Oregon has had Consular Services for over a century, with Consular representatives stationed in Portland, for the most part, having jurisdiction extending throughout the Western United States from Portland.

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

Among functions performed by consular representatives are the following:

• Promotion of their country's trade within the area to which they are assigned;
• Offering protection and assistance to their country's shipping interests, legalization of ship's papers, assistance to their native sailors in distress, and adjudication of some shipping matters;
• Rendering assistance and protection of nationals of the country they represent;
• Administrating oaths, legalizing foreign documents as required by their country's laws, issuing passports, and visas;
• Acting as a spoke person on their country's policies and achievements in fields such as culture and its attractions for tourism.

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.
 

Emeritus Members

A Member of the 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 in the Corps upon receipt by the Secretary of a written request, followed by election by a simple majority of the members present at a duty 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 duty called meeting.

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