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A notary public is an individual commissioned by the state to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths. If you’re interested in becoming a notary public in Oklahoma, here’s what you need to do.
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Introduction
A notary public is an individual commissioned by the state to serve the public as an impartial witness in the taking of acknowledgments, protest of notes and vessels, and in performing other acts allowed by law. In Oklahoma, the Secretary of State is responsible for appointing and commissioning notaries public.
Notaries public must be residents of Oklahoma and at least 18 years of age. They must not have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving dishonesty orbreach of trust. In addition, they must not have had a notary commission revoked in any state for cause within the past 10 years.
What is a Notary Public?
A notary public is an individual commissioned by the state to serve the public as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official fraud-preventing functions related to the signing of important documents. Notaries are most commonly known for verifying the identity of signers, witnessing signatures on documents, and deterring signing under duress or duress. They can also take acknowledgments, administer oaths and affirmations, and certify copies of certain documents.
In Oklahoma, any person 18 years of age or older who is a resident of the state, or who is regularly employed in the state, may apply to become a notary public. There is no education or examination requirement to become a notary in Oklahoma.
The Appointment Process
In Oklahoma, the Secretary of State is responsible for appointing and commissioning notaries public. In order to become a notary in Oklahoma, you must first submit an application to the Secretary of State’s office. The application must be accompanied by a $10 filing fee and a $40 surety bond.
You will also need to have your fingerprints taken at a law enforcement agency. The fingerprints will be sent to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) for a background check. Once your application, bond, and fingerprint results have been received and approved by the Secretary of State’s office, you will be appointed and commissioned as a notary public in Oklahoma.
Duties of a Notary Public
In Oklahoma, a Notary Public is a person commissioned by the Governor to serve the public as an impartial witness in taking acknowledgments, prot///esting notes, administering oaths and affirmations, and in performing other duties authorized by law. The Notary is also authorized to certify copies of documents as true copies provided the originals are properly authenticated.
A Notary’s primary duty is to prevent fraud. To this end, the Notary must:
– Personal knowledge: Insist on meeting the signer in person and establishing the signer’s identity through personal knowledge or positive identification.
– Credible witness: Be certain that the signer understands the document and appears to be acting of his or her own free will. Make sure that any witnesses are credible and present when the document is signed.
– Certificate: Complete the certificate or jurat (statement of oath or affirmation) completely and accurately, using only black ink. Print or type your name beneath your signature on the certificate. If you are a commissioned Oklahoma Notary Public, your name should appear exactly as it does on your commission certificate from the Governor’s office. If you are using a rubber stamp seal, be sure it is clear and legible, contains only your name as it appears on your commission certificate and is affixed in the proper place on the document so that it will not obscure any of the text.
Notary Public Fees
Applicants must pay a $40 filing fee and a $10 notary public bond fee. The fees may be paid by check or money order made payable to the Oklahoma Secretary of State.
Notarizing a Document
When you sign a document as a notary public, you are witnessing the signature of the person who signed the document. The person who signs the document must do so in your presence. You, as the notary, must then sign and date the document and affix your official seal.
If the document is to be used in another state, it may need to be “apostilled” or “authenticated.” Contact the Secretary of State’s office where the document will be used for instructions.
Resignation and Removal
The Secretary of State may suspend or revoke the commission of any notary public who:
· Has had a judgment entered against him or her in any court upon a finding that the notary public committed willful misconduct in the performance of his or her duties as a notary public;
· Has been convicted, whether by plea of guilty or nolo contendere or by verdict, of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude;
· Has had his or her commission revoked in any other state;
· Has made a material misstatement of fact on his or her application for commission as a notary public; or
· Has failed to satisfactorily complete the Notary Public Seminar within one (1) year after the date of initial appointment.
Notary Public Records
Notary publics in Oklahoma are filing officers who witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths. They are appointed by the Governor for a four-year period and may be reappointed to succeeding terms. Notaries publics have the authority to perform these functions throughout the state as long as they remain commissioned.
Documents notarized by a notary public become part of the official records of the state of Oklahoma. The notary public is responsible for maintaining those records, which are open to public inspection during regular business hours.
Notary Public Official Seal
A notary public is a person who witnesses the signing of important documents and verifies the identity of the signer(s). A notary must be impartial and unbiased, and cannot offer legal advice.
In Oklahoma, anyone over the age of 18 who is a resident of the state, and is not currently under any sort of felony conviction, may apply to become a notary public. The applicants must also pass a criminal background check.
You will need to fill out an application, which can be obtained from the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s office. The completed application, along with the $40 filing fee, should be sent to: Notary Section PO Box 53351 Oklahoma City, OK 73152
You will also need to purchase a surety bond in the amount of $10,000. This bond is to protect the public from any losses that might occur as a result of your actions as a notary public.
Once your application has been approved and you have received your bond, you will need to purchase an official seal. This seal will be used on all documents that you notarize.
If you have any questions about becoming a notary public in Oklahoma, or about what your responsibilities are as a notary, you can contact the Notary Section at (405) 521-4277 or by email at [email protected]
Notary Public Journal
A notary public journal is a book in which every notary is required by Oklahoma law to enter every notarial act performed. The journal must be bound and have consecutively numbered pages. A separate journal must be used for each jurisdiction in which the notary acts.
A completed journal entry must contain the following information:
-Notary’s name and commission expiration date;
-Type of notarization performed;
-Date of notarization;
-Signature or mark of the person making the mark, if applicable;
-Title or capacity of person making the signature, if applicable; and
-Fee charged, if any.
Oklahoma Notaries are encouraged but not required to maintain a digital record of their official acts in addition to their paper journal.
