-State include in the promulgated regulations the following standards: (1) the integrity of the creation, transmission, storage, authentication and authentication of electronic signatures, electronic sealings and electronic records; (2) the means for performing remote notarial acts; (3) communication tech, credential analysis and identity proofing; (4) the preservation of journals and audio and video recordings; (5) adequate forms of notarial certificates to remote online notarizations; and(6) any other matters deemed necessary to administer and to the Oklahoma’s. This law clarifies that the remote online notarization laws will prevail over any other Oklahoma law if there is a conflict.

How do you become an Oklahoma online notary public

Remote online notarizations can be performed by an appointed or commissioned notary public if the Secretary of State has authorized. A notary public must first register with the Secretary and then receive written authorization from the Secretary of State before they can perform remote online notarizations. Remote online registration can be requested by an applicant for a notary public license. Remote online notarization applications must contain the following: (1) the applicant’s full name as it appears on the notary public commission; (2) a description and explanation of the technology that the applicant plans to use for remote notarizations; (3) a declaration that the applicant will adhere to the standards under 49 OS 203; (4) a $25 filing fees; and (5) any additional information required by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State issues a written authorization for remote online notarizations to the applicant after approval of the applicant’s application. The authorization of a notary to perform remote online notarizations expires at the expiration of the notary’s commission. A notary’s authorization for remote online notarizations is terminated if the notary changes his or her name during the term of his/her commission, or if the notary chooses to use the new notary under a new commission.

These statutory requirements must be met before a notary public can perform a remote notarial act via an approved communication device.

  1. Although the notary must physically be located within Oklahoma’s boundaries, the remote individual can be located anywhere in the world. The notary public must be able to see the remote individual using audio and video communication technology.
  2. The notary must verify the identity of the remote individual using satisfactory evidence of identity through communication technology, which includes credential analysis and identity proofing.
  3. The notary must verify that the electronic record before him is the same electronic record in which the remote individual made a declaration or signed a document.
  4. For remote online notarization, the notary must sign a notarial certification.
  5. The notary must make sure that the remote online certificate of notarization is linked to the electronic record.
  6. The statement must be included in the notarial certificate by the notary. It should read substantially like this: “This remote online notarization required the use of communication technology.”
  7. The remote online act must be authenticated by the notary with an electronic seal that contains all required information.
  8. The notary must keep a record of the remote notarization online in a chronological order in an electronic, tamper evident journal.
  9. The notary or someone acting for the notary must record the audio and visual recordings of remote online notarizations.
  10. The notary must keep a copy of the audio-visual recording that was used for remote online notarization.
  11. The notary must take reasonable precautions to protect the communications technology used for remote online notarization from unauthorised interception.
  12. The notary must take reasonable measures to protect the authenticity, security and authenticity of remote online notarizations, electronic journals, and backups for audio and visual recordings against unauthorized use.
  13. The notary must ensure that the electronic signature-creating device is not expired or terminated by its issuing authority.
  14. The notary must attach an electronic signature and seal of the notary to the electronic document. This will allow independent verification and make any subsequent modification or change to the electronic document obvious.
  15. The notary must take all reasonable precautions to prevent unauthorized use of the electronic seal.
  16. $25 is the maximum fee a notary can charge for remote notarization.
  17. No matter where the notary is located, they must adhere to Oklahoma law.

Remote online notarial acts may be performed by a notary public who has an approved communication technology. This allows for remote individuals to be located in Oklahoma, Oklahoma, and outside the United States. Remote online notarial acts may be performed by a notary public if the remote individual is located: (1) in Oklahoma; (2) outside Oklahoma but not beyond the United States. This act fulfills all Oklahoma law requirements that the principal must appear before, appear personally, or be present in person at the time of the notarial act.

Records of remote online notarizations by the notary must be kept for ten years from the date of remote notarization. Notary public must immediately inform the appropriate law enforcement agency as well as the Secretary of State about any theft or vandalism to the notary’s electronic signature, electronic seal, or electronic journal. Incorrectly performing remote online notarizations is subject to the same state laws as the wrong performance of traditional notary public notarial acts. Finally, the notary must destroy or disable the electronic seal of any code, disk, digital certificate card, software or password that allows the notary to attach the electronic seal or logically associate it to an electronic record upon resignation, revocation or expiration.

What is the term for a Oklahoma notary public commission?

An Oklahoma notary public’s commission term is four years and begins on the date indicated in the notary commission. A notary’s commission can be canceled by resignation, death or revocation, (2) if a Oklahoma notary public is not a legal resident during his or Her commission term, (3) if a Notary Public is not a citizen of the United States, (4) if a Notary loses his/Her ability to read and write English, or (5) a notary has been convicted for a felony.

To become an Oklahoma notary, do I need an Oklahoma notary bond?

Yes. For any applicant for a new appointment as a notary public or renewal of notaries, a $1,000 bond is required. (1) An Oklahoma insurance agent must sign the bond; (2) An attorney-in-fact for an insurance company that has a power of attorney attached; (3) One or more property owners in the county of residence of a notary or, if nonresident, the county of employment of the resident notary. The term of the bond must begin on the effective date and end on the expiration date. For the Secretary to approve the Secretary-of-State (49 OS 2), the bond must be filed within 60 days of the issuance of the notary commission.

What Oklahoma notary errors or omissions insurance do I need?

Oklahoma does not require an errors and omissions policy. For their protection against liability, the American Association of Notaries recommends Oklahoma notaries purchase an errors and omissions policy. The purpose of errors and omissions insurance protects notaries against liability for notarial errors or omissions that may result in financial loss to the public, or clients who sue a notary public to recover. E&O policies typically cover legal fees and damages depending on what coverage is selected by an Oklahoma notary.

Where can I do notarial acts within Oklahoma?

An Oklahoma notary public is subject to statewide jurisdiction. He or she may perform notarial acts anywhere in Oklahoma. A notary public from Oklahoma cannot perform notarial acts in Oklahoma.

Who appoints Oklahoma’s notaries public?

The Oklahoma Secretary of State receives applications to be reappointed or appointed as a notary public. She also administers the commissioning process and maintains an electronic list of active notaries. Contact the Oklahoma Secretary Of State

Oklahoma Secretary of State

Notary Public Services

421 N.W. 13th Street, Suite 220

Oklahoma City, OK 73103

(405) 521-2516 (Questions).

(405) 521-3912 (Form requests)

What do I need to buy an Oklahoma notary stamp?

Yes. Oklahoma’s notary statute mandates that all public notaries must authenticate official acts using either a metal seal with an embossed impression, or a rubber stamp with ink and stamp pad (49 OS 5).

DimensionsOklahoma’s notary statute doesn’t address the legal requirements for an official seal.

Essential ElementsEach notary must have an official seal that contains the following elements (49 OS 5).

  • The words “State Oklahoma” are used.
  • The words “Notary Public”
  • Name of the notary

A rubber stamp or embosser seal may include the notary’s commission number, expiration date and commission expiration dates. The Secretary of State must receive a notice from the notary stating the date and time the seal was lost or stolen within ten days. The Secretary of State recommends that a new seal be marked with a symbol or character to differentiate it from the one that was lost. The Secretary of State recommends that the notary notify the Secretary in writing within ten days of purchasing a replacement seal.

Is it required to keep a notary book in Oklahoma?

No. No. To aid in recalling past acts and to help with legal challenges, the Secretary of State strongly recommends that all notaries public keep a log. Although a journal is not required under state law, the American Association of Notaries urges Oklahoma notaries to keep a permanent, bound journal with numbered pages. This will allow them to preserve a record of all notarial acts performed to protect against claims of official misconduct and fraudulent notarial acts. A notary in Oklahoma may find that keeping a record of his notarial acts is an important tool in his office. This journal could also be used to protect him from any future liability. Visit the website, https://publicnotary.services/ to find out more about Oklahoma notary supplies.

What is the maximum Oklahoma notary fee for performing notarial acts

State notary statute 49 OS 5 sets the Oklahoma notary fees. Below is a list of the maximum fees an Oklahoma notary public can charge for notarial services.

  • Acknowledgments – $5.00
  • Affirmations or oaths – $5.00
  • Verifications under oath/affirmation – $5.00
  • Witness signatures or attest signatures – $5.00
  • Protests – $5.00
  • Attest or certify copies – $5.00

Notice:Notary publics may not charge fees to notarize absentee ballots.

What notarial acts is an Oklahoma notary public allowed to perform?

The following notarial acts are authorized for an Oklahoma notary public: 49 OS 6.A and49 OS 112.1

  • Recognize others
  • Affirm and administer oaths
  • Verify the affirmation or oath
  • Attest or witness signatures
  • Notice protests against negotiable instrument
  • Attest or certify copies of documents and other items
  • Notaries public may exercise such additional powers and duties as are required by law in order to commercially use the property.

How can I change my address to my Oklahoma notary commissioner?

The Secretary of State must be notified in writing if a notary’s residence address changes. If the notary moves to another county, he or she is not required to obtain a new notary seal or file a new bond (49 OS 11An). All notaries have the ability to update their Online addressesThrough the website of the Secretary of State.

What do I need to do to update my Oklahoma notary commission?

The notary public has two options if the name of the notary changes during a term. (1) The notary can continue to use the original name on the current commission until it expires. (2) The notary can use the new name by filing a new application with the Secretary of State and paying $25 (49 OS 11[B]). Name changes will create a new commission and an expiration date. The Secretary of State will require the notary to purchase a new seal, and file a bond. If the notary chooses to go with the second option, he or she must send a resignation letter to the Secretary.

Where To Work As a Notary in Oklahoma

You can work in many settings as a public notary in Oklahoma. Whether you decide to work for a law firm, real estate agency or a government job, there are many options available. You can also work for yourself as a mobile notary.

Where To Find Clients in Oklahoma

We work with notaries all over Oklahoma to help them find more business and make more money. If you would like to join our notary network, contact us today for more information. We work with notaries in all cities including:

  1. Oklahoma City
  2. Tulsa
  3. Norman
  4. Broken Arrow
  5. Edmond
  6. Lawton
  7. Moore
  8. Midwest City
  9. Stillwater
  10. Enid
  11. Owasso
  12. Muskogee
  13. Bartlesville
  14. Shawnee
  15. Bixby
  16. Yukon
  17. Jenks
  18. Mustang
  19. Ardmore
  20. Ponca City