How Long Does It Take to Become a Notary in Colorado?

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

Most people can become a Colorado notary in about one to two weeks if they move through each step without delays. You complete training, pass the exam, file your application, and wait for the state to issue your commission. The timeline breaks down into five steps.

Step 1: Complete Notary Training (1 Day)

Colorado requires first-time notary applicants to complete a training course from a state-approved provider. Our online Colorado notary training can be completed in a single day. The course covers notary law, proper procedures, and exam preparation. You work through the material at your own pace and take a short quiz at the end to confirm you understood the content.

Some providers offer courses that take several hours; others are more comprehensive and take a full day. Either way, plan on one day for training.

Step 2: Pass the Colorado Notary Exam (Same Day)

After completing training, you take the Colorado notary exam through the Secretary of State’s online portal. The exam is open-book, which means you can refer to your training materials and the Colorado notary handbook while taking it.

The exam covers notary law, proper procedures, and ethical obligations. Most people finish in 30 to 60 minutes. You get your results immediately. If you pass, you can move on to the application. If you do not pass on the first try, you can retake it after a waiting period.

Step 3: Submit Your Application (Same Day)

Once you pass the exam, you file your notary application online through the Secretary of State’s website. The application asks for your personal information, training completion details, and exam results. The filing fee is $10.

You will also need to upload a copy of your completed training certificate. Have that ready before you start the application.

Step 4: Wait for Your Commission (3-10 Business Days)

After submitting your application, the Secretary of State’s office reviews it. Standard processing time is typically 3 to 10 business days. During busy periods, it can take up to two weeks.

If you answered “yes” to the criminal history question on the application, expect a longer review. The Secretary of State’s office will manually review your records and may request additional documentation, adding one to three weeks to the process.

Step 5: Get Your Seal and Start Notarizing (1-3 Days)

Once your commission is issued, you need to obtain your official notary seal before you can perform any notarial acts. You can order a seal stamp from most office supply companies or online stamp vendors. Standard production time is 1 to 3 business days, though some vendors offer rush service.

Your seal must include your name as commissioned, “Notary Public,” “State of Colorado,” and your commission expiration date. Order the seal only after your commission is confirmed, since the stamp must match your commission details exactly.

Total Timeline Summary

Step	Time Required	Cumulative
Complete training	1 day	1 day
Pass the exam	Same day	1 day
Submit application	Same day	1 day
Commission processing	3-10 business days	1-2 weeks
Get your seal	1-3 business days	2-3 weeks

Expect about two weeks if nothing slows you down. Allow three weeks if you include seal production time.

Factors That Can Delay Your Commission

• Criminal history. If you disclose a conviction on the application, the manual review adds time. Gather court records and disposition documents before applying to speed this up.
• Application errors. Typos, missing fields, or mismatched information can cause the Secretary of State to reject your application and ask you to resubmit.
• Exam failure. If you do not pass the exam on the first attempt, you need to wait before retaking it, adding days or weeks.
• Name discrepancies. Your name on the application must match your government-issued ID exactly. If you recently changed your name, get your ID updated first.

Renewal Timeline

When you renew your commission (every four years), the process is faster. You do not need to retake the training or exam if you renew before your current commission expires. The renewal application is filed online, and processing typically takes just a few days. You can start the renewal process up to 60 days before your expiration date.

Common Questions

Can I start notarizing before my seal arrives?

No. Colorado requires your official seal on every notarial certificate. You cannot perform any notarial acts until you have your seal in hand and your commission is active.

Can I expedite the Secretary of State’s processing?

Colorado does not offer expedited processing for notary applications. The standard timeline applies to everyone. Submit a clean application the first time. Rejections add weeks.

How long is the notary exam?

The exam varies in length but typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. It is open-book, so you can reference your training materials during the test.

What if my commission expires before my renewal is processed?

You must stop performing notarial acts the moment your commission expires. Any notarizations performed after expiration are invalid. Apply for renewal early (up to 60 days in advance) to avoid a gap.

How much does the whole process cost?

The filing fee is $10. Training costs vary by provider. A notary seal typically costs $15-$30. A notary journal runs $10-$20. Total startup cost is usually under $100, not including any training course fees.