Secretary of State  Corporation Division 255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151  Salem OR 97310 sos.oregon.gov/notary

Contact: Corporation.Division@oregon.gov

Notary News 
Remote Online Notarization – It’s Here!!!

The Oregon Legislature recently passed HB 4212A, which was signed into law by the Governor on June 30, 2020. While this bill contained many concepts, part of it legalizes Remote Online Notarization (RON) through July 2021. RON also allows notaries from other states to perform Remote Online Notarizations for Oregonians.

How does RON work?

Remote Online Notarization is the process by which documents are notarized in a digital format. Using this technology, you can notarize from the comfort of your home or office – without being in the physical presence of the signer. RON platforms are required to provide a particular mix of secure technology features that, together, meet or exceed the standards contained in Oregon laws and regulations. These include:

• multi-factor identity verification, called Knowledge Based Authentication (KBA);
• secure document upload and transmission;
• secure, recorded video conferencing;
• digital signing and stamping

There are several companies that offer RON platforms. They include, but are not limited to:

• DocVerfiy
• Notarize
• NotaryCam
• Pavaso
• Safedocs
• SIGNiX

RON is not just video conferencing

Notaries and consumers may not use standalone video conferencing applications, such as GoToMeeting, Zoom, Facetime and others, to legally complete a RON notarization. These applications do not meet the technical standards in Oregon law and regulation.

How can I become a RON notary?

Only commissioned notaries are eligible to obtain certification to perform RON notarizations. You’ll need to:

• Research which RON platform(s) you would like to use (you may use more than one, but you will need to apply separately for each platform you plan to use)
• Complete the Remote Online Notarization training (provide the link)
• Complete the Remote Notarization Notice form and submit it to program-services.sos@oregon.gov
• Wait to receive an acknowledgement from Secretary of State

Once you have your acknowledgement in hand, you’re ready to RON!

Oregon Notary Public Guide

Refer to the updated Oregon Notary Public Guide. It covers laws and rules, Attorney General opinions, state policy and much more.

Notary Public Webinars

The 2020 Summer and Fall Webinar Schedule is now available! There are many dates and times to choose from. You can attend from the comfort of your home or office. Visit our Notary Public Webinar page to view a complete schedule of webinars and to register for a class.

The Basics class is a comprehensive and thorough examination of notary basics: purpose, responsibilities and liabilities of a notary; how to notarize; notary certificates and the notary journal. It is designed to help you pass the notary exam. Seasoned notaries are welcome to attend.

The Advanced class (CURRENT NOTARIES ONLY) addresses employee notary issues, notario, elder abuse fraud, journaling, witnesses, challenging notarial certificates, iPEN and RON notarizations, the steps to become a RON notary, among other topics. This seminar is only appropriate for experienced, commissioned notaries. It does not meet the training qualifications for a notary application.

Notary Education Online

Updated notary education videos are now available on the Corporation Division YouTube channel. If you need a refresher on a particular area of focus, check it out.