How do I Become a Notary Public in CO?

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

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 you meet the Colorado notary eligibility requirements. You must be at least 18, a Colorado resident or employed in the state, have no felony convictions, and have no misdemeanor involving dishonesty in the past five years. You also need to be able to read and write English.

Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Training Course

Colorado requires all new notary applicants to complete a training course from a vendor approved by the Secretary of State. The course covers notary law, how to perform notarial acts, and the application process. Our Colorado Notary Training Course is state-approved, self-paced, and includes a practice exam to prepare you for step 3.

Step 3: Pass the Colorado Notary Exam

After training, you take the state’s online exam through the Secretary of State’s website. The exam is free and open book. You can reference the notary handbook while you take it. Most people finish in about 30 minutes. See our full Colorado notary exam guide for details on what it covers and how to prepare.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Once you have your training certificate and exam certificate, you can apply online. Submit the following documents to the Colorado Secretary of State:

• Affirmation form, signed and notarized (the state provides this when you start the application)
• Both sides of acceptable identification
• Your notary training certificate (from step 2)
• Your notary exam certificate (from step 3)
• If you are not a US citizen: a copy of both sides of your permanent resident card or visa

The application fee is paid online by credit or debit card when you submit. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days.

Step 5: Get Your Stamp and Journal

After the state approves your application, you will receive your commission certificate. At that point you need to purchase a notary stamp (official seal) and a notary journal. Colorado law requires both.

Your stamp must include your name exactly as it appears on your commission, the words “Notary Public” and “State of Colorado,” and your commission expiration date. We cover the specific stamp requirements in our Colorado notary seal guide. You can purchase a compliant stamp from NotaryStyle.

Your journal does not need to be any specific format, but it must be a bound book (not loose-leaf) and you must record every notarization you perform. See our Colorado notary journal guide for what to record.

Tips to Avoid Application Denial

The most common reasons the SOS rejects applications are incomplete forms, expired training certificates, and mismatched names between documents. Before you submit:

• Make sure the name on your training certificate matches the name on your ID exactly
• Double-check that your affirmation form is properly notarized (do not sign it until you are in front of another notary)
• Submit clear, legible copies of your ID (both sides)

For more details, see our guide on tips for an accepted Colorado notary application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I submit with my Colorado notary application?

A notarized affirmation form, both sides of your ID, your training certificate, and your exam certificate. Non-citizens must also include their permanent resident card or visa.

How much is the Colorado notary application fee?

See the current fee schedule on the Colorado Secretary of State website. It is paid online by credit or debit card when you submit.

How long does the state take to process my application?

Three to five business days in most cases.

Can I apply for a notary commission in person?

No. The entire application process is online through the Secretary of State’s website.

What if my application is rejected?

You have 90 days from payment to fix the issue and resubmit. After that, you must start over and pay again.

Do I need to buy my stamp before applying?

No. You purchase your stamp and journal after the state approves your commission. The stamp must include your commission expiration date, which you do not know until you are commissioned.