Key Takeaways
- Oregon notaries are commissioned by the Secretary of State
- The primary purpose is to serve as an impartial witness and prevent fraud
- Oregon notaries have statewide jurisdiction
- Commission term is 4 years with a $40 application fee
- Notaries cannot give legal advice or prepare legal documents
Last updated: January 2026
Role of an Oregon Notary Public
An Oregon notary public is a state-commissioned officer who serves as an impartial witness to help prevent fraud in document execution.
What You Are as a Notary
| What You Are | What You Are NOT |
|---|---|
| State-commissioned officer | Government employee |
| Impartial witness | Party to transactions |
| Identity verifier | Legal advisor |
| Fraud preventer | Document preparer |
| Statewide jurisdiction | Limited to one county |
Authorized Notarial Acts in Oregon
Oregon notaries may perform these specific acts:
| Notarial Act | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgments | Verify signer identity and willingness |
| Oaths and affirmations | Administer sworn statements |
| Verifications on oath (jurats) | Certify sworn written statements |
| Signature witnessing | Observe signing of documents |
| Copy certifications | Certify copies (with restrictions) |
What You CANNOT Do
| Prohibited Action | Reason |
|---|---|
| Give legal advice | Unauthorized practice of law |
| Prepare legal documents | Only attorneys may do this |
| Verify document truthfulness | Not your role |
| Notarize without personal appearance | Identity verification required |
| Notarize your own signature | Conflict of interest |
| Notarize if you have interest | Bias prohibited |
Oregon Jurisdiction
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Commissioned by | Oregon Secretary of State |
| Where you may notarize | Anywhere in Oregon |
| Term | 4 years |
| Application fee | $40 |
| Bond required | Yes, $10,000 |
Commission Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years old |
| Residency | Oregon resident OR employed in Oregon |
| Training | Complete free state-approved training |
| Exam | Pass 20-question exam (80%) |
| Background | No felony or fraud convictions in 10 years |
| No prior revocation | Within past 10 years |
On the Exam
Focus on understanding:
- Primary purpose: Impartial witness, fraud prevention
- Jurisdiction: Statewide within Oregon
- Prohibited: Legal advice, self-notarization
- Commission term: 4 years
- Application fee: $40
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Test Your Knowledge
What is the primary purpose of an Oregon notary public?
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Test Your Knowledge
How long is an Oregon notary commission valid?
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Test Your Knowledge
Can an Oregon notary give legal advice about a document being notarized?
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