How to become a notary in Oregon
Notaries in Oregon are commissioned by the Oregon Secretary of State, Corporation Division. Here is who can apply, what it takes and what it costs, from the state's own rules, checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a notary in Oregon?
- At least 18 years old
- Oregon resident, or have a place of employment or practice in Oregon
- Able to read and write English
- No notary commission revoked in the past 10 years
- No felony or fraud/dishonesty/deceit conviction in the past 10 years, plus certain other disqualifying convictions or court findings
- Completed the Notary Basics training within the last 6 months and passed the state exam; a background check is done on every application
What are the Oregon notary requirements?
| Commissioned by | Oregon Secretary of State, Corporation Division |
|---|---|
| Training required | Yes. The Notary Basics course is mandatory for all applicants, including current notaries applying for a new commission, and must be completed within 6 months before applying. |
| Exam required | Yes. Applicants must pass the Secretary of State's notary exam, taken online through the notary portal as part of applying. |
| Surety bond | None stated by the state |
| Application fee | $40 |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Remote online notarization | Yes; a commissioned notary located in Oregon may perform remote online notarization after completing the Secretary of State's RON training, choosing a qualifying vendor and filing a Remote Online Notarization notice form (ORS 194.277). |
Steps to become a notary in Oregon
- Check that you meet the qualifications
- Complete the Notary Basics training (Get Training on the online notary portal)
- Choose Take the Exam and Apply, enter your education training number, pass the exam and submit the application
- After approval, receive your oath of office by email
- Sign the oath in front of a commissioned notary
- Send the notarized oath with the $40 fee by fax (credit card cover sheet) or mail (check or money order)
- Get a notary stamp that meets Oregon requirements
Apply on the official Oregon site
How do you find a notary in Oregon?
- Banks, credit unions, shipping stores and law offices often have a notary on staff. Call ahead, because not every branch does.
- A mobile notary travels to you for a travel fee on top of the state's notarization fee.
- Bring a current government photo ID and the unsigned document. Don't sign it until the notary watches you.
- A notary checks your identity and witnesses your signature. They can't give legal advice or tell you what a document means unless they are also a lawyer.
- Check that a notary is commissioned on the official Oregon notary lookup.