Quick Facts
Commission Term
4 years
Bond
Not required
Application Fee
$40
Issuing Authority
Oregon Secretary of State
Journal
Required
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes Oregon distinctive
- Oregon does not permit remote online notarization (RON), unlike the majority of states that have authorized it.
- Oregon does not require a notary bond, unlike the 28 states that do.
- Oregon requires a notary journal for every official act — only 17 of 50 states do.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Not Available
Oregon does not currently authorize remote online notarization.
Key Considerations
- Uniform Law on Notarial Acts - Oregon adopted version of Uniform Law
- Training Required as of January 1, 2025 - UNIQUE: All applicants must complete notary training course within 6 months before application (new requirement effective 2025)
- 3-Year Expired ID Rule - Accepts government-issued IDs current OR expired not more than 3 years (generous expired ID acceptance)
- No Bond Required - Oregon does not require surety bonds for notaries (optional E&O insurance available)
- Mandatory Journal - At minimum all acknowledgments and witnessing signatures must be recorded; best practice to record all notarial acts; 10-year retention
Regulatory Authority
Oregon Secretary of State - Notary Division
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
ORS 194.210
Notarial acts
ORS 194.220
Requirements for certain notarial acts
ORS 194.230
Qualifications for notary public commission
ORS 194.235
Personal appearance required - Identity verification
ORS 194.240
Application for commission
ORS 194.260
Official stamp
ORS 194.270
Noting protest
ORS 194.277
Notarial acts for remotely located individuals
ORS 194.280
Certificate of notarial act
ORS 194.285
Short form certificates
ORS 194.300
Journal
ORS 194.350
Prohibited acts
ORS 194.400
Fees for notarial acts
ORS 106.120
Who may solemnize marriages (notaries not included)
OAR 160-100-0400
Maximum Amount of Notary Fees Permitted to be Charged
ORS 194.170
Oregon Notary Renewal Education
Continuing education requirement for notary commission renewal, effective January 1, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Oregon?
A Oregon notary public commission is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Oregon Secretary of State - Notary Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Oregon?
Oregon charges $40 as the application fee to the Oregon Secretary of State - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Oregon require a notary bond?
No. Oregon does not require a surety bond as part of the notary commission. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and may still be advisable for protection against personal liability.
Is a notary journal required in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon requires a notary journal for every official act. The journal is a permanent record subject to inspection by the Oregon Secretary of State - Notary Division and must be retained for the period specified in state law.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon notaries must affix an official seal or stamp to every notarial act they perform. The seal must be obtained from an authorized vendor and meet the format requirements set by the Oregon Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Can Oregon notaries perform remote online notarizations?
No. Oregon does not currently authorize remote online notarization. In-person notarization remains the only recognized method, though state law in this area changes rapidly — verify with the Oregon Secretary of State - Notary Division before declining a remote request.
What identity verification methods can Oregon notaries use?
Oregon notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge, Government-Issued ID, and Credible Witness. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does Oregon cap notary fees?
Yes. Oregon sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Maximum $10.00 per traditional notarial act; maximum $25.00 per remote online notarization (per OAR 160-100-0400); travel fees allowed by prior agreement with client; notaries must display or present fee schedule upon request; notary may charge less or nothing
Who regulates notaries in Oregon?
Oregon notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Oregon Secretary of State - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
What notarial acts can Oregon notaries perform?
Oregon notaries are authorized to perform 10 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in Oregon?
Start your application through the Oregon Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Related Articles
Notary Fees by State Guide
Comprehensive comparison of statutory fee caps across all 50 states, including travel surcharges, electronic notarization premiums, and pro-bono guidance.
Notary Journal Requirements by State
When a journal is legally required versus advisory, what must be recorded, retention periods, and how to handle subpoenas of journal entries.
Notary Acknowledgments: 50-State Guide
Authoritative reference for acknowledgment certificate language across all 50 states, including short-form versus long-form requirements.
Get the Full Oregon Compliance Guide
Step-by-step notarization guides with legal citations, fee schedules, and certificate templates.
Free during beta. No credit card required.