As of January 1, 2020, Oklahoma Notaries may register to perform remote online notarizations (RONs). Oklahoma residents interested in becoming an online Notary must complete the process below:
- Hold an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Choose the RON technology vendor you plan to use.
- File a Remote Online Notarization Application. Include specific information about the RON platform you selected.
- Pay the $25 fee via the OK Secretary of State website.
- Receive written authorization from the Secretary of State to perform remote notarizations.
In This Guide: Oklahoma RON Requirements | About RON in Oklahoma | Additional FAQs
Requirements to be a Remote Notary in Oklahoma
Before you apply to become a remote online Notary in Oklahoma, you must hold an existing commission as a traditional Notary in the Sooner State. Traditional Notaries must be at least 18 years old, be able to read and write English and a legal resident of Oklahoma or an out-of-state resident who is employed in Oklahoma with no felony convictions.
Does OK require training or an exam for online Notaries?
No, Oklahoma does not require training or an exam to apply for your online Notary authorization. Once you complete an application, pay the fee and choose a RON technology vendor, you must wait to receive authorization from the Secretary of State before performing remote online notarizations.
What tools and technology do I need to perform online notarizations in Oklahoma?
Virtual Notaries in Oklahoma will need a computer, webcam, microphone and secure connection to the internet. Your computer must be able to support two-way audio and visual communication in order to perform RON services. You're required to contract with a RON provider that meets state requirements, such as BlueNotary, Cyberize It, DocuSign, DocVerify, Notarize, NotaryCam, Pavaso, Safedocs and SIGNiX.
Additional remote Notary supplies include your digital certificate containing your electronic signature, an electronic seal and an electronic journal. Electronic journals must be retained for at least 10 years.
Do I need another surety bond?
No, you do not need an additional bond to perform remote Notary acts in Oklahoma. However, you must maintain the $1,000 surety bond required for your traditional commission.
Is an E&O insurance policy required for Oklahoma?
No, errors and omissions (E&O) is not required, but it is highly recommended. This insurance helps protect you, the Notary, if you make an honest mistake or a false claim is filed against you.
About Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Oklahoma
Not sure what online notarization is, or how it works? We have you covered. Here is what Notaries and signers should know about Oklahoma RONs.
Does Oklahoma allow remote notarization?
Yes, the "Remote Online Notary Act" went into effect on January 1, 2020. This law authorizes OK remote Notaries to perform online notarizations for signers located anywhere in the world; however, the Notary must be physically located in Oklahoma during the notarial act.
How do remote online notarizations work in Oklahoma?
In online notarizations, the signer personally appears before the Notary Public in real-time using audio-video technology. If there isn't satisfactory evidence of the signer's identity through personal knowledge or an oath of affirmation from a credible witness, multi-factor authentication is used. This includes remote presentation of a government-issued ID that contains a photo and signature of the signer, credential analysis, and identity proofing methods, which are provided by the RON technology platform.
Once the remote Notary verifies the signer's identity, they complete the notarization with the attachment of an electronic Notary seal and a digital certificate. Again, the Notary must be physically located in Oklahoma at the time of notarization, but the signer may be located outside of the state.
What notarial acts can be performed virtually in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma does not specify which acts can or cannot be performed. However, common types of notarial acts that can be performed remotely include:
- Taking an acknowledgment
- Witnessing or attesting a signature
- Administering an oath or affirmation
How long does a remote notarization take versus traditional notarization?
Depending on the type of notarial act and the RON platform you choose, it can take just a few minutes to complete a remote notarization. RON usually takes less time than traditional notarization because it doesn't require any travel.
Additional RON FAQs
Need more information about providing RON services in Oklahoma? Here are answers to several common questions.
How much does it cost to register as a remote Notary?
The cost of becoming a remote online Notary in Oklahoma ranges from below $100 to a few hundred dollars, depending on a variety of factors. All applicants need to pay the state's $25 fee and any sign-up fees from their chosen RON provider. Digital supplies like the eSeal and digital certificate are another expense to factor into your startup costs. You may also have to purchase a computer, webcam, microphone and secure internet service.
How much can OK remote Notaries charge for their services?
Online Notaries in Oklahoma may charge up to $25 per notarization.
How long does it take to become a Virtual Notary in Oklahoma?
It can take up to 12 weeks to become an OK online Notary. Up to 10 of those weeks will be spent on the first step of the registration process: becoming a traditional Notary.
Once the Secretary of State approves your traditional commission, you will have 60 days to submit your $1,000 bond, oath of office and loyalty oath, seal impression, official signature, $10 bond filing fee, and $25 application fee. Then, you can submit your Remote Online Notary application and the additional $25 fee online.
How long will my remote Notary commission last?
Oklahoma's remote online Notary commission runs concurrently with your traditional Notary Public commission, meaning both will expire on the same day, regardless of when you received your online Notary commission. You may renew your traditional Notary commission six weeks prior to your expiration date and reapply for your online Notary authorization at the same time, but you may not reapply to become an online Notary without your traditional commission.
Can I switch RON technology providers?
Oklahoma remote Notaries must inform the Secretary of State if they decide to use a RON provider that was not listed on their initial application. Simply fill out a Notary Information Update on the SOS website and provide the name, address and website of the new platform.
Will RON services grow my OK Notary business?
Yes, offering RON services can help you grow your Notary business because your customer base will no longer be limited to Oklahoma residents. You may notarize for signers outside of the state border as long as you're physically located in Oklahoma at the time of notarization. You may also be able to complete more assignments on any given day since RON assignments usually take less time than traditional notarizations.
Another way to grow your Notary business is to become a certified Notary Signing Agent (NSA). Getting your NSA certification makes you eligible to receive more RON assignments. It also assures RON providers that you've passed a current background screening.
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Last updated: June 21, 2023