Colorado Notary vs. Other States: How CO Compares

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

Colorado’s notary system looks different from most states. No bond requirement, an open-book exam, remote online notarization already authorized, and a relatively low cost to get started. If you are considering becoming a notary and wondering how Colorado stacks up, here is how Colorado compares on the requirements people actually ask about.

No Surety Bond Required

That alone sets Colorado apart from over 30 states. Over 30 states require notaries to post a surety bond, typically ranging from $500 to $25,000. California requires a $15,000 bond. Pennsylvania requires $10,000. Michigan requires $10,000. These bonds cost $30-$120 and protect the public, not the notary.

Colorado requires no bond at all. When the state adopted RULONA in 2018, the legislature decided that training requirements, an exam, and mandatory journal-keeping provided enough public protection without the added expense. For you, that means lower startup costs and less paperwork.

Open-Book Exam

Colorado’s notary exam is open-book and administered online. You can refer to your training materials and the Colorado notary handbook while taking it. Compare this to states like California, where the notary exam is proctored, closed-book, and must be taken at a state-approved testing center. California’s pass rate hovers around 60%.

The open-book format does not mean the exam is pointless. You still need to understand the material well enough to find answers quickly. But it removes the memorization pressure and test anxiety that closed-book exams create.

Training Required

Colorado requires all first-time applicants to complete a state-approved training course before taking the exam. Not every state has this requirement. Some states, like Texas and Florida, do not require any formal training at all. You just fill out the application and get your commission.

The training requirement is a good thing. It means Colorado notaries enter the field with a baseline understanding of their duties, which reduces errors and liability. Our Colorado notary training course covers everything the exam tests and prepares you for real-world notarizations.

Commission Costs

Cost Item	Colorado	California	Texas
Application/commission fee	$10	$32 (exam + app)	$11
Training course	Required (varies)	Required ($50-$150)	Not required
Surety bond	Not required	$15,000 bond ($38-$120)	$10,000 bond ($50)
Seal/stamp	$15-$30	$15-$30	$15-$30
Journal	$10-$20 (required)	$10-$20 (required)	Not required
Estimated total	$35-$60 + training	$145-$350	$76-$111

Colorado’s total startup cost is among the lowest in the country because there is no bond to purchase. The training course is the main expense, and that pays for itself quickly once you start earning fees.

Fee Limits

Colorado’s maximum notarial fee is $15 per act for in-person notarizations and $25 for remote online notarizations. Colorado sits in the middle:

• California: $15 (RON not yet authorized)
• Colorado: $15 in-person, $25 RON
• Florida: $10 in-person, $25 RON
• Texas: $10 (varies by act)
• Georgia: $2
• Tennessee: No set limit

Remote Online Notarization

Colorado has authorized RON since adopting RULONA. Not every state has. As of 2026, most states have enacted RON laws, but a handful still have not. Colorado’s RON framework is relatively straightforward: notify the Secretary of State, use approved technology, and maintain session recordings for ten years.

California still has not fully implemented RON, despite passing legislation. Colorado notaries who want to offer remote services can do so now without waiting for their state to catch up.

Signature Witnessing

Colorado added signature witnessing as a notarial act when it adopted RULONA. Many states still only recognize acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and copy certifications. Signature witnessing fills a gap: some documents need proof that the signer appeared before a notary but do not require an oath or acknowledgment. Having this tool available gives Colorado notaries more flexibility.

Commission Term

State	Commission Length
Colorado	4 years
California	4 years
Texas	4 years
Florida	4 years
New York	4 years (initial 2)
Pennsylvania	4 years
Ohio	5 years

Most states use four-year terms. A few offer five-year terms. Colorado’s four-year term is typical.

Journal Requirements

Colorado requires notaries to keep a journal of all notarial acts. Some states (like Texas and Florida) do not require a journal unless you perform remote notarizations. Colorado’s journal requirement applies to all notarizations, in-person and remote. Your journal documents every act you performed — your best evidence if a notarization is questioned.

Common Questions

Is Colorado one of the easiest states to become a notary?

In terms of cost and barriers, yes. No bond, a low filing fee, and an open-book exam make Colorado one of the more accessible states. The training requirement is the main hurdle, and that is designed to prepare you, not to weed people out.

Can I use my Colorado commission in another state?

No. Your Colorado commission only gives you authority to act within Colorado’s borders. If you move to another state, you need to apply for a commission in that state. Some states allow you to hold commissions in multiple states if you meet residency or employment requirements in each.

How does Colorado’s notary training compare to other states?

Colorado requires training but does not mandate a specific number of hours. The content must cover Colorado notary law and procedures. California, by contrast, requires a state-approved six-hour course for new notaries and a three-hour refresher for renewals. Colorado’s training is typically shorter but covers the same core material.

Do other states recognize Colorado notarizations?

Yes. Under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the US Constitution, notarizations performed by a properly commissioned Colorado notary are generally recognized in all states, as long as the notarization was proper under Colorado law and took place within Colorado.

Why does Colorado not require a bond when so many other states do?

The Colorado legislature determined that the combination of required training, an exam, mandatory journals, and the other RULONA provisions was sufficient to protect the public. Bonds add cost for notaries without necessarily improving notary performance. The state chose to invest in education and oversight instead.