AnalysisUnder House Bill 3244, unlawful possession of a Notary seal with fraudulent intent constitutes identity theft. The Notary seal is listed as item 51 in Section 1533.1(A)’s enumerated list of personal identifying information. The penalties escalate based on the number of convictions and aggravating factors. The first two convictions are Class D1 felonies punishable by imprisonment of various lengths or a fine up to $100,000, or both. For the third or subsequent conviction, it is a felony punishable by not less than 10 or more than 15 years.
The NNA applauds Oklahoma for taking unlawful Notary seal possession so seriously, because the consequences can be severe for both defrauded consumers and Notaries whose seals are fraudulently used.
Read House Bill 3244.