An Oregon notary acknowledgment form is utilized by notaries to authenticate official documents, verify the signature(s) on the document as genuine, and assert the signer(s)’ mental capacity for consent. This procedure, essential for documents like business agreements, vehicle titles, living trusts, and real property, requires the signer(s) to appear before the notary and establish their identity personally.
The notary then inspects the document and the signatures, completing the acknowledgment to render the documents legally binding. This form of acknowledgment, often used for transferring authority or ownership of substantial assets like trusts and real estate deeds, ensures the signer’s identity, signature authenticity, and voluntary consent.
Legal Considerations
Statute: Chap. 194. Unif. Law on Notarial Acts.
Form of Acknowledgment: § 194.280 and § 194.285 specify the language used in different notarial certificates.
Notary Term of Commission: Four years, according to § 194.315 (4).
Notary Handbook: The Oregon Notary Public Guide offers guidance on notarial procedures and laws.
Is Online Notarization Legal in Oregon?
Yes, as of June 15, 2021, with Senate Bill 765, Oregon allows remote notarizations requiring the notary’s electronic signature, official stamp, and PDF convertibility for submission to the Secretary of State.
To initiate remote notarizations, a notary is required first to maintain a current notary commission, then complete specialized training in Remote Online Notarization (RON), choose an authorized vendor, submit the Electronic Notarization Notice, and finally wait for official approval.
How to Notarize
Step 1 – Document Preparation and Identification Verification
Ensure that your document is fully completed, with no blank sections, and have a valid photo ID ready for your appointment.
Step 2 – Locating a Notary
There are different ways to locate a notary, such as searching online directories and notary services, finding a UPS Store, and visiting banks such as a US Bank.
Step 3 – Notary Commission Confirmation and Appointment Scheduling
Verify that the notary is officially commissioned in Oregon. Once confirmed, contact the notary to schedule an appointment.
Step 4 – Document Signing and Notarization
Sign your document in the presence of the notary. The notary will then formalize the process with their official stamp or seal.
Step 5 – Service Fee Payment
Be prepared to pay the notary for their services, as they may charge a fee.
Step 6 – Document Copy Retention
Obtain and keep a copy of the notarized document for your personal records.
How to Verify a Notary
- Gather Notary Information: Collect the notary’s name and commission number, if available.
- Access Oregon’s Notary Database: Visit the Open Data Portal on the Oregon Secretary of State’s official website and click View Data to access their online notary database.
- Search and Confirm: Enter the notary’s name into the “Find In This Dataset” bar and review the information provided to confirm their commission status and validity.
