OAR 137-020-0600: Misrepresentation of Notarial Powers; Notice of Notarial Powers and Fees

(1) As used in this section: “Notary public” means any person certified by the State of Oregon to provide notarial services as specified by ORS 194.005 to 194.200 and 194.505 to 194.595 who is not a member of the Oregon State Bar and who is not otherwise authorized by federal law to practice, serve as a representative or appear in immigration matters. (2) It is unfair or deceptive in trade or commerce for a notary public to make an express or implied representation of powers, qualifications, rights or privileges that the notary public does not have, including but not limited to the power to provide advice of any kind on legal or immigration matters. (3) It is unfair or deceptive in trade or commerce for a notary public to make an express or implied representation that the notary public is a “notario publico,” or a “notario,” or to advertise notarial services in a language other than English, unless the representation or advertisement clearly and conspicuously includes the following in the language of the representation or advertisement and in English: (a) A statement, “I am not licensed to practice law in the State of Oregon, and I am not permitted to give legal advice on immigration or other legal matters or accept fees for legal advice”; and (b) The fees for notarial acts specified under ORS 194.164. (4) It is unfair or deceptive in trade or commerce for a notary public who makes an express or implied representation that the notary public is a “notario publico,” or a “notario,” or who advertises notarial services in a language other than English to fail to clearly and conspicuously post a sign containing the information specified in subsection (3)(a) and (3)(b) of this rule in a publicly accessible area of the notary’s place of business.