Visit Your Capitol
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I Need To ...
Find where to go to get services:
- Authentication/Apostille (state certified document/notarization): The Secretary of State’s Corporation Division, located at 255 Capitol St. NE Ste. 151 (directly across from the Capitol on court street, in the Capitol Mall) provides this service. The Corporation Division is also available by phone at 503-986-2200 and by email at: corporationdivision.sos@sos.oregon. More information on obtaining an authentication or apostille can be found here: How to Get an Authentication (or Apostille)
- Business Registration: This service is also provided by the Secretary of State’s Corporation Division at 255 Capitol St. NE Ste. 151. The Corporation Division is also available by phone at 503-986-2200 and by email at: corporationdivision.sos@sos.oregon. More information on registering a business can be found here: Register a Business
- Courthouse: The Marion County Courthouse is located at 100 High Street NE. If you are looking for court records from another jurisdiction, contact the courthouse from the county in which your record took place.
- “Dome Building”: While the Capitol has a tower that looks like a dome, people who reference the “Salem dome building” usually are asking for the Department of Corrections. You can contact them by calling 503-945-9090.
- Governor: For information on contacting the Governor during Capitol construction, click here.
- Justice Building/Law Library:This one building east of us at 1163 State Street.
- Oregon State Police (OSP): For OSP towed vehicle release or Capitol Trooper assistance, please contact 503-986-1122 or dial *OSP from a cellphone. For non-Capitol administrative services, such as fingerprinting and background checks, contact the OSP GHQ administrative office at 503-378-3720 or visit 3565 Trelstad Ave. SE. For emergencies, dial 911.
Hours
During legislative session building hours are Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except for the following: - New Year’s Day - Martin Luther King Day - Memorial Day - Juneteenth - Independence Day - Labor Day - Veteran’s Day - Thanksgiving Day and the following day - Christmas Day
How to Get Here
The Capitol is located at 900 Court St. NE, in Salem, between Portland and Eugene, just west of I-5. Due to construction the main entrance on Court Street is closed. Visitors accessing the building must use the entrance on the south side, which is located on State Street.
Parking
Metered parking is available around the Capitol at a cost of $1.50 per hour. Free parking can be found within the historic downtown area. The Capitol’s main entrance on Court Street is closed due to construction. Visitors must enter the Capitol on the south side of the building from State Street. If parking on Court Street, visitors will need to follow the signs through the park to access the south entrance. Visit here to learn more about metered parking around the building.
Public Transportation
Most Cherriots bus routes travel to the Downtown Transit Center, just three blocks from the Capitol. The Capitol also has a stop directly in front on Court Street. For more information, visit the Cherriots website at www.cherriots.org.
Reserving Space in the Capitol and Building Use Policy
Email capitol.events@oregonlegislature.gov or call 503-986-1384 to reserve space. Space is very limited during the construction project. To view the Capitol's Building Use Policy visit: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/EnterpriseDocumentLibrary/lac_policies.pdf.
Reserving Space in State Capitol State Park
If you would like to have an event using the park spaces surrounding the Capitol you will need to contact Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and file an event permit. You can learn more at the State Capitol State Park page or email scsp.permits@oprd.oregon.gov.
Language Access
To make arrangements for language interpretation and translation while you are at the Capitol or testifying remotely for a public committee hearing, including ASL, please contact the Language Services staff at 503-986-1538 or email languageaccess@oregonlegislature.gov. Requests should be made three business days in advance. For more information, click here.
Capitol Store
The store is a perfect place to find unique items designed exclusively for the Capitol and it features a wide variety of souvenirs. Shop the collections online at https://oregoncapitol.com/shop-capitol-collection/. You can also call the store at 503-986-1391, or email capitol.store@oregonlegislature.gov if you have any questions.
Accessibility
The Capitol staff works with individuals to ensure universal access to public hearings. Find out more about these services on the ADA accessibility page at https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/Pages/universalAccess.aspx
Security
The safety of the Capitol and the people who use it is a top priority. The goal is to ensure the highest public access while proactively securing all who enter to have a safe and positive experience. Strict security measures are being taken to ensure the protection of our elected officials, guests and the public when visiting the Capitol. Always allow time for possible delays for security processing when visiting the Capitol.
Condition of Entry
- For security reasons, access to the Capitol is conditional upon consent to inspection.
- All persons – no exceptions – must go through screening and must present purses, packages, and other objects for separate electronic inspection.
- No weapons or other hazards allowed.
- No sealed envelopes or packages allowed.
- Items may not be delivered or left behind.
- Once visitors have exited the Capitol, re-entry will require reprocessing.
- You do have right to refuse any or all of these security screening procedures. However, entry to the building will be denied.
Things to Keep in Mind
- The Legislature may be in session during your visit. The historical spaces in the Capitol are inaccessible due to construction until Fall 2025. Observe closure signs, and remain quiet in chamber galleries.
- No food, beverages, or flash photography in the chambers.
- Space is capacity controlled, first come, first serve.
Food
The Capitol Café is currently closed for construction, but don’t worry; restaurants are located within three blocks of the Capitol. Vending machines are located on the second floor break room in the House Wing and third floor break room in the Senate Wing.
How to Participate in Oregon's Democracy
Learn the different ways to make your voice heard. Check out the Engage in the Process page .
Other Things to Do While In Salem
After a day touring the Capitol, take a stroll in the Salem Downtown Historic District . Just two blocks east of the Capitol, the district boasts over 40 preserved buildings spanning the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Other popular nearby destinations are the Salem Riverfront Park and Carousel, Hallie Ford Museum, Gilbert House Children's Museum, Salem Multicultural Institute, Willamette University, and the historical Salem train station. A couple miles away, you'll also find the Forest History Center Museum and the Museum of Mental Health.
