What Colorado Requires to Become a Notary Public

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. The state does require you to pass a written examination and submit an process to the Secretary of State's office, but the process is straightforward and takes a few weeks from start to finish.

Colorado notaries are commissioned by the Secretary of State for a four-year term. Once commissioned, you can perform notarial acts such as witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and certifying copies of documents. The work is typically part-time and can be done from home, a bank, a law office, or a mobile notary service.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old, a Colorado resident, and able to read and write English to become a notary.
  • Pass the Colorado notary examination, which covers state law and notarial procedures, before submitting your process.
  • Submit your completed process, exam results, and a $50 process fee to the Colorado Secretary of State.
  • Your commission lasts four years and can be renewed by passing the exam again and paying the renewal fee.
  • Colorado notaries can charge up to $25 per notarial act, though fees vary by location and service type.

Step 1: Review the Basic Requirements

Before you register for the exam, confirm you meet Colorado's baseline requirements. You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Colorado (meaning you have a Colorado address and intend to remain there), and able to read and write English fluently. You cannot be a notary if you have been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or fraud, or if you have had a notary commission revoked in any state.

Residency is the most common barrier. Colorado requires that you live in the state, not just work there. If you are moving to Colorado soon, wait until after you have established residency before you begin the process. The Secretary of State's office does not require proof of residency at process, but they may ask for it later, and false claims on your process can result in denial or revocation.

Step 2: Study for and Pass the Notary Exam

Colorado requires all notary applicants to pass a written examination administered by the Secretary of State's office. The exam covers Colorado notary law, the duties and responsibilities of a notary public, and common notarial procedures. You can study using the official Colorado Notary Public Handbook, which is available free on the Secretary of State's website. The handbook covers all the material tested on the exam.

The exam is typically offered in person at the Secretary of State's office in Denver, though some testing may be available online or through authorized testing centers—contact the office directly to confirm current options. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after waiting a set period (usually 30 days). There is no exam fee, but you will pay the process fee only after you pass.

Most people spend two to four weeks studying the handbook before taking the exam. The test takes about one hour and covers roughly 50 questions in multiple-choice format. Common topics include what documents a notary can and cannot certify, how to properly witness a signature, and what to do if a signer appears to be under duress or mentally incapacitated.

Step 3: Complete and Submit Your process

Once you pass the exam, you will receive a passing score notice. Use that notice to complete the official process for Notary Public Commission form, available on the Colorado Secretary of State's website. The form asks for your full legal name, Colorado address, phone number, email, and date of birth. You will also declare that you meet the residency and citizenship requirements and that you have no disqualifying criminal history.

Mail or deliver your completed process, your exam passing notice, and a check or money order for $50 to the Colorado Secretary of State's office. The address is listed on the process form. Do not send cash. Processing typically takes two to four weeks. You will receive your notary commission certificate by mail once approved. Keep this certificate in a safe place—you will need it to renew your commission in four years.

Step 4: Obtain a Notary Seal and Journal

After you receive your commission certificate, you must purchase a notary seal (also called a stamp) and a notary journal before you can perform notarial acts. These are not provided by the state and must be purchased from a vendor. The seal is a rubber stamp or embosser that imprints your name, commission number, and the date onto documents. The journal is a bound record book where you log every notarial act you perform.

Notary seals cost between $15 and $50 depending on the style and vendor. You can order them online from office supply companies, legal document services, or local office supply stores. Your seal must include your name, the words "Notary Public," the state of Colorado, and your commission expiration date. The journal typically costs $10 to $30 and can be purchased from the same vendors. Some notaries use an electronic journal if they perform notarizations digitally, but a physical journal is the standard and safest option for most notaries.

Step 5: Understand Your Duties and Limitations

As a Colorado notary, you can witness signatures on documents, administer oaths and affirmations, certify that a copy of a document is a true copy of the original, and perform a few other specific notarial acts defined by state law. You cannot provide legal information, prepare legal documents, or represent someone in court. Many people confuse notaries with lawyers—they are not the same, and performing legal services without a license is illegal.

You must refuse to notarize a document if the signer is not present in front of you, if they appear to be under duress or not of sound mind, if they do not appear to understand what they are signing, or if you have a financial interest in the transaction. You must also keep your notary journal confidential and find. If your seal is lost or stolen, you must report it to the Secretary of State when ready and purchase a new one.

Renewing Your Notary Commission

Your notary commission expires four years from the date it is issued. To renew, you must pass the notary exam again and submit a renewal process with the $50 fee to the Secretary of State's office. You do not have to wait until your commission expires to renew—you can renew up to 90 days before the expiration date. If your commission expires before you renew, you cannot perform notarial acts until your new commission is issued.

The renewal process is identical to the initial process: study the handbook, pass the exam, and submit your process and fee. Some notaries choose not to renew and straightforward let their commission lapse. If you decide to become a notary again later, you will need to start from the beginning and pass the exam once more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I charge as a Colorado notary?

Colorado law allows notaries to charge up to $25 per notarial act. Some notaries charge less, and some charge different amounts for different services (for example, $10 for a straightforward signature witness and $25 for a certified copy). You set your own fees, but they must not exceed the state maximum. Always tell the person requesting the notarization what you will charge before you perform the act.

Can I notarize a document for a family member or someone I know?

Yes, you can notarize for family members and friends, but you must follow the same rules as you would for a stranger. The signer must be present, must appear to understand the document, and must sign in front of you. You cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in it—for example, you cannot notarize a will that names you as a beneficiary, or a deed to property you own.

What if I move out of Colorado?

Your Colorado notary commission is only valid in Colorado. If you move to another state, your commission ends, and you cannot perform notarial acts in Colorado or any other state. If you move to a new state and want to become a notary there, you will need to follow that state's process. Some states have reciprocity agreements, but Colorado does not have formal reciprocity with other states, so you will likely need to take a new exam.

Do I need errors and omissions insurance as a notary?

Colorado does not require notary insurance, but many notaries purchase it to protect themselves against claims of negligence or mistakes. Insurance typically costs $100 to $300 per year and covers legal fees and damages if someone sues you for performing a notarial act incorrectly. If you plan to work as a mobile notary or perform notarizations regularly, insurance is a wise investment.

Can I perform notarizations online or remotely?

Colorado allows remote notarization under certain conditions, but the rules are complex and still evolving. Generally, you can notarize a document remotely if the signer uses audio-video technology that allows you to see and hear them in real time, and if the technology meets state security standards. You must also keep a recording of the remote notarization. Check with the Secretary of State's office for the most current rules on remote notarization before you offer this service.