At a Glance

In Oklahoma, charitable organizations must register with the Oklahoma Secretary of State (405-522-2520, sos.ok.gov) before soliciting contributions from state residents. The initial registration fee is $15, with annual renewals also at $15, and the process can be completed online or by mail.

Operating a nonprofit in Oklahoma means understanding the specific rules that govern fundraising activities in the state. Whether you’re just starting your charity registration process or need to update your existing charitable solicitation permits, having the right nonprofit license is essential for legal fundraising. Fortunately, the registration process can be straightforward when you know the steps to follow.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know about registering for charitable solicitation in Oklahoma. From determining if your organization needs to register to gathering required documents and completing the necessary forms, we’ll break down the entire process into manageable steps. Additionally, charitable registration services can help make nonprofit compliance easy if you’re feeling overwhelmed by managing filings across multiple states.

Do You Need to Register for Charitable Solicitation in Oklahoma?

Before launching your fundraising campaign in Oklahoma, understanding the registration requirements is crucial for legal compliance. The Oklahoma Solicitation of Charitable Contributions Act establishes guidelines about which organizations must register with the state.

Types of organizations required to register

Under Oklahoma law, charitable organizations that solicit contributions in the state must register with the Oklahoma Secretary of State (405-522-2520, sos.ok.gov) before soliciting. See the Secretary of State’s Charitable Organizations page for links to file online and forms: Oklahoma Secretary of State.

Both in-state and out-of-state nonprofits that solicit in Oklahoma must comply with these charitable solicitation registration requirements.

When registration is triggered and Attorney General notice requirements

Registration is required before soliciting contributions from Oklahoma residents by any means. In addition, certain charitable organizations are subject to separate notice requirements to the Oklahoma Attorney General under 18 O.S. § 552.24. Specifically, organizations that (1) are required to register, (2) are incorporated/organized or have their principal place of business in Oklahoma or have Oklahoma assets over $500,000, and (3) have solicited in Oklahoma for one year, must provide the Attorney General with notice in connection with specified organizational events (for example, 45 days before a merger, dissolution, or disposition of substantially all charitable assets). See: Attorney General’s Charity Enforcement Unit.

Filing fees with the Secretary of State

Filing fees with the Secretary of State are as follows (see official fee schedule: official fee schedule):

• Application for Registration – Charitable Organization: $15
• Renewal Registration – Charitable Organization: $15
• Amended Registration – Charitable Organization: $15

Your charity registration must be renewed annually to maintain compliance and avoid penalties.

If your organization changes its name, principal office mailing address, or other key registration information, file an amended registration with the Secretary of State. The fee for an amended charitable registration is $15 (see fee schedule above).

Who is exempt from registration in Oklahoma

Oklahoma law provides several exemptions from the charitable solicitation registration requirements. Organizations that often qualify for exemption include:

• Religious organizations engaged in bona fide religious programs, plus organizations they directly operate, supervise, or control
• Certain educational institutions (with faculty and regularly enrolled students offering degree programs) when solicitation is primarily confined to their communities (students, families, alumni, faculty, trustees) and certain affiliated 501(c)(3) organizations
• Fraternal organizations soliciting only from their members, and patriotic and civic organizations when solicitation is confined to membership and managed without paid solicitors
• Individuals soliciting for a named beneficiary under conditions that ensure all contributions go directly to the beneficiary

For exemptions and notice rules, see the Attorney General’s Charity Enforcement Unit: Charity Enforcement Unit.

What Documents Do You Need to Apply?

Preparing the proper documentation is crucial to complete your charitable solicitation registration in Oklahoma. The Secretary of State requires specific documents to verify your nonprofit status and organizational structure.

IRS determination letter or tax-exempt proof

Provide a copy of your IRS determination letter recognizing your organization’s tax-exempt status (for example, under section 501(c)(3)). If newly formed and you do not yet have a determination letter, follow the Secretary of State’s instructions in the charitable organization packet and online filing portal for acceptable evidence. Forms and packets: charity forms and charitable registration.

If you need information about Form 990-series annual filings, see the IRS resources:

• Form 990 resources and tools
• Annual exempt organization returns, notices, and schedules

List of officers and directors

Provide a list containing the name, mailing address, and title/position of each officer and director (and other requested positions) as required by the Secretary of State’s application. See forms: Secretary of State forms.

Form 990 or financial statements

Oklahoma requests a copy of your most recently filed IRS Form 990 (when applicable) with your charitable registration or renewal. See the Secretary of State forms packet and portal at charity forms and charitable registration.

Professional fundraiser attachment (if applicable)

If your solicitation activities will be conducted wholly or partially by professional fundraisers, complete the Professional Fundraiser attachment (Form 101A) with your registration. See the Secretary of State forms: charity forms.

How to Complete and Submit Your Registration

Once you’ve gathered all required documents, complete and submit the Registration Statement of Charitable Organization (SOS Form 101) to the Oklahoma Secretary of State.

How to fill out SOS Form 101

Form 101 requires information about your organization’s identity, purpose, leadership, and fundraising methods. The form must be signed by an authorized officer (for example, the president, chairman, or principal officer). Notarization is not required. See: Harbor Compliance.

Where and how to file (mail or online)

Oklahoma offers multiple filing options for your charitable solicitation registration:

• Online: Online Filing
• Mail: Charitable Organizations Section, Secretary of State, 421 N.W. 13th Street, Suite 210, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73103
• In-Person: Deliver to the Secretary of State’s office

Fees and payment methods

• Application for Registration – Charitable Organization: $15
• Renewal Registration – Charitable Organization: $15
• Amended Registration – Charitable Organization: $15

Make checks payable to “Oklahoma Secretary of State.” If filing online, a 4% credit card processing fee applies (see fee schedule: fee schedule).

After processing, the Secretary may mail a statement of receipt and/or certificate confirming your registration. Registration must be renewed annually.

Using charitable registration services to simplify filing

Given the complexity of multi-state compliance requirements, many nonprofits turn to professional charitable registration services for assistance. Labyrinth, Inc. specializes in nonprofit regulatory guidance and reliable document management. Our teams can prepare and file forms accurately, track renewal deadlines across all jurisdictions, and maintain ongoing compliance so your organization can focus on its mission rather than administrative paperwork.

Labyrinth’s consolidation benefits include one vendor, one invoice, and one portal, which leads to fewer missed notices and faster responses. We also offer a bulk-change program where we discount (sometimes waive) our fees and often cover state fees for volume switches, plus we extend first-year service up to 12 months so clients avoid double-paying overlapping contracts.

If your organization later changes its name, principal office mailing address, or plans to solicit under a different name than listed, file an amended registration. The filing fee for an amended charitable registration is $15 (see fees: fees).

How to Maintain Your Registration

Maintaining compliance with Oklahoma’s charitable solicitation registration requirements doesn’t end after initial filing. Your nonprofit must follow specific renewal and update procedures to continue fundraising legally in the state.

Annual renewal timeline

Charitable organization registrations must be renewed annually. Oklahoma does not send renewal reminders, making deadline tracking essential for maintaining good standing. See: Harbor Compliance.

You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as initial registration.

How to update your registration if details change

File an amended registration to report changes such as:

• Organization name
• Principal office mailing address
• Any other information that must be kept current on your registration

Fee for an amended charitable registration: $15 (fee schedule).

Fees for renewals and amendments

• Renewal fee (charitable organization): $15
• Amended registration fee (charitable organization): $15

Soliciting while unregistered or after a lapse can result in penalties. Keep your registration current to avoid compliance issues and ensure uninterrupted fundraising operations.

What About Professional Fundraisers?

If your nonprofit engages outside help for fundraising, Oklahoma has separate registration and filing requirements for professional fund raisers and professional solicitors.

Disclosure and attachments

If you hire a professional fund raiser, disclose that relationship by completing the Professional Fundraiser attachment (Form 101A) with your organization’s filing. See forms: forms.

Registration and fees (Secretary of State)

Per the Secretary of State fee schedule (fee schedule):

• Professional Fund Raiser registration: $50 (application) and $50 (renewal)
• Professional Fund Raiser change of principal office address or amended registration: $25
• Professional Fund Raiser contract filed with the Secretary of State: $25
• Professional Solicitor registration: $10 (application) and $10 (renewal)

Conclusion

Registering for charitable solicitation in Oklahoma ensures your nonprofit remains compliant with state law while conducting fundraising activities. Throughout this guide, we’ve outlined the essential steps required to properly register your organization, from determining eligibility to gathering documentation and submitting the appropriate forms.

Remember that registration isn’t a one-time task but an ongoing responsibility requiring annual renewals and timely updates whenever significant changes occur. Maintaining accurate records and tracking deadlines across multiple jurisdictions is crucial for uninterrupted fundraising operations.

Many nonprofits find the registration process challenging, especially those operating across multiple states with varying requirements and renewal schedules. Nonprofit registration experts can provide comprehensive compliance solutions as a single trusted partner, reducing administrative burden while ensuring your organization meets all compliance standards. With dedicated specialists managing filings and renewals, your team can focus on advancing your mission rather than navigating complex regulatory requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions