Colorado Notary Handbook

If you’re looking to become a Colorado notary, our state-approved online course covers everything including your certificate. Learn about the course 

We sometimes receive questions about edge cases and unusual notarizations from our Colorado Notary Training students long after they have passed the course and become a notary. No training can cover every odd notarial act, or the course would last forever. In our training, we cover everything the Secretary of State requires plus practical examples that go beyond the minimum. But there will always be situations that fall outside what any course covers.

We like hearing from our students and we are always happy to help. But sometimes you might be standing in front of a client and need an answer right now. That is where the Colorado Notary Handbook comes in.

What the Handbook Covers

The Secretary of State publishes the Notary Handbook as a free PDF. It explains Colorado notary law (C.R.S. 24-21-501 through 24-21-515) in plain language. The handbook covers:

• Qualifications to become a notary and the application process
• The four types of notarial acts: acknowledgments, jurats, oaths and affirmations, and copy certifications
• How to identify signers and what forms of ID are acceptable
• When you must refuse to notarize (conflicts of interest, unwilling signers, incomplete documents)
• Notary journal requirements and what to record for each notarization
• Notary seal (stamp) requirements
• Fee limits and what you can charge
• Grounds for disciplinary action and commission revocation
• Electronic notarization and remote online notarization basics

Handbook vs. Notary Law

The handbook explains duties in everyday language. The notary law (the actual statute) is the binding legal text. If there is ever a conflict between the handbook and the statute, the statute wins. The handbook is a guide to help you understand the law, not a replacement for it.

Keep both documents with your notary supplies. Print them out and put them in the same bag as your stamp and journal. When a situation comes up during a notarization that you are not sure about, you can look it up on the spot instead of guessing.

When You Will Need It

Common situations where the handbook saves you:

• A signer presents an expired ID. Is it still acceptable? The handbook has the answer.
• Someone asks you to certify a copy of their birth certificate. Can you do that in Colorado? Check the handbook.
• A signer wants you to notarize a document they already signed. Do they need to re-sign in front of you? Depends on the notarial act. The handbook explains the difference between an acknowledgment (no, they do not need to re-sign in front of you) and a jurat (yes, they do).
• A family member asks you to notarize a document where you are named as a beneficiary. Is that allowed? The handbook covers financial interest rules.

Keeping Your Copy Current

The Secretary of State updates the handbook when notary law changes. Colorado adopted RULONA (Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts), and the SOS periodically revises the handbook to reflect new rules. Always use the current version from the SOS website rather than an old printed copy. At the start of each year, download a fresh copy and replace the one in your notary bag.

For situations the handbook does not cover, contact your training provider or the Secretary of State’s notary program. If you took our course, you can reach us anytime through our contact form or by phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the Colorado Notary Handbook?

The Colorado Secretary of State publishes it on their website as a free PDF.

Is the notary handbook the same as the notary law?

No. The handbook explains duties in plain language. The notary law (C.R.S. 24-21-501 through 24-21-515) is the actual statute. The statute takes precedence if there is a conflict.

Should I keep a copy of the handbook with me when notarizing?

Yes. Keep a printed copy of both the handbook and the notary law with your stamp so you can reference them during unusual notarial acts.

Does the handbook cover every possible notarial situation?

No. For edge cases not covered in the handbook, contact your training provider or the Secretary of State’s office.

Is the notary handbook updated regularly?

The Secretary of State updates it when notary law changes. Always use the current version from the SOS website.