Key Takeaways
- Electronic journals are allowed for electronic and remote online notarizations
- The electronic journal must be tamper-evident and secure
- RON journal entries must include the signer's electronic signature
- RON journal must note that the act was performed remotely
- Electronic journal records must be retained for 10 years after the last entry
Last updated: January 2026
Electronic Journals for Remote Notarization
Oregon permits electronic journals for electronic and remote online notarizations, with specific requirements for security and retention.
Electronic Journal Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | Tamper-evident electronic record |
| Security | Protected from unauthorized access |
| Backup | Regular backups recommended |
| Access | Only notary should have access |
RON Journal Entry Requirements
For remote online notarizations, the journal must include:
| Entry | Standard Journal | RON Journal |
|---|---|---|
| Date and time | Required | Required |
| Type of act | Required | Required |
| Document description | Required | Required |
| Signer's name | Required | Required |
| Signer's address | Required | Required |
| ID method | Required | Required |
| Fee charged | Required | Required |
| Signer's signature | Paper signature | Electronic signature |
| Remote notation | N/A | Must note it was remote |
Electronic vs. Paper Journal
| Aspect | Paper Journal | Electronic Journal |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional notarizations | Required | Optional |
| Electronic notarizations | Optional | Allowed |
| Remote notarizations | Optional | Allowed |
| Format | Bound book | Tamper-evident software |
| Signature capture | Ink signature | Electronic signature |
Retention Requirements
| Journal Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Paper journal | Per state guidelines |
| Electronic journal (RON) | 10 years after last entry |
Important: Even after your commission ends, you must retain electronic RON records for the full 10-year period.
Session Recordings for RON
In addition to journal entries, remote online notarizations require:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Audio-video recording | Of entire RON session |
| Retention period | 10 years minimum |
| Format | Secure, accessible format |
| Content | Identity verification, willingness, signing |
Journal Ownership for Electronic Records
The same rules apply as paper journals:
- Journal belongs to the notary
- Employer may keep if written agreement exists
- Must transfer or retain upon commission end
On the Exam
- Electronic journals: Allowed for RON and electronic notarizations
- Tamper-evident: Required for electronic journals
- 10-year retention: For RON records
- Electronic signature: Required in RON journal entries
- Note remote status: Must indicate act was done remotely
Test Your Knowledge
How long must electronic journal records for remote online notarizations be retained?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
What additional notation is required in a journal entry for a remote online notarization?
A
B
C
D