House Bill No. 2265 amends 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 establishes a course of study covering relevant laws, rules, procedures, and ethics for notarial acts. It also specifies the fees associated with applying for new or renewed notary commissions.

Furthermore, the bill requires notaries public to maintain a journal documenting all notarial acts performed, which must be retained for ten years after the last recorded act. The journal can be in either a tangible or electronic format, with specific criteria for each. Notaries must make contemporaneous entries in the journal, including details such as the date and time of the act, the individuals involved, and any identification credentials presented. In cases of loss or theft of the journal, notaries are required to notify the Secretary of State promptly. The bill is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.