Can the Notary serve as one of the Witnesses to your document? No – not in Oregon.
I am there to verify the identity of you and any witnesses needed – so I cannot also serve as a Witness. If your document calls for 1, 2 or 3 Witnesses, please find individuals with valid IDs who can be there to watch you sign, and then sign the document themselves.

If you are signing your Will I cannot advise on who your Witnesses should be, however it is generally a good idea if they are disinterested 3rd parties who will not receive anything from you in the document.

Depending on the requirements for the document being signed:

• Witnesses need to be at least 18 years of age.
• Close relatives might be prohibited from being a witness.
• More than one witness may be needed – check the certificate to see what it calls for.

**Keep in mind that most hospitals and care facilities will not let employees serve in this capacity as it could be a conflict of interest and also takes them away from their regular duties – so don’t plan on using your nurse as one of the Witnesses when it comes time to do the notarization. Have your Witnesses (and their IDs!) there and ready to sign at the appointment.