Notary Public Permit Requirements in Portland, OR

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you operate as an LLC/corporation or have employees. Sole proprietor notaries with no employees may use their SSN.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Oregon Notary Commission

   Apply to the Oregon Secretary of State for a 4-year notary commission. Must be an Oregon resident, 18+, take an exam, and pass a background check. Bond required.

   Official government source

   $40 (application fee) + bond cost·2–4 weeks

   $40 (application fee) + bond cost

   2–4 weeks

2. Oregon Notary Bond ($10,000)

   Required for all Oregon notaries. File with the Secretary of State.

   Official government source

   $30–$60 for 4 years·1–3 days

   $30–$60 for 4 years

   1–3 days

3. Notary Errors & Omissions Insurance (Recommended)

   While not required in Oregon, E&O insurance protects notaries from financial losses due to unintentional mistakes. Coverage of $25,000–$100,000 typically costs $40–$80/year. The National Notary Association offers bundled packages.

   $40–$80/year·Immediate

   $40–$80/year

   Immediate

1. Portland Business License (if operating a notary business)

   If you operate a standalone notary business (notary signing agent services, mobile notary, etc.) in Portland, you generally need a Business License from the city. If notarization is incidental to another profession (e.g., attorney, bank teller), a separate business license may not be required.

   Official government source

   $50–$200/year·1–3 weeks

   $50–$200/year

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Oregon — Notary Public Requirements
• Oregon Secretary of State

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