OR Notary Oregon Notary Commission Application and Renewal 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the term length of an Oregon notary public commission?

2 years
4 years (Correct answer)
6 years
10 years

Correct answer: 4 years

Under ORS 194.215, an Oregon notary commission is valid for 4 years from the date of commissioning.

Oregon Revised Statute 194.215 establishes that a notary public commission in Oregon lasts four years. Applicants must renew before expiration to maintain their authority to perform notarial acts. After expiration, the notary must reapply as if applying for the first time and cannot perform any notarial acts until a new commission is issued.

Question 2: Which state agency issues Oregon notary public commissions?

Oregon Department of Justice
Oregon Secretary of State (Correct answer)
Oregon State Bar
Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services

Correct answer: Oregon Secretary of State

The Oregon Secretary of State's office is responsible for administering and issuing notary public commissions in Oregon.

The Oregon Secretary of State administers the notary public program under ORS Chapter 194. The office processes applications, maintains records of active commissions, and handles complaints against notaries. Applicants submit their application and fee directly to the Secretary of State, and upon approval, the commission is issued from that office.

Question 3: What is the minimum age requirement to apply for an Oregon notary commission?

16 years old
18 years old (Correct answer)
21 years old
25 years old

Correct answer: 18 years old

Oregon law requires applicants to be at least 18 years of age to apply for a notary public commission.

Under Oregon law, a notary applicant must be at least 18 years old. They must also be a resident of Oregon or have a regular place of business or employment in Oregon, be able to read and write English, and not have had a notary commission revoked within the last 10 years. Meeting all eligibility criteria is required before an application can be approved.

Question 4: How must an Oregon notary notify the Secretary of State when changing their address?

By phone call within 10 days
In writing within 30 days (Correct answer)
No notification is required
By filing a new application

Correct answer: In writing within 30 days

Oregon notaries are required to notify the Secretary of State in writing within 30 days of any change in their address of record.

ORS 194.235 requires a commissioned notary to notify the Secretary of State in writing within 30 days of any change to their name, address, or other information provided in the commission application. Failure to notify can result in disciplinary action. If a notary changes their name, they may also need to obtain a new notary seal reflecting the updated name.

Question 5: What happens to an Oregon notary commission if the notary moves out of Oregon permanently?

The commission automatically transfers to the new state
The commission remains valid for the remainder of the term
The commission is automatically terminated (Correct answer)
The notary must reapply within 6 months

Correct answer: The commission is automatically terminated

An Oregon notary commission requires Oregon residency or a place of business in Oregon; permanent relocation out of state terminates the commission.

Oregon law requires that a notary public either reside in Oregon or maintain a regular place of business or employment in the state. If a notary permanently relocates outside Oregon and no longer maintains any qualifying connection to the state, their commission is effectively terminated. The notary is required to cease performing notarial acts and notify the Secretary of State. Commissions are not transferable between states.

Question 6: What is the current application fee for an Oregon notary public commission?

$25
$40 (Correct answer)
$75
$100

Correct answer: $40

The Oregon Secretary of State charges a $40 application fee for a notary public commission.

Oregon charges a $40 fee for a notary commission application, payable to the Secretary of State. This fee covers a 4-year commission term. There is no separate renewal fee — applicants pay the same $40 whether they are applying for the first time or renewing. The fee is non-refundable even if the application is denied.

OR Notary Oregon Notary Commission Application and Renewal 1

What is the term length of an Oregon notary public commission?