Contact: NotarySeminar.SOS@sos.oregon.gov

We are constantly working to improve our trainings and strengthen our resources for practicing notaries. We have some important announcements!

Changes to Training Requirements

First, a reminder that beginning in January 2025 all notaries will be required to take the Basic training every four years when they apply for a new commission. Advanced and Refresher courses will not fulfill the requirements for getting a new commission, even for seasoned notaries.This will help us ensure that notaries are hearing about changes to statute, rule, and best practices, as well as being aware of evolving challenges in the field.

Second, beginning in January the Notary Basics trainings will be 4 hours long rather than 3.5. We are adding new material on challenges and best practices, and quiz questions to ensure folks are better prepared for the notary test.

New Resources for Practicing Notaries

If you haven't recently visited the Resources and Aids to Notarization page on our website, now is a great time to check it out: https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/resources-aids-notarization.aspx

We have been adding brief (usually 1 page) printable handouts on topics like spotting false IDs, and the basics of apostilles and authentications. We are also adding brief videos on topics including notarizing with a credible witness and starting a notary business. We hope that these will be useful to you whether you want to brush up on something basic or explore an unfamiliar situation or process. If you have ideas about resources you'd like to see, please contact us--we'd love to hear from you!

Upcoming Notary Training Schedule

Here is our training schedule for the first quarter of 2025. You can find more information and instructions for registering on our training page: https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/notary-training.aspx

Basics webinars:
Jan. 15, 1-5pm
Feb. 11, 9am-1:00pm
March 11, 1-5pm

Basics in-person:
Feb. 5, 9am-1pm, ODOT Region 1 office, Tigard
March 5, 9am-1pm, Public Services Building, Salem

Apostilles webinars:
Jan. 7, 3-4pm
Feb. 13, 3-4pm
March 7, 3:30-4:30pm

Advanced webinars:
Jan. 24, 9-10am
Feb. 20, 3-4pm
March 21, 10-11am

Refresher webinars:
Jan. 22, 10-11am
Feb.18, 3-4pm
March 19, 10-11am

Virtual open house:
Jan. 28, 12-1pm
Feb, 26, 12:30-1:30pm
March 27, 12-1pm

Reminder about trainings on Workday: For all notary trainings offered by the State of Oregon, you will access registration and training materials by setting up an account in Workday. Information about the self-paced online training, the RON online training, the refresher training, the schedule for upcoming instructor-led webinars (both basic and advanced), in-person trainings, and the instructions for setting up an account in Workday, can all be found on the notary training page on the Secretary of State’s website: https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/notary-training.aspx

Getting stuck in (or outside) Workday? Having login difficulties? We feel you. Contact the notary team for help at NotarySeminar.SOS@sos.oregon.gov. DO NOT contact the help folks at Workday or DAS, they will not be able to help you.

Reminder: 2024 Notary Public Guide Now Available

Big News!  The Oregon Notary Public Guide has been revised for the first time since the pandemic! We've added new information on new training requirements, sanctions for notary misconduct, fraud, and more. The Guide has been revised with special attention to plain language and clear organization--we hope you will find it more helpful than ever! As always, the Guide is free for download from our website: https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/resources-aids-notarization.aspx.

Please be aware that there are online vendors out there selling our Guide on Amazon. These vendors have not been approved and their guides are not accurate. Get your Guide directly from the source!

Happy notarizing!

Questions? Contact us at NotarySeminar.SOS@sos.oregon.gov.