Key Takeaways
- Must be 18 and Oregon resident or employed in Oregon
- No felony or fraud-related convictions in past 10 years
- No commission revocation in past 10 years
- Personal appearance required for notarial acts
- Journal keeping is required
Last updated: January 2026
Qualifications and Notarial Acts
Qualifications
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years old |
| Residency | Oregon resident OR employed in Oregon |
| Criminal History | No felony/fraud convictions in 10 years |
| Prior Commission | No revocation in 10 years |
| Training | Complete approved training within 6 months |
Notarial Acts
Oregon notaries may perform:
- Acknowledgments
- Oaths and affirmations
- Verifications on oath
- Signature witnessing
- Copy certifications (with limits)
Journal Requirements
Oregon requires journal keeping:
- Record each notarial act
- Include date, type, signer information
- Retain per state requirements
Prohibited Acts
| Prohibited | Reason |
|---|---|
| Self-notarization | Conflict of interest |
| Financial interest | Bias |
| Legal advice | Unauthorized practice of law |
| Without proper ID | Identity verification required |
On the Exam
- 10-year rule: No felony/fraud or revocation
- Journal: Required in Oregon
- Training validity: 6 months to complete exam
Test Your Knowledge
How far back does Oregon look for disqualifying criminal convictions?
A
B
C
D