Bill > HB2265

This bill introduces several key changes to the requirements and procedures for notaries public in Oklahoma. First, it establishes a new examination requirement for individuals seeking a notary commission, mandating that applicants must pass a test administered by the Secretary of State or an approved entity. The examination will be based on a course of study covering laws, rules, procedures, and ethics related to notarial acts. The bill also introduces detailed journal-keeping requirements for notaries, stipulating that they must maintain a comprehensive record of their notarial acts, either in a physical bound register or in a tamper-evident electronic format. The journal must include specific details about each notarial act, such as date, time, type of act, individuals involved, and method of identification. Notaries will be required to retain these journals for ten years and have specific obligations if the journal is lost, stolen, or in the event of the notary's resignation or death. The bill maintains existing provisions about notary eligibility, including age and citizenship requirements, and keeps the current fee structure for obtaining and renewing a notary commission. The new requirements will become effective on November 1, 2025, giving notaries and aspiring notaries ample time to prepare for the new regulations.

Government Affairs, Justice

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2265&Session=2600