House Bill No. 2265 amends the current laws regarding notaries public in Oklahoma by introducing new requirements for applicants seeking a notary commission. The bill mandates that applicants must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and have passed an examination administered by the Office of the Oklahoma Secretary of State or an approved entity. Additionally, the bill outlines the necessity for a course of study covering relevant laws, rules, procedures, and ethics related to notarial acts. The bill also specifies the fees associated with applying for both new and renewal commissions.

Furthermore, the bill establishes requirements for notaries to maintain a journal documenting all notarial acts performed. This journal must be retained for ten years and can be in either a tangible or electronic format, with specific criteria for each. The bill details the information that must be recorded in the journal, including the date and time of the act, a description of the record, and identification details of the individuals involved. In cases of loss or theft of the journal, notaries are required to notify the Secretary of State promptly. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.