Colorado’s notary laws are based on the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), adopted by the state legislature in 2018 through Senate Bill 18-132. The statute is found in Title 24, Article 21, Part 5 of the Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS 24-21-501 through 24-21-530). The statute covers your commission requirements, seal rules, journal duties,…
Colorado sets maximum fees that notaries can charge for notarial acts, and as of April 2024, there are new disclosure rules you need to follow. This guide covers the current fee limits, the itemization requirements, and what happens if you overcharge. Maximum Fees Under Colorado Law Under CRS 24-21-529, Colorado caps what notaries can charge:…
One question that comes up often for new Colorado notaries is whether they need a surety bond. The short answer: Colorado does not require one. Unlike states such as California, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, Colorado has no bonding requirement for notary commissions. But understanding what a bond does, and what alternatives exist, will help you decide…
Every notarial act in Colorado requires a certificate that documents what the notary did. The certificate wording is set by state law under the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), adopted as Colorado’s notary statute. Getting the certificate right matters because errors can invalidate the notarization and expose you to liability. Types of Notarial…
If you have a criminal record and want to become a notary in Colorado, the answer depends on what you were convicted of and when it happened. Colorado does not automatically disqualify everyone with a record, but certain offenses give the Secretary of State grounds to deny your application. What Colorado Law Says Under CRS…
Yes, a Colorado notary can notarize a will, but wills have specific rules that differ from other documents. Wills have specific legal requirements that vary by state, and a notary who handles one incorrectly can create problems for the signer’s estate down the road. Colorado notaries should know the limits. Wills Do Not Always Require…
–> Your Colorado notary commission expires every four years. Here is exactly what you need to do to renew it, including what documents to gather, what it costs, and how far in advance you can apply. When to renew You can renew up to 90 days before your commission expiration date. Don’t wait until the…
If you are a commissioned Colorado notary and want to turn it into a business, here is what to know about getting started, what to charge, and where the money is. Who Needs a Notary Real estate agents, title companies, lenders, and signing services need notaries for loan documents. Individuals need notarizations for powers of…
Key Takeaways You must be 18 or older, a US citizen or legal resident, and a Colorado resident or employed in the state No felony convictions allowed; no misdemeanors involving dishonesty in the past five years (C.R.S. § 24-21-523) You need to complete approved training and pass the Colorado notary exam before applying You need…
A question we often receive is “How much does it cost to become a notary in Colorado?” This is often part of the larger question of “Should I become a notary?” The answer to this question isn’t as simple as it might sound since many different variables are involved. But since many of the items…
Key Takeaways Colorado requires all new (and renewing) notaries to pass the notary exam before applying The exam is administered online by the CO Secretary of State Topics covered: notary law, proper use of the stamp and journal, allowed and prohibited acts, and signer identification The best preparation is a state-approved training course all exam…
No one wants their Colorado notary application to be rejected by the Secretary of State’s office. A denied application means more work correcting errors, and possibly some embarrassment if you told people you were becoming a notary. We want to help you avoid the hassle, so we compiled a list of the most common rejection…
There seems to be some confusion regarding eNotarizations in the state of Colorado. The confusion comes with the terminology. When we usually think of words that start with “e-” (like e-mail), we think of something electronic that takes the place of something physical. In this case, an electronic document is being notarized through an electronic…
Key Takeaways Colorado requires notaries to maintain a notary journal recording every notarial act There is one exception: if the document being notarized already contains all required journal information and is kept by your firm or employer The journal must include 9 specific pieces of information per entry (date, type of act, document title, signer…
Key Takeaways Colorado requires a rectangular inked rubber stamp embossing seals are not allowed The stamp must include your name, “NOTARY PUBLIC,” “STATE OF COLORADO,” your commission number, and expiration date No state seal, symbols, or decorative elements permitted inside the border Use black or blue ink (black is most legible and photographically reproducible) Stamp…
As part of the notary application process, the Colorado Secretary of State requires that new applicants (and renewing notaries who have allowed their commission to lapse) pass the Colorado Notary Public Exam. The exam is free and does not add anything to your costs to become a notary. What the Exam Covers The online exam…
If you are asking “How do I become a notary public in Colorado?” the short answer is: complete a training course, pass the state exam, and apply online through the Secretary of State. The full process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Step 1: Check That You Qualify Before you do anything else, make sure…
The Colorado notary business has its unique terminology. Many of the terms can be confusing for people that are just starting. One of the more unique terms is “apostille.” What is an apostille, and, more importantly, how do you pronounce it? It’s a French word that is pronounced “ah-po-STEE” and it means “certification.” An apostille…
Becoming a notary public is a big responsibility. Colorado notary publics help prevent fraud and are appointed by the state. The Secretary of State’s office has specific requirements for who can hold a commission. If you don’t meet them, your application will be denied. Colorado Notary Eligibility Requirements You must be a resident of Colorado…
The Colorado Secretary of State lists common mistakes for notaries to avoid on their website. Some of these deal with the notary seal. Others deal with notarial certificates and journal entries. All of them are covered in our Colorado Notary Training, but since the state specifically calls them out, we want to cover them here…
