OR Notary Notary Liability and Ethics 3

Question 1

If an Oregon notary is convicted of a felony, what is likely to happen to their commission?

Accepted Answer

The commission may be revoked by the Secretary of State

Answer

Nothing, unless the felony was directly related to notarial duties

Answer

The commission is automatically suspended for one year

Answer

The notary must pass a re-examination to keep the commission

Question 2

What is the appropriate response if a signer appears to be mentally incapacitated during a notarial act in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

Stop the notarization and refuse to proceed

Answer

Proceed if the signer physically signs the document

Answer

Ask a family member to consent on the signer's behalf

Answer

Complete the notarization under a power of attorney

Question 3

What does it mean for an Oregon notary to act 'within the scope of their commission'?

Accepted Answer

Performing only those notarial acts authorized by Oregon law

Answer

Notarizing documents only for residents of their county

Answer

Charging fees only within the state fee schedule

Answer

Using only state-approved document templates

Question 4

Under Oregon law, who has authority to investigate complaints against a notary public?

Accepted Answer

The Oregon Secretary of State

Answer

The Oregon State Bar

Answer

The county district attorney only

Answer

The Department of Justice exclusively

Question 5

An Oregon notary is offered a large tip to rush a notarization without properly verifying identity. What should the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Decline the tip and follow proper identification procedures

Answer

Accept the tip but still verify identity

Answer

Accept the tip since it does not affect the legal outcome

Answer

Decline the notarization entirely due to the suspicious request

Question 6

What is the best practice for an Oregon notary who is unsure whether they may legally perform a requested notarial act?

Accepted Answer

Decline the act and consult legal guidance or the Secretary of State before proceeding

Answer

Perform the act and document their uncertainty in the journal

Answer

Ask the signer to provide written authorization

Answer

Proceed if the act seems similar to one they have performed before