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. Applicants must be 18+, be an Oregon resident (or have a place of employment or practice in Oregon), be able to read and write English, complete the free notary training course (required before applying), pass the Secretary of State's notary exam, and pass a background review. Oregon does not require a notary surety bond.

   Official government source

   $40 application fee·2–4 weeks

   $40 application fee

   2–4 weeks

2. No Notary Bond Required in Oregon

   Oregon does not require notaries public to obtain a surety bond — there is no bond to purchase or file with the Secretary of State. (Optional errors & omissions insurance is available privately but is not a state requirement.)

   Official government source

   $0 (no bond required)·1–3 days

   $0 (no bond required)

   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. City of Portland Business License Tax Registration (Revenue Division)

   Portland has no flat-fee general business license. All businesses operating in Portland - including sole proprietors and home-based businesses - must register for the City of Portland Business License Tax with the Revenue Division within 60 days of starting business. Registration is free. The tax is 2.6% of net business income with a $100 minimum, filed annually on a combined return with the Multnomah County Business Income Tax (2% of net income; gross receipts under $100,000 are exempt from the county tax). Businesses with gross receipts under $75,000 (tax years beginning in 2026; rising to $100,000 in 2027) are exempt from the city tax but must still register. The Metro Supportive Housing Services 1% business income tax applies only to businesses with gross receipts over $5 million.

   Official government source

   Free to register; no annual license fee. Tax: 2.6% of net income ($100 minimum) only if gross receipts exceed $75,000 (2026 threshold; $100,000 from 2027)·1–3 weeks

   Free to register; no annual license fee. Tax: 2.6% of net income ($100 minimum) only if gross receipts exceed $75,000 (2026 threshold; $100,000 from 2027)

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Oregon — Notary Public Requirements
• Oregon Secretary of State

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