Oregon Secretary of State

Notary Qualification

List of Qualifications

To be a notary public in Oregon, you must meet certain qualifications at the time of application:​

  • 18 years of age or older.
  • Resident of Oregon or have a place of employment or practice in this state.
  • Able to read and write English.
  • Never had a notary public commission revoked during the 10-year period preceding the application date.
  • Completed a notary training course within the last 6 months.
      • For first-time Oregon notary applicants and Oregon notaries who are applying for a new commission, whether or not their current commission has expired:​​
        • ​​A mandatory "Basics" training course is required along with the application, exam and filing fee. ​You can choose a training option from the ​resources listed below.​
  • Never convicted of a felony or crime involving fraud, dishonesty or deceit during the 10-year period preceding the application date.
  • Passed the Secretary of State’s Notary Public examination​.
  • Not have been convicted of:
    • Acting as or otherwise impersonating a notary public as described in ORS 194.990;
    • Obstructing governmental or judicial administration under ORS 162.235 (1)(b); or
    • Engaging in the unlawful practice of law as described in ORS 9.160.
  • Not have been found by a court to have:

Go to the Online Notary Application​.

Attention​

A backgr​ound check is conducted on all applications for a notary public commission.