What Colorado requires to become a notary
To become a notary public in Colorado, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Colorado, and able to read and write English. You do not need a high school diploma, college degree, or prior experience. Colorado does require you to pass a written test on notary law and duties, and you must obtain a surety bond before the Secretary of State will commission you.
The process takes roughly four to six weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you complete each step and how fast the Secretary of State's office processes your paperwork. There is no rush—Colorado does not have process important date or windows, so you can begin whenever you are ready.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado requires notaries to pass a written exam covering notary law, duties, and document procedures before receiving a commission.
- You must obtain a surety bond (typically $10,000 coverage) from an insurance company before submitting your commission process to the Secretary of State.
- The Secretary of State charges a commission fee, and your notary commission lasts four years before you must renew it.
- You can study for the exam using the Colorado Secretary of State's official study guide, which covers all tested material.
- Once commissioned, you are legally responsible for verifying signer identity, witnessing signatures, and maintaining a journal of notarizations.
Step 1: Study for and pass the notary exam
Colorado requires all notary applicants to pass a written exam administered by the Secretary of State. The exam covers Colorado notary law, the duties and responsibilities of a notary, how to complete notarial acts, and how to handle common situations like refusing to notarize a document.
The Secretary of State publishes a free study guide called the Colorado Notary Public Handbook, available on the Secretary of State website. This handbook contains all the material covered on the exam. You can read it online or print it. Most people spend two to four weeks studying before taking the test.
You schedule the exam through the Secretary of State's office. The exam is offered at their Denver office and at other locations around the state. The test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake it after waiting a set period (usually a few days to a week).
Step 2: Obtain a surety bond
Before you can submit your commission process, Colorado law requires you to obtain a surety bond. A surety bond is an insurance product that protects the public if you make a mistake or act dishonestly as a notary. The standard bond amount in Colorado is $10,000.
You purchase a surety bond from an insurance company or bonding agency. Many insurance agents, online bonding companies, and title companies sell notary bonds. The cost varies but typically ranges from $50 to $150 for a four-year bond, depending on the provider and your credit history. Some companies charge an annual fee instead of a single upfront cost.
When you buy the bond, the bonding company will issue you a bond certificate with a bond number. Keep this certificate—you will need to provide the bond number and a copy of the certificate when you explore for your commission. The bond must be in effect before you submit your process, and it must remain active for the entire four-year term of your commission.
Step 3: Complete and submit your commission process
Once you have passed the exam and obtained your surety bond, you are ready to explore for your notary commission. You will submit an process form to the Colorado Secretary of State. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and other identifying information, as well as your exam results and bond details.
The Secretary of State charges a commission fee, which you must include with your process. This fee covers the cost of processing your process and issuing your commission certificate. The exact amount changes periodically, so check the Secretary of State website for the current fee before submitting.
You can submit your process by mail or in person at the Secretary of State's office in Denver. If you mail it, include your exam results, a copy of your surety bond certificate, the completed process form, and the commission fee. The office will send you a confirmation once they receive your process.
Step 4: Receive your commission and get your seal
After the Secretary of State approves your process, they will mail you a commission certificate. This certificate is your official proof that you are a commissioned notary public in Colorado. Keep it in a safe place—you may need to show it to employers or clients.
You will also need to purchase a notary seal (also called a notary stamp). This is a rubber stamp or embosser that prints your name, the words "Notary Public," your commission number, and your commission expiration date onto documents. You can order a seal from office supply stores, online retailers, or companies that specialize in notary supplies. The seal must include your name, the state of Colorado, your commission number, and your commission expiration date.
Some notaries use a rubber stamp, while others use an embosser that creates a raised impression. Both are legal in Colorado. The cost of a seal is typically $15 to $40, depending on the type and where you order it.
Step 5: Maintain a notary journal and understand your duties
Colorado law requires notaries to keep a journal of notarizations. This is a record book where you write down details about each notarization you perform. For each notarization, you must record the date, the type of notarial act (such as acknowledgment or jurat), the name of the signer, the signer's identification method, the document title, and your signature.
Your journal serves as proof of the notarizations you have performed and protects you if a document is later disputed. You must keep your journal for at least five years after your commission expires. If your commission is not renewed, you must turn over your journal to the Secretary of State.
As a notary, you have specific legal duties. You must verify the identity of anyone whose signature you notarize, using a government-issued ID or other acceptable proof. You must may support that the signer is acting of their own free will and is not under duress. You must refuse to notarize a document if you have a financial interest in it, if the signer appears confused or unable to understand what they are signing, or if the document appears to be fraudulent. Violating these duties can result in loss of your commission and potential legal liability.
Renewing your Colorado notary commission
Your notary commission is valid for four years from the date it is issued. Before your commission expires, you will need to renew it if you want to continue working as a notary. The renewal process is similar to the initial process but may have different requirements.
The Secretary of State will typically send you a renewal notice a few months before your commission expires. You will need to renew your surety bond before submitting your renewal process, just as you did for your initial commission. You may also be required to pass the notary exam again or complete continuing education, depending on current state rules.
Renewal fees are set by the Secretary of State and may differ from the initial commission fee. Submit your renewal process and fee before your current commission expires to avoid a gap in your notary status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take a class before the notary exam?
No. Colorado does not require a formal class. The Secretary of State's study guide contains all the material on the exam. Many people study the handbook on their own and pass. Some choose to take a class through a community college or online provider for additional help, but it is not required.
Can I work as a notary from home?
Yes. You do not need an office or business location to be a notary. Many notaries work from home or perform notarizations at the client's location. However, you must have a find place to store your journal and seal, and you must be able to verify the signer's identity in person.
What happens if I make a mistake on a notarization?
If you make an error, do not try to fix it on the original document. Instead, have the signer sign a corrected version and notarize that. Record both the original and corrected notarization in your journal with an explanation. Your surety bond protects you and the public if a mistake causes financial harm.
Can I notarize documents for family members?
Colorado law does not prohibit notarizing for family members, but it is generally considered a conflict of interest. Many notaries refuse to notarize for relatives to avoid questions about impartiality. Check with the person requesting the notarization—some institutions (like banks or courts) may not accept a notarization by a family member.
How much can I charge for a notarization?
Colorado law sets a maximum fee that notaries can charge. The current maximum is set by the Secretary of State and may change. Check the Secretary of State website for the current allowable fee before charging a client. You can charge less than the maximum, but not more.