Colorado Notary Requirements and the process Path

To become a notary in Colorado, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state, and able to read and write English. You do not need a high school diploma or prior experience. The Colorado Secretary of State's office processes notary commissions, and the entire process typically takes two to four weeks from submission to receiving your commission.

Colorado does not require you to pass an exam or take a course before becoming a notary, though some people choose to take a training class anyway to understand the role better. The main steps are gathering documents, completing the process form, paying the fee, and submitting everything to the Secretary of State.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18, a Colorado resident, and able to read and write English — no exam or prior training is required by law.
  • The process form is the Notary Public process (available from the Secretary of State website), and you submit it by mail with a check or money order.
  • Your commission lasts four years and costs $50, with renewal costing $50 as well.
  • You will need to provide your Social Security number, a valid Colorado ID, and proof of residency on the process.
  • Once commissioned, you can notarize documents, administer oaths, and take acknowledgments — but you cannot give legal information or draft documents.

What Documents You Need to Gather

Before filling out the process, collect a valid Colorado ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) and proof that you live in Colorado. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address.

You will also need your Social Security number for the process. Have these items ready before you start the form so you can fill it out accurately and completely. Missing or incorrect information will delay processing.

Completing the Notary Public process Form

The Notary Public process is available on the Colorado Secretary of State website under the notary section. read and print it, or request a copy by mail. The form asks for your full legal name, date of birth, Colorado address, phone number, email, and Social Security number.

You will also declare that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, that you can read and write English, and that you have not been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or fraud. Answer each question truthfully. Sign and date the form in front of a notary public — yes, you need another notary to witness your signature on your own process. Many banks, libraries, and law offices offer notary services for a small fee or free.

Submitting Your process and Paying the Fee

Mail your completed, notarized process to the Colorado Secretary of State, Elections Division, 1700 Broadway, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80290. Include a check or money order for $50 made payable to the Colorado Secretary of State. Do not send cash.

Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. The Secretary of State does not accept applications by email or in person at the office — mail is the only method. Processing typically takes two to four weeks. You can check the status of your process by calling the Elections Division at the phone number listed on the Secretary of State website.

What Happens After You Receive Your Commission

Once approved, the Secretary of State will mail you a notary commission certificate. This certificate is your proof that you are commissioned and is valid for four years from the date of issue. Keep it in a safe place — you will need to show it if someone questions your authority to notarize.

You do not need to purchase a notary seal or journal when ready, but most notaries do. A notary seal (also called a stamp) is a device that imprints your name, commission number, and expiration date onto documents. A notary journal is a record book where you log each notarization. Both are available online or at office supply stores and typically cost between $20 and $50 combined.

Understanding What You Can and Cannot Do as a Notary

As a Colorado notary, you can notarize signatures on documents, administer oaths and affirmations, take acknowledgments (where someone swears they signed a document), and certify copies of certain public documents. You cannot give legal information, draft legal documents, represent someone in court, or charge more than the fee set by Colorado law (currently $5 per notarial act, though this can change).

You also cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in it, if you are a party to the document, or if the signer is not present in front of you. These rules exist to prevent fraud and protect the public. Violating them can result in your commission being revoked and potential legal liability.

Renewing Your Notary Commission

Your commission expires four years after the date it is issued. To renew, submit a new Notary Public process with the $50 renewal fee at least 30 days before your expiration date. The process is the same as the initial process — you will need to have your signature notarized again and mail everything to the Secretary of State.

If your commission expires before you renew, you cannot perform notarial acts until a new commission is issued. Plan ahead so you do not lose the ability to work. The Secretary of State typically sends a reminder notice a few months before expiration, but it is your responsibility to track the date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a notary class or pass an exam in Colorado?

No. Colorado does not require a course or exam to become a notary. Some people take a class anyway to learn the rules and best practices, but it is optional and not required by law.

Can I notarize documents for family members or people I know?

No. You cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in it or if you are related to the signer in a way that gives you an interest in the outcome. You also cannot notarize if you are a party to the document. The signer must be a stranger or someone with no connection to your interests.

How much can I charge to notarize a document?

Colorado law sets the maximum fee at $5 per notarial act. You can charge less, but not more. Some notaries charge nothing for friends or family, while others charge the full amount for every notarization.

What if I move out of Colorado after becoming a notary?

Your commission becomes invalid if you move out of state. You must be a Colorado resident to hold a Colorado notary commission. If you move, you will need to become a notary in your new state instead.

Can I notarize documents online or by video call?

Colorado allows remote notarization under certain conditions, but the rules are specific. The signer must appear before you by video conference, you must be able to verify their identity, and the document must be one that Colorado law permits to be notarized remotely. Not all documents may have access to. Check with the Secretary of State or a notary trainer for details on which documents can be notarized remotely.