How to become a notary in oklahoma?

By HotBotUpdated: August 19, 2024

Answer

Understanding the Role of a Notary Public

A notary public is a public officer constituted by law to serve the public in non-contentious matters usually concerned with estates, deeds, powers-of-attorney, and foreign and international business. In Oklahoma, a notary public is authorized to administer oaths, take acknowledgments, and certify copies of documents. Becoming a notary in Oklahoma is a straightforward process but requires attention to detail and adherence to specific legal requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

To become a notary public in Oklahoma, you must meet several eligibility criteria:

Be at least 18 years old.
Be a legal resident of Oklahoma or an out-of-state resident employed within Oklahoma.
Have no felony convictions or misdemeanors involving moral turpitude.

Ensuring you meet these requirements is the first step towards your notary commission.

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Application Process

The application process to become a notary in Oklahoma involves several steps:

1. Complete the Notary Application Form

The Oklahoma Secretary of State provides an application form that must be filled out completely and accurately. This form can be accessed online on the official website of the Oklahoma Secretary of State.

2. Obtain a $1,000 Surety Bond

Notaries in Oklahoma are required to obtain a $1,000 surety bond as a form of insurance to protect the public from any potential errors or misconduct. This bond can be purchased from various surety companies and must be valid for the entire term of the notary commission, which is four years.

3. Submit the Application and Bond

Once you have completed the application form and obtained the surety bond, you must submit these documents to the Oklahoma Secretary of State along with the required application fee, which is currently $25. This can be done via mail or online.

Receiving Your Commission

After your application is processed and approved, you will receive your notary commission certificate. This certificate is your official authorization to perform notarial acts within the state of Oklahoma.

Obtaining Notary Supplies

To perform your duties as a notary public, you will need certain supplies:

Notary Seal or Stamp: Your seal or stamp must include your name, the words "Notary Public," and "State of Oklahoma."
Notary Journal: Although not required by Oklahoma law, maintaining a notary journal is highly recommended to keep a record of all notarizations.

These supplies can be purchased from various office supply stores or specialized notary supply vendors.

Performing Notarial Acts

Once you have received your commission and obtained your supplies, you are ready to begin performing notarial acts. It is crucial to understand the types of notarial acts you are authorized to perform, which include:

Acknowledgments: Verifying that the signer of a document has willingly signed it.
Oaths and Affirmations: Administering oaths or affirmations to individuals.
Copy Certifications: Certifying that a copy of a document is true and accurate.

Maintaining Your Commission

To maintain your notary commission in good standing, you must adhere to certain ongoing requirements:

Renewal: Notary commissions in Oklahoma are valid for four years. You must renew your commission before it expires by submitting a renewal application and another $1,000 surety bond.
Continuing Education: While not mandatory, staying informed about changes in notary laws and best practices through continuing education can enhance your skills and professionalism.
Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of all notarial acts performed to ensure accountability and compliance with state regulations.

Notary Fees

Oklahoma law allows notaries to charge fees for their services. The maximum fees you can charge are:

$5 per acknowledgment or jurat.
$0.50 per copy certification.

It is important to display your fees prominently and inform clients of any charges upfront to maintain transparency.

Liability and Legal Considerations

As a notary public, you must be aware of the legal implications and liabilities associated with your role. Notaries can be held liable for misconduct or negligence, so it is essential to:

Follow all state laws and regulations meticulously.
Ensure the identity and willingness of the signer.
Keep your notary seal and journal secure to prevent unauthorized use.

Consider obtaining errors and omissions (E&O) insurance to provide additional protection against potential legal claims.

Special Cases and Additional Responsibilities

In addition to standard notarial acts, you may encounter special cases that require additional knowledge and responsibilities:

Remote Online Notarization (RON): Oklahoma allows for remote online notarizations, where notarizations can be performed using audio-visual technology. This requires additional registration and compliance with specific guidelines.
Notarizing for Individuals with Disabilities: Be aware of accommodations that may be necessary to assist individuals with disabilities in completing the notarization process.
Foreign Language Documents: If notarizing documents in a foreign language, ensure you understand the document or have a qualified translator present.

Networking and Professional Development

Joining professional organizations, such as the National Notary Association (NNA) or the American Society of Notaries, can provide ongoing support, resources, and networking opportunities. These organizations offer training, updates on legal changes, and forums for discussing notary practices.

Resources and Support

Take advantage of the resources available to you as a notary public in Oklahoma:

Oklahoma Secretary of State Website: Provides official forms, instructions, and updates on notary laws.
National Notary Association (NNA): Offers training, supplies, and support services for notaries nationwide.
Local Notary Networks: Connect with other notaries in your area for advice and best practices.

The Journey of a Notary

Becoming a notary public in Oklahoma is more than just a procedural task; it is a commitment to public service and legal integrity. The journey involves not just meeting the eligibility requirements and completing the application process, but also continuously educating oneself, maintaining ethical standards, and serving the community with diligence and respect. As you embark on this path, you may find that the role of a notary public offers both personal fulfillment and professional growth, shaping your understanding of law, trust, and public service in unique and profound ways.