Oregon Remote Online Notary Guide
A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become an Online Notary in Oregon
Want to become an online notary in Oregon? Oregon allows commissioned notaries to perform Remote Online Notarization (RON), making it possible to notarize eligible documents for remotely located signers using approved communication technology.
The process is straightforward once you know the steps. This guide walks you through Oregon's notary commission requirements, required training, RON technology requirements, state notice process, E&O insurance requirement, and what you need to do before performing your first online notarization.
Reviewed against Oregon Secretary of State requirements in August 2026.
What Is Remote Online Notarization in Oregon?
Remote Online Notarization, commonly called RON, allows an Oregon notary public to perform a notarial act for a remotely located signer using secure audio-video communication technology.
Unlike an in-person electronic notarization, the signer does not need to be physically in the same room as the notary. The notarization is completed electronically through a RON technology platform that meets Oregon's requirements.
Oregon law authorizes remote online notarization under ORS 194.277.
Important Oregon Location Rule
The notary must be physically located in Oregon while performing the remote notarization. The signer does not have to be located in Oregon. Additional legal conditions apply when the signer is located outside the United States.
Who Can Become an Online Notary in Oregon?
Before becoming a remote online notary, you must qualify for and obtain an Oregon notary public commission.
Among Oregon's basic qualifications, an applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be an Oregon resident or have a place of employment or practice in Oregon.
- Be able to read and write English.
- Complete the required notary training within the applicable timeframe.
- Pass the Oregon Secretary of State Notary Public examination.
- Meet Oregon's criminal-history and prior notary-conduct qualifications.
Oregon conducts a background check on applicants for a notary public commission.
Already have a current Oregon notary commission? You can skip the initial commissioning steps below and move directly to the RON-specific requirements.
Complete Oregon Notary Basics Training
If you are not already an Oregon notary, start by completing the state's required Notary Basics training.
Oregon requires the Notary Basics course for first-time applicants and for notaries applying for a new commission. The Oregon Secretary of State offers a self-paced online option through Workday Learning, as well as other training options.
Training offered directly through the Oregon Secretary of State is currently free.
Pass the Oregon Notary Exam and Apply
After completing your qualifying training, take the Oregon Secretary of State's Notary Public examination and complete the commission application process.
Oregon's current processing fee for a notary commission application is $40.
Once your application is approved, the Secretary of State sends an oath of office. The oath must be notarized by a commissioned notary and returned with the required payment according to the Secretary of State's instructions.
An Oregon notary commission is issued for a four-year term.
Receive Your Oregon Notary Commission
You must have a current Oregon notary commission before you can qualify to perform remote online notarizations.
Once your commission has been issued, carefully verify your commission name, number, and expiration date. Keep this information available because you will need it when completing the RON authorization process.
Choose a Qualifying Oregon RON Technology Provider
Before submitting your Remote Online Notarization Notice, Oregon requires you to select at least one RON technology vendor whose system meets the state's requirements.
The platform must support the technology and security features necessary for compliant remote notarization, including secure audio-video communication, identity verification, electronic notarization tools, and required recordkeeping.
Online Notary Center + Oregon
Online Notary Center, INC is currently included on the Oregon Secretary of State's list of commonly used electronic notarization vendors.
View Oregon Online Notary RequirementsComplete Oregon's Required RON Training
Oregon requires separate Remote Online Notarization training before a commissioned notary can apply to perform RON.
The Secretary of State provides the course through Workday Learning under:
SOS - CORP - RON - Remote Online Notarization Training
This RON course is separate from the basic training required to obtain your Oregon notary commission. Completing RON training does not replace Notary Basics training.
Oregon Secretary of State notary training is currently offered free of charge.
Set Up Your Electronic Notary Tools
Your RON provider will help you establish the electronic tools used during an online notarization, including your electronic notary stamp and electronic signature.
Oregon requires you to provide the Secretary of State with a sample showing the electronic stamp and signature generated by the RON vendor when you submit your RON notice.
Follow both Oregon's requirements and your selected platform's onboarding instructions before attempting a live notarization.
Submit the Oregon Remote Online Notarization Notice
Once your RON training and technology setup are complete, submit the Remote Online Notarization Notice to the Oregon Secretary of State.
Your submission includes:
- Your current Oregon notary commission information.
- Information about the RON technology vendor you intend to use.
- Confirmation that you completed Oregon's required RON training.
- A PDF showing your finalized electronic notary stamp and signature generated by the RON platform.
Follow the submission instructions on the current Oregon Secretary of State form. Oregon will review the request and send an acknowledgment approving or rejecting it.
Receive Approval and Start Notarizing Online
Do not perform your first Oregon remote online notarization until the Secretary of State has approved your request.
Once approved, you can perform compliant remote notarizations through your qualifying RON platform while you are physically located in Oregon.
When you receive a new Oregon notary commission, you must submit a new RON notice if you want to continue performing remote online notarizations.
Does Oregon Require E&O Insurance for Online Notaries?
Oregon-Required E&O Insurance: $0 — Not Required
Oregon does not currently require a notary bond or Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance as a condition of becoming an Oregon notary public.
How Much Does It Cost to Become an Online Notary in Oregon?
Your total cost depends partly on the technology and equipment you choose. The following figures focus on Oregon's state requirements.
| Requirement | Oregon Amount / Rule |
|---|---|
| Notary commission application processing fee | $40 |
| Notary Basics training through Oregon SOS | $0 |
| Oregon SOS Remote Online Notarization training | $0 |
| State-required E&O insurance | $0 — Not Required |
| RON technology platform | Varies by provider |
How Does Online Notarization Work in Oregon?
During an Oregon remote online notarization, the notary and signer communicate using secure real-time audio-video technology through the RON platform.
The notary must properly identify the signer using a method permitted by Oregon law and the compliant RON system. Oregon law also requires the notary to be able to confirm that the electronic record being notarized is the same record on which the signer made a statement or executed a signature.
An audiovisual recording of the remote notarization must be created. Oregon also requires an electronic journal for remote notarizations.
Electronic journals must generally be retained for 10 years from the date of the last transaction recorded in the journal. The audiovisual recording of a remote notarization generally must be retained for at least 10 years after the recording is made.
How Much Can an Oregon Online Notary Charge?
Oregon currently permits a notary public to charge up to $25 per remote online notarial act.
This is different from Oregon's standard maximum fee for many traditional notarial acts, so make sure your fee schedule correctly distinguishes remote online notarizations.
Why Become a Remote Online Notary in Oregon?
Remote online notarization gives Oregon notaries another way to serve customers without requiring the signer to travel to the notary's physical location.
Work Remotely
Perform eligible notarizations online while you are physically located in Oregon.
Serve Remote Signers
Your signer does not have to be physically present with you in Oregon, provided all applicable RON requirements are satisfied.
Digital Workflow
Handle identification, documents, signatures, the notarial certificate, and recordkeeping through a compliant online workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an Online Notary in Oregon
Is remote online notarization legal in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon law permits qualifying commissioned notaries to perform remote online notarizations under ORS 194.277, provided the applicable state requirements are satisfied.
Does Oregon require E&O insurance for a remote online notary?
No. The Oregon-required E&O insurance amount is $0. Oregon currently does not require E&O insurance or a notary bond.
Does the signer need to be located in Oregon?
No. The Oregon notary must be physically located in Oregon during the remote notarization, but the signer may be remotely located. Additional requirements apply when the signer is outside the United States.
How much can an Oregon remote online notary charge?
Oregon currently permits a maximum notarial fee of $25 per RON notarial act.
Is special training required to become an online notary in Oregon?
Yes. A commissioned Oregon notary must complete Oregon's Remote Online Notarization training before applying to perform RON. This training is separate from the Notary Basics training required for the underlying notary commission.
Is Online Notary Center available for Oregon notaries?
Yes. Online Notary Center, INC is currently included on the Oregon Secretary of State's list of commonly used electronic notarization vendors.
How long does an Oregon notary commission last?
An Oregon notary commission is issued for four years. When you receive a new commission, you must submit a new notice if you want to continue performing remote online notarizations.
Ready to Become an Online Notary in Oregon?
Once you have your Oregon commission and complete the state's RON requirements, Online Notary Center gives you the technology to bring your notarization workflow online.
Complete your Oregon requirements, set up your notary account, and start building your remote online notarization workflow.
Become an Online Notary View Oregon RequirementsOfficial Oregon Resources
Notary laws and administrative requirements can change. Before applying or performing a notarization, confirm current requirements with the Oregon Secretary of State.
- Oregon Secretary of State — Notary Qualifications
- Oregon Secretary of State — Notary Training
- Oregon Secretary of State — Remote Online Notarization
- Oregon Secretary of State — Electronic Notarization Vendors
- Oregon Revised Statutes — Chapter 194
This article is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal advice.