Oregon Notary Public Duties and Restrictions Flashcards

Where in Oregon may a notary public perform notarial acts?

Answer: Anywhere within the state of Oregon

An Oregon notary's commission is valid throughout the entire state, not limited to any specific county or location.

Can an Oregon notary notarize their own signature on a document?

Answer: No, a notary cannot notarize their own signature

A notary cannot notarize their own signature because they cannot act as an impartial third party to themselves.

What must an Oregon notary do if a signer refuses to swear an oath but will make an affirmation?

Answer: Accept the affirmation as a legally equivalent alternative to an oath

Oregon law recognizes affirmations as legally equivalent to oaths, so a notary must accept an affirmation when offered in place of a sworn oath.

Is an Oregon notary required to notarize a document upon request?

Answer: No, notaries may refuse if they have a valid reason such as lack of identification or suspicion of fraud

While notaries serve the public, they may lawfully refuse notarization when the signer lacks proper identification, appears to lack willingness, or the document appears fraudulent.

May an Oregon notary notarize a document for a person who is signing in a representative capacity, such as a power of attorney?

Answer: Yes, the notary notarizes the signature of the person who physically appears and signs

The notary notarizes the signature of the person who actually appears and signs, even when they act in a representative capacity.

What must an Oregon notary do when changing their address?

Answer: Notify the Secretary of State of the address change

Oregon notaries are required to notify the Secretary of State when their address changes to keep commission records current.