Launching and Running a Notary Business in Oregon: Fees and Services
Are you considering launching your own notary business in the beautiful state of Oregon? Being a notary public can be a rewarding and flexible profession, allowing you to serve your community and provide essential services. In this article, we will explore the requirements, fees, and services that you need to know to successfully run a notary business in Oregon.
What is a Notary Public?
Before diving into the specifics of starting a notary business, let’s first understand the role of a notary public. A notary public is an appointed official who acts as an impartial witness in the signing of important documents. Their main purpose is to prevent fraud by verifying the identity of signers and ensuring the authenticity of the documents being signed.
Requirements to Become a Notary in Oregon
Before you embark on your notary business journey, you must meet certain requirements set by the state of Oregon. To become a notary public, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a legal resident of Oregon or have a principal place of employment or practice in the state.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Pass a background check conducted by the Oregon Secretary of State.
- Complete a notary education course approved by the Secretary of State.
- Submit an application and pay the required fees.
Once you fulfill these requirements, you will be eligible to receive your notary commission from the Oregon Secretary of State.
Fees for Notary Services
As a notary public, you are entitled to charge fees for the services you provide. However, it is important to note that the fees you can charge in Oregon are regulated by state law. Here are some common services provided by notaries and the maximum fees allowed:
- Acknowledgments: $10 per signature
- Jurat: $10 per signature
- Copy certifications: $10 per document
- Protests: $10 per protest
These fees represent the maximum amounts allowed by law. Notaries are free to charge lower fees if they wish. It is essential to display a fee schedule prominently in your notary business to ensure transparency for your clients.
Additional Charges for Mobile, Loan Closing, or Remote Online Notarizations
In addition to the standard fees, notaries in Oregon can charge additional fees for specific services. These additional charges are as follows:
- Mobile notarizations: Notaries can charge a travel fee in addition to the standard fees for providing services at a location convenient to the client.
- Loan closing notarizations: Notaries can charge higher fees for loan document signings due to the complexity and time involved in the process.
- Remote online notarizations: Notaries can charge reasonable fees for performing notarial acts remotely through audio-video communication technology.
It is important to determine and communicate these additional charges clearly to your clients to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes.
In Conclusion
Launching and running a notary business in Oregon can be a fulfilling and lucrative endeavor. By meeting the state’s requirements, understanding the fees allowed for various services, and providing exceptional customer service, you can build a successful notary business. Remember to always stay informed about any changes in Oregon notary laws and regulations to ensure compliance and maintain the highest standards of professionalism.
If you found this article informative, we invite you to explore other articles on our website that provide valuable insights into various legal and business topics. Good luck with your notary business!
