Ways an Oklahoma State Notary Public Seal is Used
During your four-year commission as a notary, you will have to use your authority and your Oklahoma Notary Public stamp and seal in several ways. Notaries in the state are considered to be official witnesses and can use their powers to:
- Attest a signature
- Administer an oath or affirmation
- Certify or attest a copy
- Take acknowledgements
With spoken oaths or statements and official documents, the notary will use the Oklahoma Notary Public stamp and seal to mark each and every transaction conducted in their official capacity. Like many states, a notary for Oklahoma must apply for their commission after passing the state exam. They have to obtain a surety bond and file that along with the application and swear an oath too.
Only when all of those steps have been successfully completed is the individual given a commission and can begin using the Oklahoma Notary Public stamp and seal accordingly.
The Design Requirements and Guidelines for Your Seal
As is the case with almost all states requiring the use of a seal, the Oklahoma Notary Public stamp and seal must be designed and crafted according to specific guidelines. If the device is not made according to the laws, it is not an authorized or valid seal.
An Oklahoma Notary Public stamp and seal must:- Be a metal embosser seal OR an appropriately designed rubber stamp
- Feature a line of text indicating "Notary Public"
- Feature a line of text indicating "State of Oklahoma"
- Display the name of the notary (the one they are commissioned with)
- Display the current expiration date for the notary
- May display the commission number, but it is not mandatory
Unlike many other states, however, the Oklahoma Notary Public stamp and seal does not have a mandatory shape or size. It can be rectangular or round. It can feature a border or not. The main point is that the Oklahoma Notary Public stamp and seal must be legible based on the format. In other words, if the Oklahoma Notary Public stamp and seal is a metal embosser type, it must clearly display all of the data specified. If the Oklahoma Notary Public stamp and seal is a stamp, it must be sharply printed and easily read as well. Both types of seals or stamps must also reproduce clearly.
It is interesting to note the rules across the US regarding journals or ledgers for notaries. In some states the notaries are obliged to keep precise records of their actions and even submit the original ledger at the time they allow their commission to expire. In Oklahoma, the notary is not obliged to keep such records of each instance in which they use the Oklahoma Notary Public stamp and seal. However, a clear track record of activities is strongly recommended by the Secretary of the State.
Also, when using your stamp or seal, be certain that the correct expiration date appears. In Oklahoma, commissions last for four years and must then be renewed. This process of renewal takes up to 60 days, so it is best to submit the appropriate documentation and order the new seal or stamp (indicating the correct expiration date) ahead of time.
There are many firms offering stamps and seals, but it is wise to work only with those long experienced in making them. They understand the state requirements, have all of the appropriate graphics, and will craft seals and stamps that can perform consistently over the entire course of your commission as a notary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Oklahoma notary public stamp and seal requirements?
An Oklahoma notary stamp or seal must include the words “Notary Public” and “State of Oklahoma,” the notary’s commissioned name, and the current expiration date. It may also include the commission number, but that is optional. The seal can be either a metal embosser or a rubber stamp, as long as it is clear and legible.
Does an Oklahoma notary seal have to be round or rectangular?
No. Oklahoma does not require a specific shape or size for a notary seal. It can be round or rectangular, and it may have a border or not. The key requirement is that all required information must be easy to read and reproduce clearly.
What information must appear on an Oklahoma notary stamp?
The stamp should display the notary’s commissioned name, “Notary Public,” “State of Oklahoma,” and the expiration date of the commission. A commission number may be included, but it is not required by Oklahoma law.
Can I use an embosser instead of an ink stamp in Oklahoma?
Yes. Oklahoma allows either a metal embosser seal or a properly designed rubber stamp. Whichever type you use, it must reproduce clearly and remain legible on the document.
How often do I need to renew my Oklahoma notary stamp and seal?
Oklahoma notary commissions last four years. Before your commission expires, you should begin the renewal process and order a new stamp or seal showing the correct expiration date. Renewal can take up to 60 days, so it is best to plan ahead.
Do Oklahoma notaries have to keep a journal of notarial acts?
Oklahoma does not require notaries to keep a journal for every notarization, but maintaining a detailed record is strongly recommended by the Secretary of State. A journal can help you track notarizations and support your work if questions ever arise about a transaction.
