How to Become a Notary in Oregon

Written by: Nik Ventouris

Last updated:

Looking to make a difference in your community? Let us guide you on a rewarding journey toward a unique profession.

In this comprehensive guide on how to become a notary in Oregon, we lay out the roadmap to achieving this goal. With easy-to-follow, actionable steps, we’ll help you navigate this intriguing process, turning the complex into the simple.

Whether you’re looking to serve your community or generate additional income, this article will offer everything you need to know to get started.

Recommended: Interested in getting started? Have a look at the National Notary Association’s packages, which include the state-required training, notary supplies, and four years of notary hotline phone support.

4.5 out of 5 starsNational Notary Association ($185)

Become a Notary in Oregon

In order to become a notary in Oregon, you will need to complete a few simple steps.

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

In order to become a notary in Oregon, you must meet certain requirements at the time of application:

  • Be at least 18 years of age or older
  • Reside or have a place of employment in Oregon
  • Be able to read and write English
  • Never had a notary public commission revoked in the 10 years preceding the date of your application
  • Never convicted of any of the following felonies

Note: All public notary applicants will have a background check carried out on them.

Step 2: Complete an Approved Education Course

For first-time applicants and inactive Oregon notaries (i.e., those whose commission has expired), it’s mandatory to complete an approved training course.

You are able to select one of the training options listed below:

  • Self-paced online training
  • Instructor-led webinar
  • In-person training
  • Remote online notarization (RON) training
  • Notary refresher webinar (does NOT satisfy basic training requirements)
  • Training from an approved notary education provider

Note: More information on all of these options can be found on the Oregon Secretary of State’s website under the “Notary Training” section.

Recommended Course

Have a look at the National Notary Association’s packages, which include the state-required training, notary supplies, and four years of notary hotline phone support.

4.5 out of 5 starsNational Notary Association ($185)

Step 3: Take the Exam and Apply

Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll be ready to take the state exam. This multiple-choice, open-book exam is based on material applicants learned in the Notary Public Guide and training courses.

Select “Take the Exam and Apply (Training Completed),” before selecting your Education Training Provider from the drop-down list and inputting your Education Training Number.

You can find your Education Training Number on the certificate of education you receive after completing a state-approved mandatory training course. It should be three letters followed by six numbers.

If you would prefer to submit a paper application, you can do that by filling out Oregon’s Notary Commission Application and completing the open book examination it contains.

Note: A criminal background check will be initiated once you submit your application.

Step 4: Take Your Oath of Office

After you have successfully completed all the steps outlined above and passed your criminal background check, you should receive an email from the Secretary of State containing your Application and Oath of Office.

Sign the Oath of Office in the presence of a notary before submitting copies of both documents and a $40.00 application fee to the Secretary of State’s office.

Note: This all needs to be done within 30 days of the Application and Oath being issued or you will need to restart the application all over again.

Step 5: Receive Your Certificates

Once your Application and Oath have been processed, keep an eye out for an email containing your Certificate of Authorization and Commission Certificate.

Bring or email these certificates to a rubber stamp vendor. They will use the details of your commission included within your Certificate of Authorization (i.e., your commission name, number, and expiration date) to create a custom notary stamp.

Once you have this, you’ll be ready to start performing notary acts!

Step 6: Protect Yourself With Errors and Omissions Insurance

While not required by law, it’s a good idea to consider protecting yourself with Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance.

This type of insurance provides coverage for any potential mistakes or omissions that you might make as you perform notarial acts. It’s an extra layer of protection that can give you peace of mind while operating for a relatively low opportunity cost.

Recommended: Interested in getting started? Have a look at the National Notary Association’s packages, which include the state-required training, notary supplies, and four years of notary hotline phone support.

4.5 out of 5 starsNational Notary Association ($185)

How to Become a Notary in Oregon FAQ

How much does it cost to become a notary in Oregon?

The total cost of becoming a notary in Oregon will ultimately depend on the cost of the supplies and training course you select. However, there are certain costs that cannot be avoided, such as the application fee — which is $40. To read about more of these costs, see our article on How to Become a Notary in Oregon.

How do I become a remote notary in Oregon?

To become a remote online notary, you must first be commissioned as a traditional notary public in Oregon. Then, you can apply to be able to perform remote online notarization (RON). This involves submitting a RON authorization application, completing a course on remote notarization rules and procedures, passing an exam, and obtaining a digital certificate and electronic seal.

Is it hard to become a notary in Oregon?

With adequate preparation and the necessary resources, many find the process of becoming a notary in Oregon to be simple and straightforward; particularly with the lack of a notary surety bond requirement. To find out more about the general process, we recommend looking at our article on How to Become a Notary, which breaks it down in more detail.

How long does a notary commission last in Oregon?

In Oregon, it lasts for four years (unless you get your notary commission revoked early). At the end of this term, you’re required to renew your commission if you wish to continue offering notary services. To avoid your commission expiring before you can complete the renewal process, it’s recommended to begin renewing at least six weeks before the expiration of your current commission.

How do I renew my notary public commission in Oregon?

To renew your Oregon notary public commission, you’ll need to complete a renewal application, which includes completing a training course and passing an open-book notary exam. You may also need to update your stamp and notary journal and pay the $40 state application fee. It’s advised to start this process well in advance of your commission’s expiration date.

For all related articles, have a look at our How to Become a Notary page.