Oklahoma Notary Public Examination — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is Remote Online Notarization (RON) in the context of Oklahoma notary law?

Notarizing electronic documents while the signer appears via live audio-video technology (Correct answer)
Signing documents electronically without a notary
Notarizing documents on behalf of a remote employer
Notarizing documents sent by mail

Correct answer: Notarizing electronic documents while the signer appears via live audio-video technology

RON allows Oklahoma notaries to notarize electronic documents while communicating with the signer through live two-way audio-video technology.

Question 2: What must an Oklahoma notary do upon resignation from their commission?

Destroy all notary supplies and submit written notice
Submit written resignation to the Secretary of State and surrender the commission (Correct answer)
Return the commission certificate to the Secretary of State
No formal action is required

Correct answer: Submit written resignation to the Secretary of State and surrender the commission

A resigning notary must submit written notice of resignation to the Secretary of State and surrender their commission certificate.

Question 3: Which type of Oklahoma notary service typically does NOT involve a fee charged to the signer?

Bank employee notarizations for customers (Correct answer)
Mobile notary for real estate closings
Loan signing agent services
Independent notary public services

Correct answer: Bank employee notarizations for customers

Banks often provide free notarization to account holders as a customer service, with the bank absorbing the cost.

Question 4: An Oklahoma notary notarizes a document for a signer they know is being coerced. What is the notary's proper action?

Refuse to notarize and document the refusal (Correct answer)
Notify the police immediately and then notarize
Ask the coercer to leave and proceed
Proceed if the ID is valid

Correct answer: Refuse to notarize and document the refusal

A notary must refuse to notarize when they have reason to believe the signer is acting under duress or coercion.

Question 5: Who appoints notaries public in Oklahoma?

The Governor of Oklahoma
The Secretary of State (Correct answer)
A county judge
The State Attorney General

Correct answer: The Secretary of State

In Oklahoma, the Secretary of State is responsible for appointing notaries public.

Question 6: How long is a notary public in Oklahoma required to retain their notary journal after the last notarization?

1 year
Indefinitely
3 years
7 years (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 7 years

Oklahoma notary law requires notaries public to retain their notary journal for a minimum of seven years after the date of the last entry. This retention period ensures that a comprehensive record of all notarizations remains accessible for legal purposes, investigations, or audits. Proper journal retention is a critical aspect of a notary's accountability and compliance with state regulations.

Question 7: What information is required to appear on an Oklahoma notary public's official seal?

The notary's name, 'Notary Public,' and the Oklahoma state seal emblem
The notary's name, 'Notary Public,' 'State of Oklahoma,' and commission expiration date (Correct answer)
The notary's name, county of appointment, and 'Notary Public'
The notary's name and commission number only

Correct answer: The notary's name, 'Notary Public,' 'State of Oklahoma,' and commission expiration date

Oklahoma law requires the notary's name, the words 'Notary Public,' 'State of Oklahoma,' and the commission expiration date on the official seal.

Question 8: If a notary public in Oklahoma changes their address, what should they do with their existing notary records?

Update their address with the Secretary of State and move the records to the new address (Correct answer)
Discard the old records and start a new journal
Leave the records at the old address
Transfer the records to another notary

Correct answer: Update their address with the Secretary of State and move the records to the new address

If an Oklahoma notary public changes their address, they are legally required to notify the Oklahoma Secretary of State promptly to update their commission information. Furthermore, they must move their existing notary records, including their journal, to their new address. This ensures continuity of record-keeping and compliance with state regulations, as the records belong to the notary and must be maintained securely.

Question 9: An Oklahoma notary's errors and omissions (E&O) insurance differs from a surety bond in that E&O insurance primarily protects:

The notary from financial losses due to honest mistakes (Correct answer)
The bonding company from claims
The public from notary misconduct
The Secretary of State from liability

Correct answer: The notary from financial losses due to honest mistakes

E&O insurance protects the notary personally from financial liability arising from honest errors, whereas a surety bond protects the public.

Question 10: Can an Oklahoma RON notary notarize documents for signers located outside the United States?

Yes, if the RON platform supports international signers and legal requirements are met (Correct answer)
Only for military personnel overseas
Only if the signer is a U.S. citizen abroad
No, signers must be physically located in Oklahoma

Correct answer: Yes, if the RON platform supports international signers and legal requirements are met

Oklahoma's RON statute generally allows notarizations for signers outside the U.S., provided the platform supports it and applicable legal requirements are satisfied.

Question 11: What must an Oklahoma notary do if their official seal is lost or stolen?

Immediately notify the Oklahoma Secretary of State and obtain a replacement seal (Correct answer)
Wait until their commission expires before addressing the loss
Report the loss only if documents were previously notarized with that seal
Continue notarizing using a handwritten 'SEAL' notation until replaced

Correct answer: Immediately notify the Oklahoma Secretary of State and obtain a replacement seal

A notary whose seal is lost or stolen must notify the Oklahoma Secretary of State and obtain a replacement seal to continue performing valid notarial acts.

Question 12: Which of the following is NOT a required element for a valid notarial act?

The notary's signature
The signer's presence
The notary's seal
The signer's handwriting sample (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The signer's handwriting sample

For a valid notarial act, several elements are required, including the signer's personal presence before the notary, the notary's signature, and the application of the notary's official seal. However, a signer's handwriting sample is not a required element for any standard notarial act. The notary's role is to verify identity and intent, not to analyze handwriting.

Question 13: What must an Oklahoma notary do if they are convicted of a felony during their commission?

Notify only their bonding company
Immediately cease notarial acts and notify the Secretary of State (Correct answer)
Continue performing notarial acts until conviction is appealed
Wait until sentencing before taking any action

Correct answer: Immediately cease notarial acts and notify the Secretary of State

A notary convicted of a felony must immediately stop performing notarial acts and notify the Secretary of State.

Question 14: An Oklahoma notary performing a RON must use which type of signature?

Any digital image of their handwritten signature
An electronic signature and an electronic notary seal (Correct answer)
A wet ink signature scanned and attached
A typed name in lieu of a signature

Correct answer: An electronic signature and an electronic notary seal

RON requires the notary to use an electronic signature and an electronic notary seal that meet the standards set by approved RON platforms.

Question 15: Which notarial certificate is typically used for an affidavit in Oklahoma?

A copy certification
A signature witnessing certificate
An acknowledgment certificate
A jurat certificate (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A jurat certificate

A jurat is the appropriate notarial certificate for an affidavit, as it confirms the affiant was sworn and signed in the notary's presence.

Question 16: What does 'unauthorized practice of law' mean in the context of an Oklahoma notary?

Performing notarizations in a law office
Referring clients to an attorney
Providing legal advice, preparing legal documents, or explaining legal rights for compensation (Correct answer)
Charging fees for notarial services

Correct answer: Providing legal advice, preparing legal documents, or explaining legal rights for compensation

Oklahoma notaries who are not licensed attorneys must not provide legal advice, draft legal documents, or explain legal implications of documents — this constitutes unauthorized practice of law.

Question 17: What is the primary purpose of maintaining a notary journal in Oklahoma?

To document details of each notarization for legal reference (Correct answer)
To have a record of personal notes during notarizations
To store notarized documents
To keep track of payments received for notary services

Correct answer: To document details of each notarization for legal reference

The primary purpose of maintaining a notary journal in Oklahoma is to create a detailed, chronological record of every notarial act performed. This journal serves as a crucial legal reference, documenting essential information like the date, type of act, signer's identity, and document details. It protects both the notary and the public by providing evidence of due diligence and deterring fraud.

Question 18: Which statement about Oklahoma affidavits is TRUE?

An affidavit is a written sworn statement and must be made under oath before an authorized officer (Correct answer)
Affidavits must always be notarized to be valid in court
Affidavits can only be used in civil cases, not criminal proceedings
Affidavits expire after 30 days under Oklahoma law

Correct answer: An affidavit is a written sworn statement and must be made under oath before an authorized officer

An affidavit is by definition a written statement made under oath before an authorized officer such as a notary, making the sworn element essential.

Question 19: Which shapes are permitted for an Oklahoma notary's official seal or stamp?

Circular or rectangular only (Correct answer)
Square or oval only
Circular only
Any shape the notary prefers

Correct answer: Circular or rectangular only

Oklahoma law permits the official notary seal to be either circular or rectangular in shape.

Question 20: What information is typically recorded in a notary journal entry in Oklahoma?

The date, type of document, and signer’s name (Correct answer)
The notary's personal comments on the transaction
Only the date of notarization
The signer’s Social Security number

Correct answer: The date, type of document, and signer’s name

In Oklahoma, a notary journal entry must include specific information to ensure a complete and accurate record of each notarial act. Key details typically recorded include the date and time of notarization, the type of notarial act, the title or type of document, and the name of the signer. This comprehensive record is vital for legal reference and accountability.

Question 21: In Oklahoma, who may administer an oath or affirmation?

Only judges and attorneys
Only court clerks during legal proceedings
Only commissioned military officers
Notaries public, among other authorized officials (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Notaries public, among other authorized officials

Oklahoma notaries public are among the officials authorized to administer oaths and affirmations.

Question 22: What should an Oklahoma notary do if their notary journal is lost or stolen?

Notify the clients who were affected
Notify the Secretary of State immediately and file a police report (Correct answer)
Start a new journal without reporting the loss
Continue notarizations without a journal

Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of State immediately and file a police report

If an Oklahoma notary journal is lost or stolen, the notary public must immediately notify the Oklahoma Secretary of State and file a police report. This prompt action is crucial to document the loss, prevent potential misuse of the journal, and comply with state regulations. Reporting the incident helps protect the notary from liability and ensures the integrity of the notarial process.

Question 23: Which element must an Oklahoma notary's electronic seal include?

The notary's bond amount
The notary's name, state, commission number, and expiration date (Correct answer)
The county of commissioning and bond number
The notary's photograph

Correct answer: The notary's name, state, commission number, and expiration date

An Oklahoma electronic notary seal must include the notary's name, the state, the commission number, and the commission expiration date.

Question 24: What is 'knowledge-based authentication' (KBA) used for in Oklahoma RON?

Training notaries on Oklahoma notary law
Authenticating the notary's identity to the platform
Confirming the document has not been altered
Verifying the signer's identity through dynamic personal questions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Verifying the signer's identity through dynamic personal questions

KBA is an identity verification method that asks the signer personalized questions based on their personal history to confirm their identity remotely.

Question 25: Can a Mobile Notary in Oklahoma notarize a document for a client in another state?

Yes, but only for family members
Yes, if the notary is willing to travel
No, Oklahoma notaries can only notarize within the state of Oklahoma (Correct answer)
Yes, as long as the document pertains to Oklahoma law

Correct answer: No, Oklahoma notaries can only notarize within the state of Oklahoma

An Oklahoma notary public's jurisdiction is strictly limited to the geographical boundaries of the state of Oklahoma. This means they can only perform notarial acts while physically present within Oklahoma. Therefore, an Oklahoma notary cannot legally notarize a document for a client in another state, even if they are willing to travel there.

Question 26: What happens to an Oklahoma notary's RON authorization when their commission expires?

The RON authorization remains valid for 90 days
The notary may continue RON until they register for a new commission
RON is governed federally and is unaffected by state commission expiration
The RON authorization also expires with the commission (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The RON authorization also expires with the commission

A notary's authorization to perform RON is tied to their commission; when the commission expires, RON authority also ends.

Question 27: An Oklahoma notary applicant must be a resident of which jurisdiction?

The county where they work
Oklahoma (Correct answer)
Any U.S. state
Oklahoma or a neighboring state with reciprocity

Correct answer: Oklahoma

Applicants must be residents of Oklahoma to qualify for a notary commission in the state.

Question 28: What is the role of a notary in a jurat?

To provide legal advice
To verify a document copy
To certify that the signer swore or affirmed to the document (Correct answer)
To witness a signature

Correct answer: To certify that the signer swore or affirmed to the document

In a jurat, the notary's role is to certify that the signer personally appeared before them, signed the document in the notary's presence, and swore or affirmed that the contents of the document are true. This notarial act focuses on the truthfulness of the document's content as declared by the signer under oath. The notary ensures the oath or affirmation is properly administered and recorded.

Question 29: Can an Oklahoma notary administer an oath for a verbal deposition?

Yes, notaries are authorized to administer oaths for depositions (Correct answer)
Only with a judge present
Only if the deposition is in a courthouse
No, only court reporters may do this

Correct answer: Yes, notaries are authorized to administer oaths for depositions

Oklahoma notaries are authorized to administer oaths in connection with depositions and other out-of-court proceedings.

Question 30: Where must the notary's surety bond be filed after commissioning in Oklahoma?

District court
County clerk of the notary's county of residence (Correct answer)
Secretary of State's office
State courthouse

Correct answer: County clerk of the notary's county of residence

The surety bond must be filed with the county clerk in the county where the notary resides.

Question 31: An Oklahoma notary is sued because they failed to verify a signer's identity and the document was fraudulent. Under which theory may the notary be liable?

Intentional tort only
Negligence (Correct answer)
Breach of contract
Strict liability

Correct answer: Negligence

Failure to properly verify a signer's identity is a breach of the notary's duty of care, potentially establishing negligence liability.

Oklahoma Notary Public Examination

The Oklahoma Notary Public Examination tests knowledge of Oklahoma notary law and statutes, notarial procedures, identity verification, fraud prevention, record maintenance, electronic and remote online notarization (RON), seal and stamp requirements, and professional ethics as required under Oklahoma HB 2265.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds