Important: Bonds NOT Required in Oregon
Oregon does NOT require notaries to obtain surety bonds. The Oregon Secretary of State explicitly states: "Oregon does not require its notaries public to be bonded. This is left to the discretion of the notary public."
Surety bonds and E&O insurance are completely optional in Oregon. Many notaries choose to purchase these products for additional protection when handling high-value documents in Portland's tech sector, Oregon's timber industry, or Pacific Rim trade operations, but they are not legally required.
Oregon Notary Bond | Optional E&O Protection
Oregon law does not require notaries to purchase surety bonds. However, optional bonds and E&O insurance policies are available for Pacific Northwest notaries who want extra protection when serving Portland's Silicon Forest tech companies, Oregon's sustainable timber industry, or Port of Portland trade operations.
Oregon has approximately 28,000 active notaries serving the Pacific Northwest. The Oregon Secretary of State explicitly states that notaries are not required to be bonded, leaving this decision to individual notaries. However, Oregon does require education and examination to ensure competent notaries understand their duties.
Why Oregon Doesn't Require Bonds
Oregon prioritizes education and testing over financial guarantees. The mandatory training course (new requirement for renewals as of January 2025) and open-book exam ensure notaries understand Oregon law. The state recommends that notaries consider obtaining liability insurance voluntarily for their own protection.
When OR Notaries Choose Optional Protection
Standard OR Notaries (No Bond)
- • Routine acknowledgments
- • Standard jurats and oaths
- • Basic affidavits
- • Low-volume notarizations
- • Personal/family documents
- • No bond needed
Optional Protection Cases
- • Portland tech contracts
- • Timber industry documents
- • Pacific trade documentation
- • Renewable energy projects
- • High-volume mobile notaries
- • Optional E&O recommended
Similar to how contractor license bonds protect against construction defects in states requiring them, optional OR notary coverage protects against errors in high-stakes transactions. For general surety bond information, visit our complete bond platform.
Verify Eligibility Requirements
Confirm you are at least 18 years old, an Oregon resident, able to read and write English, and have no disqualifying criminal convictions. Background check will be conducted.
Complete State-Approved Training Course
Take free Notary Basics Training from Oregon Secretary of State (live webinar or online tutorial) OR paid course from certified education provider. Must complete within 6 months before applying. As of January 2025, renewals must also complete training every 4 years.
Pass the Open-Book Exam
Take and pass the open-book Oregon notary exam (true/false and multiple choice). Based directly on Oregon Notary Public Guide and training materials. You'll receive a Notary Education Certificate/ID Number to use on your application.
Submit Application and Fee
Complete the Oregon notary application online or by mail and submit with $40 application fee. Include your Notary Education Certificate/ID Number from completing the training and exam.
Pass Background Check
Oregon will conduct a background check as part of the application process. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks after submitting complete application.
Sign Oath of Office
Once approved, sign your Oath of Office before a currently commissioned Oregon notary or other authorized official. Submit the signed oath to complete your commissioning process.
Obtain Notary Seal and Supplies
Purchase your official Oregon notary seal/stamp and notary journal. Oregon requires a journal for all notarizations. Supplies are not provided by the state.
Begin Notarizing (Standard Notaries Done Here)
You can now perform all notarizations for 4 years. Since OR doesn't require bonds, most notaries stop here. If you only handle routine notarizations, you're fully compliant!
Optional: Get Bond or E&O Insurance
If you plan to handle high-value documents (tech contracts, timber sales, trade documentation), consider purchasing optional surety bond or E&O insurance for personal liability protection.
Optional Protection Costs (Not Required):
*Optional protection is not required by OR law. Most notaries operate without bonds or E&O insurance. Add protection only if handling high-value or high-risk transactions.
Oregon's economy blends cutting-edge technology with environmental leadership. From Portland's Silicon Forest to the state's timber industry and renewable energy projects, Oregon creates unique documentation needs across innovative sectors.
Portland Tech Sector
Nike, Intel, and hundreds of startups drive demand for software licenses, IP agreements, employment contracts, and funding documents. Notaries specializing in tech contracts can charge premium rates ($150-$200/hour).
Sustainable Timber
Oregon leads US timber production with sustainable forestry. Notaries handle timber sales, FSC certifications, habitat conservation plans, and environmental permits. Mobile notary services valuable in rural timber regions.
Pacific Rim Trade
Port of Portland drives demand for international trade documentation: bills of lading, customs declarations, letters of credit, and trade agreements for Asian and European partners.
Renewable Energy
2nd largest wind power state. Power purchase agreements (PPAs), land leases for wind farms, environmental impact studies, and grid interconnection agreements for Columbia River Gorge projects.
We serve notaries throughout Oregon's innovative economy, from Portland to Bend.
Oregon Secretary of State - Business Registry Division
255 Capitol Street NE, Suite 151, Salem, OR 97310 | Phone: (503) 986-2200
Oregon Secretary of State - Notary Portal →U.S. Department of Treasury
Federal surety bond program oversight and carrier certification
U.S. Department of Treasury - Surety Bond Program →Serving Notaries Throughout Oregon
We serve all major cities as well as smaller towns around Oregon
Which describes your situation best?
"Oregon does not require its notaries public to be bonded. This is left to the discretion of the notary public. However, liability insurance is recommended for notaries to protect against potential errors in performing notarial acts."Oregon Secretary of State - Notary Public Division • View Official Requirements →
Oregon prioritizes education over financial guarantees. Free training from Oregon SOS plus open-book exam ensure competent notaries.
New 2025 requirement: ALL notaries (including renewals) must complete training every 4 years to stay current with Oregon law.
Optional bonds and E&O insurance available for notaries handling Portland tech contracts, Oregon timber operations, or Pacific trade documentation.