In Oregon, documents recorded with a county, sworn statements, and many documents going overseas must be notarized. Wills and vehicle titles generally do not need a notary, though people often assume they do.
A document needs notarization for one of three reasons: a law requires it, the office receiving it requires it, or the parties want proof of who signed.
Documents that need a notary
| Document | Why |
|---|---|
| Deeds: warranty, quitclaim, bargain and sale | County recorders record acknowledged deeds |
| Deeds of trust and mortgage documents | Recording and lender requirements |
| Affidavits and sworn statements | A sworn statement needs an oath before a notary |
| Power of attorney used for real estate | Must be acknowledged to be recorded |
| Documents going abroad for an apostille | The state apostilles the notary’s signature |
| School records for use abroad | A school official’s signature must be notarized |
| Minor travel consent letters | Airlines and border officers expect it |
| Signature name affidavits and loan closing forms | Lender requirement |
Documents that can use witnesses or a notary
Advance directive. An Oregon advance directive is valid when signed before two adult witnesses or notarized by a notary public. See our advance directive guide.
Self-proving affidavit for a will. The will needs two witnesses. A notarized affidavit from those witnesses can make probate simpler. See notary and witnesses for a will.
Documents that usually do not need a notary
- Wills. An Oregon will needs two witnesses, not a notary.
- Vehicle titles and bills of sale. Oregon title transfers generally do not require notarized signatures. See selling a car in Oregon.
- Most contracts and leases. Valid when signed. Parties sometimes notarize them for extra proof.
- General powers of attorney. Banks and other institutions almost always insist on notarization, so get it notarized anyway. See power of attorney notarization.
Documents a notary cannot notarize
- Certified copies of birth, death or marriage certificates. Order these from Oregon Vital Records or the county.
- Documents with blank spaces or missing pages
- A document where the notary is a party or has a financial interest
- A signature from someone who is not present, has no acceptable ID, or does not understand the document
More in documents you can and cannot notarize.
What to bring to the notary
- The whole document, unsigned
- A photo ID: passport, driver license, state ID, military ID or tribal ID, current or expired within the last three years
- Every person who is signing
- Witnesses, if your document asks for them
What it costs
Oregon caps the notary fee at $10 per notarial act, and $25 for a remote online notarization. Pac Signing charges $10 per signature in the office. Mobile visits in Oregon are a $70 travel fee plus $10 per signature.
FAQ
Does a power of attorney need to be notarized in Oregon?
One used for real estate must be notarized so it can be recorded. For other uses, banks and agencies nearly always ask for notarization.
Does a will have to be notarized in Oregon?
No. An Oregon will needs two witnesses. A notarized self-proving affidavit is optional.
Do I need a notary to sell a car in Oregon?
Usually not. Oregon title transfers generally do not require notarized signatures. Check with DMV if the title is from another state.
Can a notary tell me which notarization I need?
No. A notary who is not an attorney cannot choose the certificate for you. Ask the office receiving the document.
What is a notarized letter?
A letter you sign in front of a notary, who verifies your identity and attaches a notarial certificate. The notary confirms who signed, not that the contents are true.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Book a notary or call (971) 394-4152.
Official source: ORS chapter 194: Oregon Uniform Law on Notarial Acts.