Oregon Notary Public — All Questions

What is Oregon's rule on keeping a notary journal?

• a.A journal is optional
• b.Only remote acts must be recorded
• c.The notary must keep one or more journals chronicling all notarial acts and retain the journal for 10 years after the last act recorded in it✓
• d.The journal must be given to the signer

Oregon requires a notary to maintain a journal chronicling all notarial acts, in a tangible or electronic format, and to retain the journal for 10 years after the last act recorded in it. The journal is a key protection if an act is later challenged.ORS 194.300 (journal); Oregon Notary Public Guide

Which elements must appear on an Oregon notary's official stamp?

• a.The signer's name and county
• b.The notary's name, the words 'Notary Public' and 'Oregon,' the commission number, and the commission expiration date✓
• c.The notary's home address
• d.The Oregon State Seal in gold

An Oregon stamp shows the notary's name, the words 'Notary Public' and 'Oregon,' the commission number, and the commission expiration date. It authenticates the notary's acts and never contains the signer's information.ORS Chapter 194 (Oregon RULONA); Oregon Notary Public Guide

What should each Oregon journal entry capture?

• a.The date and time, type of act, description of the document, the signer's name and signature, the identification method, and any fee✓
• b.The signer's bank balance
• c.The notary's personal opinions
• d.A photocopy of the whole document

An Oregon journal entry records the date and time, the type of act, a description of the document, the signer's name and signature, how the signer was identified, and any fee. It documents the act; it is not a copy of the document.ORS 194.300 (journal); Oregon Notary Public Guide

An Oregon notary's stamp or journal is lost or stolen. What should the notary do?

• a.Do nothing unless it is misused
• b.Keep using a scanned copy of the stamp
• c.Wait until the commission expires
• d.Take prompt steps to prevent misuse, notify the Secretary of State as required, and obtain a replacement✓

Because a stolen stamp or journal can facilitate fraud, the notary should promptly act to prevent misuse, notify the Secretary of State as required, and obtain a replacement. Relying on a scanned copy of the old stamp is not acceptable.Oregon Notary Public Guide (Oregon Secretary of State)