Some Guidelines for a Notary in Oklahoma

1.         A notary acts as an official witness to the identity of a person who comes before the notary.  A notary is authorized to witness or attest a signature, administer an oath or affirmation, certify an oath or affirmation, take acknowledgments, and certify or attest a copy.

2.         A notary must provide a notarial seal containing the notary’s name, the words “State of Oklahoma” and “Notary Public”.  An acknowledgment by a notary includes:

               a.      the jurisdiction where signed

               b.      the title “Notary Public”           

               c.      date of expiration                     

               d.      commission number

               e.      official stamp or seal

               f.       official signature

3.         A notary is NOT required to keep any records, but it is recommended by the Secretary of State’s office that a notary maintain a record of all their official acts.  The following information should be kept in the event the notary is ever asked to testify in court:

a.             date of notarial act

b.            type of act

c.             description of the document

d.            signature, printed name and address of each person for whom a notarial act was performed

e.             description of the form of identification provided (i.e. driver’s license or photo identification, such as a passport) or a statement that the person is “personally known” to the notary

f.              the location where notarization was performed

g.             the amount of fee charged, if any

h.             personal notes

4.                  A notary identifies a signer by examining the identification presented by that person and comparing the signature the person has made on the document with the signature on the identification OR by personal knowledge.  It is also considered sufficient identification if, under oath, a credible witness personally known to the notary identifies the person.

5.                  A notary cannot notarize his or her own signature.

6.                  A notary is to be an impartial witness.  The law does not forbid a notary from notarizing the signatures of relatives, but if the document became the subject of a court suit, a judge might determine the notary was not an impartial witness.

7.         It is the responsibility and duty of a notary public to know the laws and rules which govern their activities in order to protect them and the public that they serve.  Those laws are found in Oklahoma Statutes, Title 49.

8.        The Secretary of State provides a Notary Public Guide and FAQ's on the Secretary of State website.

If there is any question about performing a notarial act, the notary should contact RUSO General Counsel