Key Takeaways
- The Secretary of State may deny, revoke, suspend, or condition a notary commission
- Felony or fraud-related convictions are grounds for discipline
- Failure to comply with notary laws or rules is grounds for action
- False statements in the application can result in revocation
- Commission revocation in another state is grounds for Oregon discipline
Last updated: January 2026
Grounds for Discipline
Under ORS 194.340, the Secretary of State has authority to take disciplinary action against notary commissions.
Types of Disciplinary Action
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Denial | Refusing to issue a commission |
| Revocation | Terminating an existing commission |
| Suspension | Temporarily halting commission |
| Conditioning | Adding restrictions to commission |
Grounds for Disciplinary Action
The Secretary of State may take action for:
1. Failure to Comply with Law
| Violation Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| ORS Chapter 194 | Notary laws |
| SOS rules | Administrative regulations |
| Federal law | Related to notary duties |
| State law | Any related laws |
2. Application Fraud
- Fraudulent statements in application
- Dishonest information
- Deceitful omissions
- Misrepresentations
3. Criminal Convictions
| Conviction Type | Effect |
|---|---|
| Any felony | Grounds for action |
| Crime involving fraud | Grounds for action |
| Crime involving dishonesty | Grounds for action |
| Crime involving deceit | Grounds for action |
4. False Advertising
Using false or misleading advertising about:
- Powers the notary has
- Qualifications
- Rights or privileges
- Including implying immigration powers
5. Other State Discipline
| Other State Action | Oregon Effect |
|---|---|
| Commission denied | Grounds for denial |
| Commission revoked | Grounds for revocation |
| Commission suspended | Grounds for suspension |
| Commission conditioned | Grounds for conditioning |
6. False Certificate
Executing any notarial certificate containing:
- Statements known to be false
- Inaccurate information knowingly included
- Fabricated facts
Loss of Qualification
A notary who no longer meets the qualifications required under ORS 194.315 is subject to revocation:
- Moving out of Oregon (and not employed in Oregon)
- New felony or fraud conviction
- Other disqualifying events
On the Exam
- Types of action: Deny, revoke, suspend, condition
- Criminal convictions: Felony or fraud-related
- False statements: In application or certificates
- Other state action: Affects Oregon commission
Test Your Knowledge
Which of the following is grounds for revoking an Oregon notary commission?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
If your notary commission is revoked in another state, what effect can this have on your Oregon commission?
A
B
C
D