If I had a dollar for every wild assumption I’ve heard about what notaries do, I could retire my stamp and buy a beachfront condo. Somewhere between courtroom dramas and social media “experts,” notaries have been cast as everything from legal advisors to document magicians. Spoiler alert: we’re neither. So today, we’re setting the record straight — one myth at a time.
Myth #1: Notaries can give legal advice.
This is the big one. A notary’s job isn’t to tell you what to do with your paperwork — it’s to confirm who you are, verify that your document is complete, and make sure you’re signing of your own free will. We witness and verify, not advise or interpret.
Think of your notary like a referee at a game: we make sure the play is fair, but we’re not coaching your team. If you need legal guidance, that’s what attorneys are for. A notary’s role is all about preventing fraud, not practicing law.
Myth #2: Notaries can charge whatever they want.
As much as we’d love to add a “retirement fund surcharge,” Oregon law says otherwise.
Notaries in Oregon are limited to a maximum fee set by the state for each notarization — and that fee chart is publicly available. Some notaries may add a travel fee for mobile services, but the notarization itself? That’s locked down tighter than a courthouse vault.
In short: mobile convenience costs extra, but your signature verification never should.
Myth #3: Any photo ID will do.
If I had a nickel for every expired Costco card someone tried to hand me, I’d still only have about 25 cents — but it happens more often than you’d think.
Oregon notaries can only accept current, government-issued identification. That means valid driver’s licenses, state IDs, military IDs, or passports. Sorry, but your gym membership and library card don’t make the cut.
Pro tip: check the expiration date before your appointment. Nothing kills the mood of a smooth signing faster than realizing your ID expired two birthdays ago.
Myth #4: You can fill it out later.
Nope. A notary can’t stamp an incomplete or blank document.
Our job is to verify the contents of the document as they exist at the time of signing. If there are blank spaces or missing details, we hit pause until everything is complete. This protects you — and the integrity of your document — from potential fraud or alterations later.
So if you’re meeting with a notary, double-check that all your fields are filled in (except where you’re meant to sign, of course). It’ll save everyone time — and keep your paperwork airtight.
Myth #5: Online notarization isn’t real.
This myth has been around since the dawn of webcams. But here in Oregon, Remote Online Notarization (RON) is 100% legal, secure, and state-approved.
That means you can have your documents notarized from your couch — no travel, no parking, no “Did I bring my pen?” panic.
Online notarizations use verified ID checks, encrypted video sessions, and secure document storage to meet the same standards as in-person signings. The only difference? Better lighting and no gas money.
Behind the Stamp: What Notaries Really Do
Notaries work quietly behind the scenes of everyday life — real estate closings, medical forms, power of attorney documents, parental consent letters, business contracts, and more. Every signature we witness helps protect someone from fraud, coercion, or costly legal disputes down the road.
Our mission is simple: clarity and confidence with every signature.
We’re not here to make your paperwork more complicated — we’re here to make sure it’s done right.
The Bottom Line
Being a notary isn’t glamorous, but it’s vital. We’re the impartial witnesses who keep the system honest, the small but mighty safeguard between your important life decisions and potential chaos.
So the next time you need something notarized, remember:
- We can’t give legal advice — but we can make your documents official.
- We follow strict state guidelines — not wild west pricing.
- We require proper ID — because security matters.
- We won’t stamp incomplete forms — precision is part of the job.
- And yes, online notarization is absolutely real — and incredibly convenient.
When you’re ready for reliable, professional notarization — whether mobile or online — we’ll be there to bring, well, clarity and confidence to every signature.