The bill amends existing laws regarding notaries public in Oklahoma, specifically addressing the appointment process, fees, and requirements for notary commissions. It mandates that applicants undergo a national criminal history record check, which will be conducted electronically by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI). The bill also increases the application fees for new and renewal commissions, raising the fees from $25 to $50 for new applications, from $20 to $45 for renewals, and from $25 to $50 for same-day filing services. Additionally, the bond requirement for notaries is increased from $1,000 to $10,000, and the fee for filing the bond with the Secretary of State is raised from $10 to $25.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that a felony conviction will disqualify an individual from obtaining or renewing a notary commission. It also updates statutory language to reflect these changes and clarifies that all notary commissions will be issued in the name of the State of Oklahoma, signed by the Secretary of State, and sealed with the Great Seal. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.