Remote Online Notarization in Colorado: What You Need to Know

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Colorado authorizes remote online notarization (RON), which allows notaries to notarize documents for signers who appear via live audio-video technology rather than in person. This is not the same as electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but signs on a digital device. With RON, the entire process happens online.

RON vs. Traditional Notarization

In a traditional notarization, the signer appears physically before the notary. In a RON transaction, the signer appears before the notary through a live two-way audio-video feed. The signer signs the document electronically, and the notary applies an electronic seal and signature.

Colorado treats RON as a valid notarial act under the same RULONA framework that governs in-person notarizations. The requirements do not change. You still verify identity, confirm the signer knows what they are signing, and fill out the certificate. The difference is the medium.

What You Need to Perform RON in Colorado

• Active Colorado notary commission. You must already be a commissioned Colorado notary before you can register for RON.
• Secretary of State notification. You must notify the Colorado Secretary of State that you intend to perform remote notarizations. This is done through the online notary portal.
• Approved communication technology. The audio-video platform must meet Colorado’s requirements for real-time, two-way communication. The platform must allow the notary and signer to see and hear each other simultaneously.
• Identity verification technology. You must use a method approved by the Secretary of State to verify the signer’s identity remotely. This typically involves credential analysis (scanning the signer’s ID) and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions.
• Electronic seal and signature. You need an electronic version of your notary seal and a digital signature that can be applied to electronic documents.

How Identity Verification Works

Since you cannot physically examine an ID card, Colorado requires a two-step process: Since you cannot physically examine an ID card, Colorado requires a two-step process:

1. Credential analysis: The signer uploads a photo of their government-issued ID. The technology verifies the ID’s security features and confirms it is not obviously forged or expired.
2. Knowledge-based authentication (KBA): The signer must correctly answer a series of questions generated from public records about their identity history. These are questions only the real person would know: previous addresses, loan amounts, vehicle types. The signer must answer within a time limit.

If the signer fails the KBA or the credential analysis flags the ID, you cannot proceed with the notarization.

The RON Process Step by Step

1. The notary and signer connect through the approved RON platform.
2. The signer completes credential analysis and KBA.
3. The notary confirms the signer’s identity and that they understand what they are signing.
4. The signer electronically signs the document on screen.
5. The notary completes the notarial certificate and applies the electronic seal and signature.
6. The audio-video recording of the entire session is saved and stored for at least ten years.
7. The notarized document is transmitted electronically to the signer or requesting party.

Fees for RON

Colorado allows notaries to charge up to $25 for the notary’s electronic signature on remote online notarizations, compared to the $15 maximum per document for in-person notarizations. The higher fee reflects the additional technology costs and identity verification steps involved.

The 2024 fee disclosure rules still apply to RON. If you charge the signer directly, you must disclose fees upfront and provide a written itemization afterward.

Recording Requirements

Colorado requires you to maintain an audio-video recording of every RON session for at least ten years after the date of the notarization. This recording is in addition to your regular notary journal entry. The recording must capture the entire interaction, from identity verification through completion of the notarial act.

Most RON platforms handle the recording automatically. Make sure your platform’s storage solution meets the ten-year retention requirement before you start.

RON Platforms

Several companies offer RON platforms that work in Colorado. When choosing a platform, make sure it:

• Meets Colorado’s communication technology requirements
• Includes credential analysis and KBA
• Records and stores session recordings for the required retention period
• Supports Colorado-specific notarial certificates
• Provides an electronic seal and signature capability

Popular platforms include DocVerify, Notarize, Pavaso, and Safedocs. Costs vary; some charge monthly subscription fees, others charge per notarization.

What Documents Can Be Notarized via RON

Most documents that can be notarized in person can also be notarized via RON in Colorado. However, some receiving agencies or out-of-state jurisdictions may not accept remotely notarized documents for specific purposes. If the signer is unsure whether their document can be RON-notarized, they should check with the receiving agency before booking a session.

Common Questions

Can a signer located in another state use a Colorado RON notary?

Yes. The notary must be physically in Colorado when performing the notarization, but the signer can be anywhere in the world. Colorado law applies because the notary is in Colorado.

Do I need special training for RON?

Colorado does not currently require separate RON-specific training beyond the standard notary training. However, your RON platform provider will typically walk you through how to use their system. It is worth spending time practicing before doing your first live notarization.

Is RON the same as electronic notarization?

No. Electronic notarization (e-notarization) means the signer is physically present with the notary, but the document and seal are digital. RON means the signer appears remotely via audio-video. Both use electronic documents, but the signer’s presence method differs.

Can I perform RON on my phone?

Technically yes, if your RON platform has a mobile app that meets Colorado’s technology requirements. Most notaries use a computer with a stable internet connection to avoid technical problems during the session.

What if the audio-video connection drops mid-session?

If you lose connection before completing the notarization, you must start over with a new session. You cannot resume a partial notarization. Don’t attempt RON on unstable wifi.