An Oregon advance directive is valid when you sign it in front of two adult witnesses or have it notarized by a notary public. You need one or the other, not both. A mobile notary can come to a home, hospital or care facility to do it.
Advance directive, Five Wishes and POLST
| Document | What it does | Who signs |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Advance Directive | Names your health care representative and states your treatment wishes | You, plus two witnesses or a notary |
| Five Wishes | A plain-language directive that also covers comfort, dignity and personal wishes | You, plus witnesses or a notary |
| POLST | A medical order for people with serious illness | You and your health care provider. No notary |
Oregon has its own advance directive form. Many families fill out Five Wishes as well because it prompts conversations the state form does not. Ask your doctor or attorney whether to complete the Oregon form, Five Wishes, or both.
Who can be a witness in Oregon
Each witness must be an adult and must see you sign, or see you acknowledge that the signature is yours. Under ORS 127.515 these people cannot be a witness:
- Your attending physician or attending health care provider
- The person you named as your health care representative, or the alternate
If you live in a long-term care facility, one witness must be a person designated by the facility.
Why many people choose a notary instead
Finding two qualified witnesses is hard in a hospital. Staff often cannot witness, and the family members in the room are usually the people named in the document. One notary replaces both witnesses. See do hospitals have notaries.
How a mobile notary visit works
- Call or book. Tell us the document, the location and how many people are signing.
- Fill in the form before we arrive. Choose your representative and mark your wishes. Do not sign.
- Have ID ready. A passport, driver license, state ID, military ID or tribal ID, current or expired within the last three years.
- Sign in front of the notary. The notary confirms your identity, confirms you are signing willingly, and completes the certificate.
- Share copies. Give copies to your representative, your doctor and your hospital.
What a notary can and cannot do
A notary can verify your identity, watch you sign and notarize the form. A notary cannot explain medical choices, recommend what to select, or decide whether the form fits your situation. Those questions go to your doctor or an attorney.
The notary must refuse if the signer is not alert or does not understand the document. If a loved one’s condition changes during the day, schedule the visit for the time they are usually most awake. For seniors, see notary services for seniors and elderly care.
Cost
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Notarization at a Pac Signing office | $10 per signature |
| Mobile notary to home, hospital or care facility in Oregon | $70 travel fee plus $10 per signature |
FAQ
Does an advance directive have to be notarized in Oregon?
No. It needs two adult witnesses or a notary. Either makes it valid.
Can a family member witness my advance directive?
Yes, unless that person is your named health care representative or alternate.
Do hospitals have notaries for this?
Most do not offer a notary for patient documents. A mobile notary can come to the room.
Does a POLST need a notary?
No. A POLST is a medical order signed with your health care provider.
Can it be done the same day?
Yes. Our mobile notaries work 24 hours a day across the Portland metro.
Urgent? See our emergency notary service. This guide is general information, not legal or medical advice. Call (971) 394-4152 to book. Source: ORS 127.515.