Oregon has had consular services for a century with consular representatives in Portland having jurisdiction extending throughout the Western United States.

In some cases, a resident United States citizen is appointed by a foreign country as its representative. These officials hold the rank of Honorary Consul General, Honorary Consul, or Honorary Vice Consul, dependent on the status accorded by the government authority. These appointments require the approval of the U.S. State Department.

Among functions performed by consular representatives are the following:

• Promoting their country's trade, tourism and cultural ties within the area to which they are assigned;
• Offering protection and assistance to their country's shipping interests;
• Rendering assistance and protection to nationals of the countries they represent;
• Administrating oaths, certifying foreign documents, and, in some cases, issuing passports and visas;
• Acting as a spokesperson for their countries’ policies.

Under regulations formulated by 92 nations at the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, Honorary Consuls are entitled to most of the privileges and immunities accorded Career Consuls. These laws governed diplomatic intercourse and immunities on April 18, 1961, and continue in force. 

A member of the Oregon Consular Corps who resigns, is replaced, or whose post is eliminated, and who is in good standing with the Corps at such time, may become an Emeritus Member of the Corps upon receipt by the Secretary of a written request, and approval by a simple majority of the members present at a duly called meeting.

Emeritus Members are entitled to full rights and privileges of the Corps, including voting rights.

The Corps may elect by a simple majority vote, as Honorary members, any former or current diplomat residing in, or whom the Corps determines to otherwise be sufficiently connected with, Oregon. At least fifteen (15) days advance notice to the Corps must be given prior to any such election present at a duly called meeting.

Honorary members shall be entitled to full rights and privileges of the Corps, but will not have voting rights.

The Corps may elect by a simple majority vote, as Associate Members, any individual or organization that supports the mission of the Oregon Consular Corps. At least fifteen (15) days advance notice to the Corps must be given prior to any such election present at a duly called meeting.

Honorary members shall be entitled to full rights and privileges of the Corps, but will not have voting rights.