Living Will Requirements in Oregon
An Oregon advance directive must be signed and either witnessed by at least two adults or notarized.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Oregon at a glance
- Name of the document
- Advance Directive
- Witnesses
- 2 witnesses
- Or a notary instead of witnesses
- Notarization
- Instead of witnesses
The rules in Oregon
What is a living will called in Oregon?
In Oregon, the document is called the Advance Directive.
Does a living will need witnesses in Oregon?
Oregon requires two witnesses, or a notary instead.
Does a living will need to be notarized in Oregon?
Only if you do not use witnesses. Oregon accepts a notary as an alternative to witnesses.
Where do the Oregon rules for living wills come from?
They come from ORS 127.515. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Oregon compares
Oregon is one of 22 jurisdictions that accept a notary instead of witnesses.
What this means in practice
Give copies to your doctor, your health care agent and close family, and keep the original where it can be found quickly. A living will that nobody can find cannot help.
Many states have rules about who may serve as a witness, for example excluding relatives or your health care providers. Check the statute before you sign.
Review the document after a major diagnosis, a move to another state or a change in your wishes.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.