Detailed Answer — step-by-step

When someone dies owning property or having legal ties to Oklahoma, the original will generally must be submitted to the probate court in the Oklahoma county where the decedent was domiciled (lived) at the time of death. If you live out of state, follow these steps to make sure the original will is properly filed and the probate process can start.

1. Identify the correct court

Determine the county where the decedent was legally domiciled when they died. That county’s district court (probate department) or county court handles probate filings. If the decedent lived outside Oklahoma but owned real estate or other probate assets in Oklahoma, you may need to open an ancillary probate in the Oklahoma county where those assets are located.

For Oklahoma probate law and statute references, see Title 58, Wills and Administration: https://www.oklegislature.gov/os/statutes/title58_os.html.

2. Gather required documents

• Original will (the document signed by the deceased). Do not send a photocopy unless the original is lost — an original is required.
• Certified copy of the decedent’s death certificate.
• Your photo ID and contact information, and any identification for other interested parties (heirs, beneficiaries).
• Any self-proving affidavit attached to the will (a notarized statement by witnesses that often avoids witness testimony).
• If available, a list of assets and a basic inventory (bank accounts, real estate, etc.).

3. Contact the county court clerk before sending anything

Call or email the clerk’s office in the appropriate county. Ask:

• Which office and which address to use for filing an original will from out of state.
• Whether the clerk accepts mailed filings and their preferred mailing method.
• The civil or probate filing fee and acceptable payment methods.
• Whether the court requires an original sealed envelope from a funeral home or attorney, or any special form to accompany the will (some counties ask for a short probate application or cover letter).

4. Choose a secure way to deliver the original will

Options:

• Certified overnight delivery with tracking and required signature (e.g., USPS Registered Mail or a major courier).
• Hand delivery by a local attorney or a trusted person in Oklahoma (this can reduce risk of loss in transit).

Do not place the original will in standard first-class mail without tracking. Keep a dated copy and shipment records.

5. Include a cover letter and filing paperwork

Prepare a short cover letter for the clerk that states your relationship to the decedent, that you are submitting the original will for probate, and your contact information. If the county provides a probate application or petition form for opening probate, complete and include it. Ask the clerk if they need extra copies of the will and the death certificate.

6. Self-proved wills and witnesses

If the will is “self-proved” (the signature and witness statements were notarized while the testator was alive), Oklahoma courts typically accept it without calling witnesses to testify. If the will is not self-proved, the court may require witness testimony to prove the will’s validity. If witnesses live out of state or are unavailable, talk with the court clerk or an attorney about how to supply witness affidavits or arrange testimony.

7. After filing: what to expect

• The clerk will stamp the will as filed and usually return the original or a certified copy to the person who filed it (procedures vary by county). Ask in advance whether the court keeps the original in its permanent record or returns it to you. Some courts retain the original and provide certified copies for estate administration.
• The court will set any required hearings and notify interested parties as required by statute.
• If you are named executor (personal representative) and plan to act, you will usually file an application to be appointed and take an oath before you can act for the estate. You can be appointed even if you live out of state, but some practical matters (like managing Oklahoma real estate) may make it helpful to retain local representation.

8. If the original will is lost or cannot be found

If the original will is missing, you can petition the court to admit a copy and present evidence of the original’s contents and the circumstances of its loss or destruction. Courts will evaluate such petitions carefully. Contact the county clerk or a probate attorney in Oklahoma for specific guidance.

9. Consider hiring an Oklahoma probate attorney

An Oklahoma attorney can:

• File the will and any required probate petition for you.
• Appear in court on your behalf for hearings.
• Help arrange witness affidavits, bond issues, inventory of estate assets, and other local requirements.

Practical timeline and costs

Timelines vary by county. Filing a will and opening a probate estate can take from a few weeks (for straightforward, uncontested matters) to many months if complications arise. Fees include the court filing fee and possible attorney fees. Check the county court’s website or call the clerk’s office for up-to-date filing fees.

Helpful Hints

• Call the county clerk first—procedures differ by county. The clerk can tell you exactly what to include and how the court prefers to receive original wills.
• Use a tracked, insured delivery service that requires a signature when mailing an original will.
• Keep at least one dated photocopy of the original will and of all materials you send. Note the tracking number and delivery date.
• If you expect a court to keep the original, request certified copies for bank and title companies you will be working with for estate administration.
• If you are named personal representative but live out of state, consider appointing a local co-representative or hiring a local attorney to handle in-state matters like real estate transfers or court appearances.
• If witnesses are needed to prove the will, get written affidavits from them if they cannot appear in Oklahoma.
• If immediate action is required (for example, for funeral or property protection), consult counsel promptly to arrange emergency filings or temporary orders.
• Research county forms online before you mail anything. Many Oklahoma counties post probate forms and instructions on their court or clerk websites.