Short answer

To apply for probate appointment and to take the required oath in Oklahoma you will generally file: the original will (if any), a certified death certificate, a probate application or petition for appointment of personal representative, an oath or affidavit of personal representative, a list of heirs/beneficiaries (or information for notice), and any required bond documentation or requests to waive bond. The court will also require filing fees and you will usually need to provide notice to interested persons. Specific forms, timing, and bond requirements vary by county and by whether the estate qualifies for simplified procedures.

Detailed answer — what each document is and why the court needs it

Below is a step‑by‑step list of the typical documents courts expect when someone asks the probate court in Oklahoma to appoint a personal representative and to accept that persons oath to administer the estate.

1. Certified death certificate.

   The court needs proof the decedent has died. Most counties require an official certified death certificate (not a photocopy).

2. Original will (if one exists).

   If the decedent left a will, file the original will with the probate petition so the court can admit it to probate and determine who the nominated personal representative is. If you cannot find the original, be prepared to explain and provide an affidavit describing efforts to locate it.

3. Application or petition for probate / appointment of personal representative.

   This document asks the court to open probate, admit the will (if any), and appoint a personal representative. The petition generally describes the decedent, the date and place of death, whether a will exists, the proposed representative, and who the heirs or beneficiaries are. Oklahomas probate statutes and local court rules set form and content requirements; see Title 58, Oklahoma Statutes (Probate Code) for governing rules: https://www.oklegislature.gov/osstatuestitle.html?title=58.

4. Oath of personal representative.

   Before acting, the appointed representative must take an oath to faithfully perform duties. Many counties provide a standard oath form. The oath is filed with the court and often administered at the appointment hearing or filed immediately after appointment.

5. Bond or waiver of bond.

   Some estates require the personal representative to post a bond (a financial guarantee). The will may direct that bond be waived or fixed at a certain amount. If the will waives bond, include that provision from the will and a petition to waive bond. If the court orders a bond, file the surety bond or a waiver if bond is not required.

6. Notice / list of heirs and beneficiaries.

   The court must give notice to certain people (heirs, devisees, beneficiaries, creditors in some cases). Provide a list with current addresses so the clerk can issue notices. In intestate cases (no will) the probate petition must identify heirs at law.

7. Inventory / appraisement (filed after appointment).

   After appointment, the representative usually must prepare and file an inventory or an accounting of the estates assets within the deadlines set by statute and local rules. This is not always filed with the initial application but is an early post‑appointment requirement.

8. Affidavits or waivers from other nominees (if applicable).

   If another nominated or priority person declines appointment, a formal renunciation or affidavit may be required so the court can appoint the next person in priority.

9. Small estate documents (if estate qualifies).

   Oklahoma offers simplified procedures for small estates. If the estate falls under the small estate threshold, use the appropriate small estate affidavit or summary probate form instead of full administration. Check local rules and statutes to confirm eligibility.

10. Filing fee and identification.

    Include the required filing fee (amount varies by county) and the representatives ID as required by the clerk.

For the precise statutory framework, review Oklahomas Probate Code at Title 58 of the Oklahoma Statutes: https://www.oklegislature.gov/osstatuestitle.html?title=58. County court clerks or local probate courts can provide the exact forms used in that county.

Typical timeline and practical steps (example)

Hypothetical: Jane, the decedent, died leaving a will that names her son Mark as executor. Marks steps would typically look like this:

1. Obtain a certified death certificate from the funeral home or vital records office.
2. Locate and bring the original will to the county court clerk.
3. Prepare and file the petition for probate/appointment and pay the filing fee.
4. File the oath form and either file a bond or file the will provision waiving bond (if applicable).
5. Serve or file notice to beneficiaries and heirs as required by the court.
6. Attend the appointment hearing (if the court schedules one) and take the oath at the hearing or immediately after appointment.
   
   After appointment, prepare the inventory and handle creditor notice/claims deadlines.

Helpful hints for a smoother filing

• Contact the county probate clerk before filing to confirm local forms, filing fees, and whether the court requires an appointment hearing.
• Bring the original will; courts will not admit copies without a clear record explaining the originals absence.
• Collect full names and current addresses for heirs and beneficiaries before filing to avoid delays in serving notice.
• Check whether the will waives bond; if it does, file the will provision and request waiver to avoid posting a bond.
• If the estate is small, ask the clerk whether a small estate affidavit or simplified probate procedure applies.
• Keep a copy of every document you file and note the courts deadlines for the inventory, claims, and accounting.
• If multiple persons may claim appointment, consider obtaining written renunciations or consents to speed appointment.
• When in doubt, consult an attorney for complex assets, out‑of‑state property, tax issues, or creditor disputes.

Where to find forms and statutes

Oklahoma probate statutes are in Title 58 of the Oklahoma Statutes: https://www.oklegislature.gov/osstatuestitle.html?title=58. For county‑specific forms and fee amounts, contact the county court clerk where the decedent lived when they died or where most estate property is located. Many courts post probate forms online.