OR Notary Oregon Notary Commission Application and Renewal 2 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Can a non-Oregon resident obtain an Oregon notary commission?

No, only Oregon residents qualify
Yes, if they have a regular place of business or employment in Oregon (Correct answer)
Yes, any U.S. citizen may apply
No, federal law prohibits out-of-state notaries

Correct answer: Yes, if they have a regular place of business or employment in Oregon

Non-residents may qualify for an Oregon commission if they maintain a regular place of business or employment in Oregon.

Under ORS 194.215, an applicant for an Oregon notary commission must either be a resident of Oregon or have a regular place of business or employment within the state. This allows people who work in Oregon but live in a neighboring state (such as Washington or Idaho) to obtain an Oregon commission. However, if that employment or business connection to Oregon ends, the basis for the commission no longer exists.

Question 2: Which of the following is NOT a required qualification for an Oregon notary applicant?

Be at least 18 years old
Be a U.S. citizen (Correct answer)
Be able to read and write English
Have Oregon residency or place of business in Oregon

Correct answer: Be a U.S. citizen

Oregon does not require applicants to be U.S. citizens; legal residency or work authorization may be sufficient. U.S. citizenship is not a statutory requirement.

Oregon law does not list U.S. citizenship as a mandatory qualification for a notary commission. The actual requirements include being at least 18 years old, being able to read and write English, having an Oregon residential or business address, and not having had a notary commission revoked in Oregon within the last 10 years. This makes the notary program more accessible to lawful permanent residents and other authorized workers.

Question 3: How far in advance may an Oregon notary apply to renew their commission before it expires?

30 days before expiration
60 days before expiration (Correct answer)
90 days before expiration
6 months before expiration

Correct answer: 60 days before expiration

Oregon notaries may submit a renewal application up to 60 days before their current commission expires.

Oregon allows notaries to submit renewal applications up to 60 days before their commission expiration date. Applying early helps ensure continuity without any gap in commission authority. If a commission expires before renewal is processed, the notary must stop performing notarial acts and apply for a new commission. There is no grace period for expired commissions in Oregon.

Question 4: What must an Oregon notary do if their notary seal is lost or stolen?

Continue using a replacement seal immediately
Notify the Secretary of State in writing and obtain a new seal (Correct answer)
Apply for an entirely new commission
Report only to local law enforcement

Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of State in writing and obtain a new seal

A notary whose seal is lost or stolen must notify the Secretary of State in writing and may then obtain a new seal.

Under Oregon administrative rules, if a notary's official seal is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, the notary must notify the Oregon Secretary of State in writing as soon as practicable. The notary should stop performing notarial acts until a replacement seal is obtained. The notary is also advised to report theft to local law enforcement. Continuing to use a lost seal or performing notarial acts without a seal can result in disciplinary action.

Question 5: A person whose Oregon notary commission was revoked may reapply after how many years?

1 year
5 years
10 years (Correct answer)
They may never reapply

Correct answer: 10 years

Oregon law disqualifies applicants whose commission was revoked within the last 10 years.

ORS 194.215 specifies that an individual who has had an Oregon notary commission revoked within the preceding 10 years is not eligible to apply for a new commission. This 10-year bar is designed to deter misconduct and ensure that notaries serving the public have demonstrated trustworthiness. After 10 years have passed since the revocation, the person may apply again and will be evaluated on the merits of a new application.

Question 6: What is required before an Oregon notary can begin performing notarial acts after their commission is issued?

Complete a 4-hour training course
File an oath of office with the county clerk
Purchase a $25,000 surety bond
No additional steps — the commission itself authorizes the notary to act (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No additional steps — the commission itself authorizes the notary to act

In Oregon, receipt of the commission from the Secretary of State authorizes the notary to immediately begin performing notarial acts; no oath or bond is required.

Oregon eliminated the requirement for notaries to file a bond or take a separate oath of office. Once the Secretary of State issues the commission, the notary is authorized to begin performing notarial acts. The notary must obtain an appropriate seal and may begin work. This streamlined process distinguishes Oregon from states that still require bonds, oaths, or county-level registration before a commission is effective.

OR Notary Oregon Notary Commission Application and Renewal 2

Can a non-Oregon resident obtain an Oregon notary commission?