Colorado Notary Renewal Guide (2026): How to Renew Your Commission
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 last week — if your commission lapses, you cannot notarize documents until the renewal is processed, and you’ll need to start from scratch.
Your commission term starts on the date you were approved, not the date you applied. If you were approved on March 15, 2022, your commission expires March 15, 2026. You can start the renewal process as early as December 15, 2025.
What you need to renew
- A notarized Affirmation form — download it from the Colorado SOS website. Sign it in front of another notary. Make sure the notary uses a compliant stamp and fills in every blank.
- A copy of your ID — both sides of a valid Colorado driver’s license, Colorado ID card, U.S. passport, or other acceptable identification.
- A notary training certificate — you must complete an approved training course every renewal period. The SOS offers a free online course, or you can take an approved vendor course.
- An exam certificate — you must pass the online notary exam every time you renew. The SOS exam is free and open-book.
Yes, training and the exam are required for renewals, not just new commissions. This has been the rule since July 1, 2018.
Step-by-step renewal process
Step 1: Complete notary training
Take an approved notary training course. The SOS offers a free online course through their eLearning platform. If you prefer a more structured experience, our Colorado notary training course covers everything on the exam and provides a completion certificate you can attach to your renewal application.
Step 2: Pass the online exam
Take the SOS notary exam online. It is open-book, and you can reference the Colorado Notary Handbook during the test. Save your exam completion certificate — you’ll need to upload it.
Step 3: Get your Affirmation notarized
Download and fill out the Affirmation form. Take it to another notary public and have it notarized. Common reasons for rejection: the notary’s stamp is non-compliant, blanks are left unfilled, or the wrong title is used on the form.
Step 4: Submit your renewal online
Log in to the Colorado SOS notary portal and submit your renewal. Upload scanned copies of your notarized Affirmation, ID (both sides), training certificate, and exam certificate. Pay the $10 filing fee by credit or debit card.
Step 5: Wait for approval
The SOS typically processes renewals within 3 to 5 business days. You will receive an email when your renewal is approved. Log in to print your new commission certificate. Your new commission expires four years from the approval date.
Cost to renew
- SOS filing fee: $10
- Training: Free (SOS course) or paid (vendor course)
- Exam: Free (SOS online exam)
- New stamp: Required if your commission number changes. Typically $15 to $25.
The SOS filing fee has been $10 since January 2021. It is the same for new commissions and renewals.
What if your commission already expired?
You can still renew — do not apply as a new notary. Log in to the SOS portal and file a renewal. You will need the same documents (Affirmation, ID, training certificate, exam certificate). The fee is the same $10. You cannot notarize anything until the renewal is approved.
If it has been a while, the training and exam are a good refresher on Colorado notary law, including any changes since your last commission.
Common renewal mistakes to avoid
- Name mismatch — your application name must exactly match your ID.
- Expired ID — make sure your driver’s license or passport is current.
- Wrong Affirmation form — the standard notary Affirmation is different from the remote notary Affirmation. Use the correct one.
- Blank lines on the Affirmation — every field must be filled in.
- Non-compliant notary stamp on the Affirmation — the notary who notarizes your form must use a stamp that meets Colorado requirements.
If your application is rejected, you have 90 days to fix the problem and re-submit. After 90 days, you must start over and pay the fee again.
Do you need a new stamp?
Colorado requires your official stamp to include your name exactly as it appears on your commission, the words “Notary Public,” “State of Colorado,” your notary ID number, and your commission expiration date. When you renew, your commission number and expiration date change, so you will need a new stamp. Order one as soon as your renewal is approved so you can start notarizing right away.
You can order stamps and journals from notarystyle.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can I renew my Colorado notary commission?
You can renew up to 90 days before your commission expires. Apply early so there is no gap in your commission.
Do I need to take training again to renew?
Yes. Since July 1, 2018, both new and renewing notaries must complete approved training and pass the exam. The SOS offers both for free online.
What happens if my commission expires before I renew?
You cannot notarize documents until your renewal is approved. You can still file a renewal (do not apply as a new notary), but you must stop performing notarizations immediately upon expiration.
How much does it cost to renew a Colorado notary commission?
The SOS filing fee is $10. Training and the exam are free through the SOS. Your only other cost is a new stamp ($15 to $25).
Can I use the same stamp after renewal?
No. Your stamp must show your current commission expiration date and notary ID number, which change with each renewal. You need a new stamp.
