How to Become a Notary Public in Oklahoma
Oklahoma does not require an exam or education course to become a notary public. The state has a straightforward application process through the Oklahoma Secretary of State. With a relatively low bond requirement and 4-year commission term, Oklahoma makes it accessible for qualified applicants to begin their notary career.
Oklahoma Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Residency | Oklahoma resident OR bordering state resident employed in Oklahoma |
| Exam Required | No |
| Education Required | No |
| Surety Bond | $1,000 |
| Commission Term | 4 years |
| Application Fee | $25 (new) / $20 (renewal) |
Why Become an Oklahoma Notary?
- No exam or education required - Simple application process
- Low bond requirement - Only $1,000 surety bond needed
- Statewide commission - Serve clients across all 77 Oklahoma counties
- Remote notarization - Oklahoma allows Remote Online Notarization (RON)
- Border state flexibility - Residents of bordering states who work in Oklahoma can apply
- Growing demand - Oil & gas, real estate, and legal industries need notaries
Explore More Notary Resources
Looking for notary study materials or guides for other states? Check out our comprehensive resources.
View All Notary Exam Prep Resources
Step-by-Step: How to Become an Oklahoma Notary
Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
To become an Oklahoma notary public, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of Oklahoma OR a resident of a bordering state (Texas, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arkansas, Missouri) who is regularly employed in Oklahoma
- Be able to read and write English
- Have no felony convictions
Step 2: Obtain Your Surety Bond
You must obtain a $1,000 surety bond before submitting your application.
- Bond Amount: $1,000
- Bond Term: 4 years (matches commission term)
- Typical Cost: $35-$55 for the 4-year term
- Provider: Must be from a state-authorized surety company
- Filing: Must be filed with the Secretary of State within 60 days of receiving your commission
The bond protects the public from potential errors or misconduct during notarial acts.
Step 3: Submit Application to Secretary of State
Submit your application to the Oklahoma Secretary of State:
- Complete the Application for Appointment as Notary Public online or by mail
- Pay the $25 application fee ($20 for renewals)
- Submit your $1,000 surety bond
- Submit your Oath of Office and Loyalty Oath
- Pay the $10 bond filing fee
Optional: Pay an additional $25 for expedited in-person processing if you want the application processed while you wait.
Online Portal: Applications can be submitted through the Oklahoma Secretary of State's online portal at sos.ok.gov.
Step 4: Take Oath of Office
Once approved:
- Sign your Oath of Office and Loyalty Oath
- These documents must be filed with your surety bond
- Your commission becomes effective upon filing
- Your commission is valid for 4 years
Step 5: Purchase Notary Supplies
After receiving your commission, purchase required supplies:
Official Notary Seal (Required):
- Rubber ink stamp OR embosser
- Must include: Your name, "State of Oklahoma," "Notary Public"
- Must add commission number and expiration date to all notarizations
- Cost: $20-$50
Notary Journal (Recommended but not required for most acts):
- Required for absentee ballot affidavits (retain for 2 years after election)
- Required for bank protests (maintain a register)
- Required for Remote Online Notarization (RON) - maintain for 5 years
- Strongly recommended by the Secretary of State for all notarizations
Oklahoma Notary Fees
| Service | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Any notarial act | $5 |
| Absentee ballot affidavits | No fee allowed |
| Travel fees | Set by notary |
Important Notes:
- No fee may be charged for notarizing official absentee ballot affidavits
- Travel fees are not regulated - notaries set their own rates
Oklahoma-Specific Requirements
Seal Requirements
Your notary seal must contain:
- The words "State of Oklahoma"
- The words "Notary Public"
- Your name as it appears on your commission
Oklahoma law does not specify ink color, shape, or dimensions. The seal may be a metal embossing seal or rubber ink stamp.
Certificate Requirements
Every notarial certificate must include:
- Your commission number
- Your commission expiration date
- Your official seal impression
- Your signature
Record Keeping
While a journal is not required by law for most notarizations, you must maintain records if:
- You notarize absentee ballot affidavits (keep for 2 years after election)
- You note protests for banks (maintain a register)
- You perform Remote Online Notarizations (electronic journal required, retain 5 years)
Recommended journal entries:
- Date and time of notarization
- Type of document
- Signer's name and identification method
- Fee charged (if any)
- Your signature
Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Oklahoma
Oklahoma authorized Remote Online Notarization effective January 1, 2020.
RON Requirements
To perform RON in Oklahoma:
- Hold a valid Oklahoma notary commission
- Apply for RON authorization through the Secretary of State
- Pay the $25 RON application fee (separate from regular notary fees)
- Obtain an approved electronic seal and digital certificate
- Use a state-approved remote notarization platform
RON Bond Requirements
No additional bond is required for RON - your standard $1,000 notary bond covers remote notarizations.
RON Fees
- Application fee: $25
- Maximum fee per RON act: $5 (same as in-person notarizations)
Technology Requirements
- Must use audio-visual communication technology
- Identity verification through knowledge-based authentication (KBA) or credential analysis
- Electronic journal must be maintained for 5 years
- Recordings must be retained per state requirements
Total Cost to Become an Oklahoma Notary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Surety Bond (4 years) | $35-$55 |
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Bond Filing Fee | $10 |
| Notary Seal | $20-$50 |
| Journal (optional) | $15-$30 |
| Total Estimated | $105-$170 |
Optional additions:
- Expedited processing: $25
- RON authorization: $25
Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Obtain bond | Same day (online) |
| Complete application | 1 day |
| Processing time | 1-2 weeks (standard) |
| Expedited processing | Same day (in-person) |
| Total | 1-2 weeks |
Oklahoma Notary Renewal
Renewal Timeline
- Renewal window: Opens 6 weeks before commission expiration
- Renewal fee: $20 (vs $25 for new applications)
- New bond required: Yes, a new 4-year bond must be obtained
Name Changes
If your name changes during your commission term:
- Must notify the Secretary of State
- Submit name change application with $25 fee
- New commission expiration date will be established
- New bond may be required
Start Your Oklahoma Notary Career Today
Oklahoma makes it straightforward to become a notary public with no exam or education requirements. Obtain your $1,000 surety bond, submit your application, and you can be commissioned in as little as 1-2 weeks.