Looking to make a difference in your community? Let us guide you on a rewarding journey toward a unique profession.
In this comprehensive guide on how to become a notary in Oklahoma, we lay out the roadmap to achieving this goal. With easy-to-follow, actionable steps, we’ll help you navigate this intriguing process, turning the complex into the simple.
Whether you’re looking to serve your community or generate additional income, this article will offer everything you need to know to get started.
Recommended: Interested in getting started? Have a look at the National Notary Association’s packages, which include all state-required notary supplies, a surety bond, and four years of notary hotline phone support.
Become a Notary in Oklahoma
In order to become a notary in Oklahoma, you will need to complete a few simple steps.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
First and foremost, make sure you satisfy all of the essential Oklahoma notary requirements:
- Be a legal resident of Oklahoma or an out-of-state resident who is employed in Oklahoma
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have not been convicted of a felony; and
- Be able to read and write in English
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Having confirmed that you satisfy all the legal requirements for commission, you’re ready to continue by filling out your Notary Public Application and paying the $25 filing fee.
You can submit your application online using the link above, or by printing off an Oklahoma Application for Notary Public Commission and mailing or hand-delivering it to the Oklahoma Secretary of State at the following address:
Oklahoma Secretary of State
421 N.W. 13th St., Suite 210
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
You can find instructions on how to fill out this on the first page of the application (linked above).
Note: If you deliver your application form directly to the Secretary of State, you can pay an additional $25 to have it processed while you wait.
Step 3: Protect Yourself With Errors and Omissions Insurance
While not required by law, it’s a good idea to consider protecting yourself with Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance.
This type of insurance provides coverage for any potential mistakes or omissions that you might make as you perform notarial acts.
It’s an extra layer of protection that can give you peace of mind while operating for a relatively low opportunity cost.
Recommended Course
Have a look at the National Notary Association’s packages, which include all state-required notary supplies, a surety bond, and four years of notary hotline phone support.
Step 4: Get a $1,000 Surety Bond
If your Oklahoma notary application is successful, the Secretary of State will send you your commission via mail. This will be valid for four years.
As soon as you receive this commission, you need to purchase a $1,000 surety bond and a notary seal before filing them both with the Secretary of State.
Keep in mind that your Oklahoma notary bond must:
- Commence on the date it is issued
- Terminate on the expiration date of your commission
- Be filed with the Secretary of State within 60 days of your commission’s issuance (alongside your oath of office, loyalty oath, official signature, and impression of your official seal)
The seal you select can be a rubber stamp or an embosser seal. However, it must contain:
- Your name
- The words “State of Oklahoma” and “Notary Public”
- The commission number and expiration date (optional)
Note: There is a $10 filing fee that must be paid in order to submit these documents to the Oklahoma Secretary of State.
Step 5: Equip Yourself With the Necessary Supplies
Once your commission is approved, get yourself set up with the necessary Oklahoma notary supplies. These include a notary stamp or seal and an Oklahoma notary journal.
The seal is used to authenticate your notarial acts, and the record book is for logging all the services you provide.
Step 6: Purchase a Course (Optional)
Even though this last step is not a legal requirement, you should note that Oklahoma notary applicants may choose to invest in a notary course. This is because it can offer several benefits, such as:
- Understanding the law: Notary laws can be complex and vary from state to state. A course can help ensure that notaries fully understand Oklahoma notary laws and how to apply them correctly
- Professional development: A course can enhance professional skills, making a notary more effective and competent in their role
- Reducing liability: By better understanding the rules and best practices, notaries can reduce the risk of making errors that could result in legal action
- Increased confidence: A notary course can boost a notary’s confidence by giving them a solid foundation of knowledge and expertise to draw from
- Staying updated: Laws and procedures change over time. A course can help notaries stay current with any changes in notary regulations and practices
So, while it’s not mandatory in Oklahoma, many aspiring notaries find value in such courses. It’s a personal decision based on individual comfort and professional goals.
How to Become a Notary in Oklahoma FAQ
How much does it cost to get your notary license in Oklahoma?
The cost of becoming a notary in Oklahoma includes several fees. You will need to pay a mandatory application fee of $25, with an option to pay an extra $25 to accelerate the processing time in person. Including the cost of your $1,000 surety bond, Oklahoma notary stamp or seal, and a journal to record notarial acts, the total cost ranges from $100 to $150.
What are the requirements to be a notary in Oklahoma?
The basic requirements to become a notary are that you must be at least 18 years old, be a citizen or legal resident of the US, be a resident of Oklahoma, and have no felony convictions. To read more about these basic requirements, as well as the application process in Oklahoma, see our article on How to Become a Notary in Oklahoma.
How long is a notary commission good for in Oklahoma?
An Oklahoma notary commission is valid for four years. This means you’ll need to go through the commission renewal process if you wish to continue providing notarial services after this period. We cover the general application process in more depth in our article on How to Become a Notary.
What is the most a notary can charge in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, notaries public are only able to charge up to $5 per notarial act. The purpose of this cap is to standardize costs across common notarial services. It’s also worth noting that notaries public charging more than this cap could suffer penalties and potentially have their notary commission revoked.
How do I become a notary in Oklahoma?
To become a notary in Oklahoma, you’ll need to complete an Oklahoma notary public application, pay the $25 state application fee, purchase a $1,000 surety bond, and get an official seal or stamp. After you’ve met these requirements, you can submit your application to the Oklahoma Secretary of State for approval.
For all related articles, have a look at our How to Become a Notary page.