How to Start a Notary Public Business 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 

If you are a commissioned Colorado notary and want to turn it into a business, here is what to know about getting started, what to charge, and where the money is.

Who Needs a Notary

Real estate agents, title companies, lenders, and signing services need notaries for loan documents. Individuals need notarizations for powers of attorney, medical directives, residency affidavits, and adoption paperwork. Elderly and disabled clients often need a mobile notary to come to them.

Two paths: general notary vs. signing agent

General notary work pays $15 per document (the Colorado maximum). You can charge extra for travel, printing, and other services. A mobile notary who makes 5 house calls per day at $15 per signature plus a $30 travel fee earns roughly $225 per day.

Loan signing agents notarize mortgage closings, refinances, and other real estate documents. Signing services and title companies typically pay $75 to $200 per appointment. Full-time signing agents in Colorado earn $50,000 to $100,000+ per year. You do not need a separate Colorado license, but most signing services require certification from a training provider.

What you need to get started

Beyond your commission, stamp, and journal (required by Colorado law):

• A way to accept payments Square, Stripe, or Venmo. Some notaries take cash only.
• A printer signing agents need a dual-tray laser printer for letter and legal size paper.
• Reliable transportation if you plan to be a mobile notary or signing agent.
• E&O insurance not required in Colorado but signing services often require it. Protects you from claims due to mistakes.
• A Google Business Profile free, and it helps people find you when they search for a notary nearby.

Colorado notary fee rules

Colorado caps notary fees at $15 per document for traditional notarizations and $25 per document for electronic or remote notarizations (C.R.S. 24-21-529, updated by SB23-153). You can charge separately for travel, printing, and other services, but you must itemize them and tell the customer the total before performing the notarization.

You must provide the customer with documentation of your fees (receipt, invoice, or business card with fee list). The only exception is if you are an employee of a title company performing notarizations as part of your job.

Bond and insurance

Colorado does not require notaries to carry a surety bond. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is also optional but recommended. If a client sues you for a notarization error, E&O covers the legal costs and damages up to your policy limit. Common coverage amounts are $25,000 to $100,000.

Marketing your notary business

• Google Business Profile free, shows up in local search and maps. This is the single most effective free marketing tool.
• Signing service directories register with national signing services (Notary Rotary, 123Notary, SigningAgent.com) to get loan signing assignments.
• Title companies call or email local title and escrow companies to introduce yourself as a signing agent.
• Referrals ask every client to refer you. Word of mouth builds a notary business faster than anything else.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can a Colorado notary charge?

$15 per notarized document for traditional notarizations, $25 for electronic or remote notarizations. Travel, printing, and other services can be charged separately.

Do I need a business license to be a notary in Colorado?

Your notary commission from the Secretary of State is your authorization to notarize. Check with your city or county for any additional business licensing requirements.

Do I need a bond to be a Colorado notary?

No. Colorado does not require a surety bond. E&O insurance is also optional but recommended, especially for signing agents.

What is the difference between a notary and a signing agent?

A notary performs notarial acts (acknowledgments, jurats, oaths). A signing agent is a notary who specializes in guiding borrowers through loan document packages. Signing agents typically earn $75 to $200 per appointment.

Can I be a notary as a side hustle?

Yes. Many Colorado notaries do general notary work or signing assignments evenings and weekends while keeping their day job. See our guide to how much it costs to get started.