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 A notary public is a public official who is authorized to verify the authenticity of documents and signatures. Notarization is often required for legal and business transactions, such as real estate transactions, loan signings, and business contracts.

An Oregon notary public can:

• Take acknowledgments: This means that the notary public can verify that the person signing a document is who they say they are.
• Administer oaths: This means that the notary public can witness someone swearing or promising to tell the truth.
• Certify copies: This means that the notary public can verify that a copy of a document is an accurate copy of the original.
• Witness signatures: This means that the notary public can witness someone signing a document and verify their signature.

The following types of identification may be used for notarizations in Oregon but organizations or individuals may have additional ID requirements:

• A driver license, ID card issued by the DMV, learners permit, provisional or limited term driver license. (Temporary (interim) driver license or temporary ID cards are only good for 30 days.) 
• A United States passport or an officially recognized passport of a foreign country. A United States passport refers to either a U.S. passport or a U.S. passport card issued by the U.S. Department of State. 
• A United States military identification card that contains the person’s photograph and signature. 
• A Tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe that contains the person’s photograph and signature. 
• Other government documents. A document issued by the federal government or a state, county, or local government that contains the person’s photograph and signature. 
• Corrections records. If a person is confined in a correctional facility and needs to have documents notarized, identification used to identify the incarcerated person shall be the ID that is used in the facility to positively identify an inmate through examination or comparison of official government documents or records.

Identification must be current or expired not more than three years before performance of the notarial act.