What Steps Must One Take to Become an Oklahoma State Notary Public?
Performing the duties of a notary in Oklahoma is not a complicated job, but there are some fundamental steps and essential Oklahoma notary supplies necessary for you to do the work properly. It has to all begin with the application for a commission that you must send to the Oklahoma secretary of state.
This application includes a form of oath of office and before you submit it, one of the first of your Oklahoma notary supplies is what is known as a surety or notary bond. For this state, it has to be in the amount of $1000 and you must have sworn proof of its existence before you will be awarded a commission.
What Will My Official Stamp Look Like?
Once you have the commission, which many view as the key of all Oklahoma notary supplies, you will receive your Notary Certificate, and with that you can (and must) obtain your official notary seal. This is at the top of the list of essential Oklahoma notary supplies and it must be created to meet the state's guidelines. That means that it must:
- Be an embosser or a rubber stamp
- It must feature your name as it appears on your commission
- It must spell out the name of the state as "State of Oklahoma"
- It must give your title as "Notary Public"
- It should display the date that your current commission expires
- It can be either round or rectangular, but there are not size requirements (generally 1.5" diameter for circular seals and 1" x 2.5" for rectangular are adequate)
Note that your commission number can appear, but it is not recommended that you make this widely known.
Also, remember that any seal has to be photographically reproducible so choose your style of seal based on this specific need as well.
Is this all you require in terms of Oklahoma notary supplies? No, unlike many other states, Oklahoma demands that their notaries use journals as part of their mandatory Oklahoma notary supplies. However, you are not required to track every single action you perform. Instead, the state guidelines demand that you maintain a log of all absentee ballot affidavits (for at least two years after an election) and also that you record all protests noted for banks (and you can leave those records with the bank if desired).
What Sort of Duties Will I Perform as an Oklahoma Notary?
However, if you keep journals among your Oklahoma notary supplies, it may be wise to just document each action you perform. The use of individual journals for the required records is wise, but also purchase general registers with the rest of your Oklahoma notary supplies to document the other duties.
After all, your list of sworn duties to be performed during your four-year term will include:
- Executing protests
- Certifying copies
- Attesting to copies
- Witnessing and/or attesting signatures
- Administering oaths
- Administering affirmations
- Taking verifications upon oath or affirmation
- Taking acknowledgements and/or proofs
That list represents a lot of responsibility, and though you do have a surety bond in place, it may be wise to backup all of your information with written records of each official action you performed. One extra journal among your Oklahoma notary supplies is not inconvenient and may prove extremely useful.
Your Oklahoma notary supplies will have to last you through the many years of your commission. Whether you remain a notary for the initial four years or you keep renewing it every time it expires, you will always need reliable Oklahoma notary supplies. From the journals and registers required by the state to the embosser or rubber stamps that will be your official mark, your Oklahoma notary supplies need to perform well.
Though you will have to buy a new seal each time you receive a new commission (with a new expiration date) and whenever you might change your name, the seal you use has to print clearly and sharply. That means obtaining it from a firm with experience in making such seals. They will be able to provide the ideal tools and Oklahoma notary supplies for doing your sworn duty, and always with the kind of professionalism that you will want to display during such important work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Oklahoma notary supplies do I need to become a commissioned notary public?
You will typically need a $1,000 surety bond, your official Oklahoma notary stamp or seal, and a notary journal or record book for required entries. It’s also smart to have durable, compliant supplies that can last through your commission term.
What must an Oklahoma notary stamp include?
Your Oklahoma notary stamp must show your name exactly as it appears on your commission, the words “State of Oklahoma,” your title “Notary Public,” and the expiration date of your current commission. It can be round or rectangular and must be clear and photographically reproducible.
Do Oklahoma notaries have to keep a journal?
Yes, Oklahoma requires notaries to maintain journals for certain official acts, including absentee ballot affidavits and bank protests. While not every notarization must be recorded by law, keeping a complete journal is a smart best practice for protection and recordkeeping.
Should I choose an embosser or a rubber stamp for my Oklahoma notary seal?
Either an embosser or a rubber stamp can be used, as long as it meets Oklahoma’s state requirements. A rubber stamp is often preferred because it produces a cleaner, more legible impression and is easier to reproduce on documents.
How often do I need to replace my Oklahoma notary seal?
You need a new seal each time you renew your commission because the expiration date changes. You will also need to replace your seal if you legally change your name or if your current stamp becomes damaged or unreadable.
What should I look for when buying Oklahoma notary supplies?
Look for supplies that are state-compliant, durable, portable, and easy to read. A quality Oklahoma notary stamp, reliable journal, and dependable accessories will help you work professionally and stay compliant throughout your commission.
