Effective June 15, 2021, Oregon Notaries can apply to perform remote online notarizations (RONs). If you want to become an OR remote Notary, take the following steps:
- Hold a traditional Notary Public commission.
- Complete the state-required RON course online.
- Complete the Remote Notarization Notice form.
- Contract with a RON technology provider and get an electronic stamp and signature.
- Submit the form and a copy of your electronic stamp and signature to notary-team.sos@oregon.gov.
- Wait for an acknowledgment that will either approve or reject your request.
- Once you receive approval, you can begin performing remote notarizations.
In This Guide: Oregon RON Requirements | About RON in Oregon | Additional FAQs
Requirements to be a Remote Notary in Oregon
Before you can register to perform remote online notarizations in Oregon, you must first meet the state's requirement of holding a traditional Notary Public commission. To qualify for an OR Notary commission, you must be at least 18 years old, be a resident of or have a place of employment or practice in Oregon, and be able to read and write English.
You must not have been convicted of a felony or any crime involving fraud, dishonesty or deceit nor have had a Notary commission revoked during the 10-year period preceding the date of application.
What are the training requirements to work as an online Notary?
The current RON training requirement for Oregon Notaries is watching a video on the Secretary of State website.
Is there an exam to become a remote Notary in Oregon?
No, there is no exam to register as an OR remote Notary.
What tools and technology do I need to perform online notarizations in Oregon?
To provide RONs in Oregon, you'll need a computer, webcam, microphone and secure internet connection. You'll also need to select one of the state-approved RON technology providers, which includes BlueNotary, Cyberize It, Digital Delivery, DocVerify, LenderClose, LiveNotary.com, Notarize, NotaryCam, OnlineNotary.us, Pavaso, ProNotary Secured Signing and SIGNiX.
Additional remote Notary supplies include your electronic stamp, electronic journal and digital certificate containing your electronic signature.
Do I need a surety bond?
No, you do not need to purchase a surety bond to perform RONs in Oregon.
Is an E&O insurance policy required in Oregon?
While an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy is not required, it's strongly recommended. In the rare case you make a mistake during the notarization, an E&O policy will cover the cost of legal fees and damages up to the policy amount.
About Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Oregon
Remote notarization makes it easier and faster for Oregon Notaries to provide their services. Keep reading to learn more.
Does Oregon allow remote notarization?
Yes, Senate Bill 765 makes permanent the temporary provisions allowing remote notarization in Oregon. Under the new bill, remote Notaries can perform notarizations for signers in any location as long as the Notaries themselves are physically located within the state at the time of the notarial act.
How do remote online notarizations work in Oregon?
Remote online notarizations transform the traditional notarization into a completely digital, remote experience. The Notary confirms the signer's identity by personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence. A verification on oath or affirmation from a credible witness appearing before and identified by the Notary or two different types of identity proofing can either be considered the Notary having satisfactory evidence. The signer logs onto a RON platform and must pass a knowledge-based authentication (KBA) assessment and credential analysis. The signer then meets the Notary via webcam.
The Notary confirms the signer's awareness and willingness to sign. Then, the Notary checks the document for blanks, completes the certificate wording, attaches their electronic stamp, and attaches their digital certificate containing their electronic signature.
The notarization is complete once the Notary makes an entry in their electronic journal and saves an audio-visual recording of the transaction.
If the signer leaves at any point during the notarial act, they must restart the credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication process from the beginning.
What notarial acts can be performed virtually?
The following notarial acts can be performed remotely:
- Taking an acknowledgment
- Administering an oath or affirmation
- Taking a verification on oath or affirmation
- Witnessing or attesting a signature
- Certifying or attesting a copy
- Making, noting or recording a protest
How long do remote notarizations take vs. traditional notarizations?
Remote notarizations take far less time than traditional notarizations because the signer and Notary no longer need to meet in person. From the time the signer logs onto the RON platform to when the Notary attaches their digital certificate, the transaction can take only a few minutes to complete.
What's the difference between remote online notarization vs. electronic notarization?
Remote online notarizations and electronic notarizations both involve digital documents and electronic signatures, but RON is performed remotely whereas electronic notarizations are conducted in person.
Additional RON FAQs
Have more questions regarding RON? Read on for your answers.
How much does it cost to register as a remote Notary?
The cost to becoming a remote Notary in Oregon ranges from below $100 to a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the vendors you choose among other factors. While there is no registration fee, you'll need to consider the cost to sign up with a RON platform as well as your digital supplies like your eSeal and digital certificate.
If you have a surety bond and/or recommended E&O policy, you'll need to add in those maintenance fees. Other expenses to factor in are a computer, webcam, microphone and secure internet access if you don't already have these items.
How much can OR remote Notaries charge per notarial act?
Oregon allows remote Notaries to charge a maximum fee of $25 per notarization.
How long does it take to become a remote Notary in Oregon?
It can take between six to eight weeks to become an OR remote Notary with a majority of this time spent on getting your traditional Notary Public commission. Once you're commissioned, the RON registration process is relatively quick.
Taking the required training course, selecting a RON provider, and completing and submitting your application should only take you a day. However, you'll need to allow the Secretary of State some time to process your request and send you an acknowledgment with their response.
How long will my remote Notary registration last?
Your remote Notary registration lasts for as long as your Notary Public commission is active. Once your commission expires, you'll need to renew your traditional Notary commission and re-register for your remote authorization.
Will RON services grow my OR Notary business?
Yes, becoming registered as a remote online Notary and joining a RON platform can have a positive impact on your business. With the technology to offer your Notary services remotely, you can reach more signers in a shorter amount of time.
To further your business, you might want to get your Notary Signing Agent (NSA) certification. Becoming NSA certified demonstrates your knowledge in completing complex loan signings and proves you've passed a current background screening, making you eligible for more assignments.
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Last updated: June 21, 2023