For Notaries · Oregon

How to Become a Notary in Oregon

To become a notary in Oregon, be at least 18, an Oregon resident or working in the state, and able to read and write English. No surety bond is required. Complete the Secretary of State's Notary Basics course, pass the notary exam, and file a $40 application. Commissions last four years.

Earn as a remote online notary See the steps

Last updated: July 9, 2026 · By Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC — CEO & Founder, USA Notary

Oregon stands out among states for how affordable and straightforward its notary process is: there is no surety bond requirement at all. Instead of a bond, the Oregon Secretary of State's Corporation Division focuses on training and testing — since January 1, 2025 every applicant, whether new or renewing, must complete the state's Notary Basics course and pass a short notary exam. Add the $40 application fee and a four-year commission, and you're ready to notarize across Oregon. This guide walks through each step, then shows how to add a remote online notary (RON) registration so you can notarize for signers over live audio-video — the highest-demand, best-paying notary work today.

Oregon Notary Requirements at a Glance

Eligibility At least 18 years old; an Oregon resident or with regular employment or practice in the state; able to read and write English; no conviction for a felony or a crime involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit in the 10 years before applying; and no notary commission revoked in the 10 years before applying.
Surety bond Not required. Oregon does not require notaries to post a surety bond or carry errors-and-omissions (E&O) insurance. E&O coverage is optional but often recommended to protect the notary personally.
State filing fee $40 (Oregon Secretary of State application fee)
Commission term 4 years. Oregon has no renewal process — you must reapply before your commission expires, which includes completing the Notary Basics course and passing the notary exam again.
Notary education Required. Since January 1, 2025, all applicants — new and renewing — must complete the Secretary of State's Notary Basics course within six months before applying. It is offered in person, by webinar, or as self-paced training.
Exam Required. After the course you must pass the Secretary of State's Notary Public examination — a 20-question, open-book test. You pass with no more than four incorrect answers and may retake it as many times as needed.

To be commissioned in Oregon you must have completed a notary training course within the last 6 months and passed the Secretary of State's Notary Public examination. A background check is conducted on all applications for a notary public commission. — Oregon Secretary of State — Qualifications for a Commission

How to Become a Notary in Oregon: Step by Step

  1. 1

    Confirm you're eligible

    Make sure you are at least 18, an Oregon resident or regularly employed or practicing in the state, and able to read and write English. You must also have no felony or fraud/dishonesty/deceit conviction and no revoked notary commission within the past 10 years.

  2. 2

    Complete the Notary Basics course

    Oregon requires all applicants (new and renewing, since January 1, 2025) to complete the Secretary of State's Notary Basics training within six months before applying. Choose the in-person, webinar, or self-paced format.

  3. 3

    Pass the Secretary of State notary exam

    Take the Secretary of State's Notary Public examination — a 20-question, open-book test. You pass with no more than four errors and can retake it as many times as needed.

  4. 4

    Submit your application and $40 fee

    File your notary public application with the Oregon Secretary of State, Corporation Division, and pay the $40 application fee. No surety bond is required, so there is no bond to purchase or file.

  5. 5

    Receive your commission and supplies

    Once approved, you receive a four-year commission. Order your notary stamp (seal), keep the required journal of notarial acts, and you're ready to notarize documents across Oregon.

How to Become an Online (Remote) Notary in Oregon

Oregon has operative remote online notarization. A currently commissioned Oregon notary may register to perform RON by completing the Secretary of State's required RON training, selecting an approved technology vendor, and filing a notice with the state (including a sample of the digital stamp and signature generated by the platform) for approval before performing any remote acts. The notary must remain physically located in Oregon during the notarization, but the signer may be located anywhere. RON notarial fees are capped at $25 per act.

Online / remote notary application fee: No separate state registration fee found in official sources — you file a RON notice with the Secretary of State. Vendor platform/subscription fees vary, and the RON notarial fee is capped at $25 per act.

RON was legalized in Oregon under HB 4212 (2020) and later made permanent; it is currently available to commissioned notaries who register with the Secretary of State.

See how RON is authorized in Oregon — and state by state →

Walk through the Oregon remote online notarization process →

Traditional Notary vs. Remote Online Notary in Oregon

Oregon allows remote online notarization, so once you hold a Oregon commission you can register to notarize for signers who appear over live video — and take on assigned online signings.

Traditional (in-person) notary Remote online notary (RON)
How the signer appearsIn person, in the same roomOver a live, recorded audio-video call
Available in Oregon?YesAvailable now — register once commissioned
What you needSeal and journalAn approved RON platform, identity-proofing, and a digital certificate
Where the work comes fromLocal, walk-in and mobile appointmentsNationwide — e.g. assigned online signings through USA Notary

What Does It Cost to Become a Notary in Oregon?

Item Cost
State application fee $40 (fixed by the state)
Surety bond Not required in Oregon
Notary Basics training course Varies by provider
State notary exam Part of the application process
Notary stamp (seal) & journal Varies by supplier

See costs and fees on USA Notary for platform-side details.

Turn Your Oregon Commission Into Income

Getting commissioned is step one. USA Notary connects commissioned notaries with assigned, paid remote signings — so your commission actually earns. Learn how Oregon notaries earn, check the platform requirements for Oregon notaries, and browse become-a-notary guides for other states.

Join USA Notary as a notary

Frequently Asked Questions

Becoming a Notary in Other States

Requirements differ by state — here are nearby Pacific guides and other popular states. See the full 50-state directory.

How to Become a Notary in California How to Become a Notary in Washington How to Become a Notary in Texas How to Become a Notary in Florida How to Become a Notary in Georgia How to Become a Notary in New York How to Become a Notary in Ohio How to Become a Notary in Illinois
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About the author

Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC

CEO & Founder, USA Notary Services LLC

Andrew Ray Yon is the founder and CEO of USA Notary Services LLC and the architect of the SharpNote remote online notarization platform. A Certified Notary Signing Agent since 2005, he has handled mortgage and title loan signings for two decades and holds an MBA and the ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) designation. Based in Virginia’s Greater Richmond region, he leads the company’s strategy, compliance, and platform development.

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Official sources

This guide summarizes public requirements from Oregon's notary authority and is for general information, not legal advice. Requirements and fees can change — always confirm current details with your state before applying.