Who Can Become a Colorado Notary Public?

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Most adults who live or work in Colorado can become a notary public: you must be at least 18, able to read and write English, a US citizen or lawfully present in the United States, and free of disqualifying convictions. Here is exactly who qualifies and who does not.

Becoming a notary public is a big responsibility. Colorado notary publics help prevent fraud and are appointed by the state. The Secretary of State’s office has specific requirements for who can hold a commission. If you don’t meet them, your application will be denied.

Colorado Notary Eligibility Requirements

• You must be a resident of Colorado or have a place of employment or practice in the state
• You must be at least 18 years of age
• You must have no felony conviction: any felony gives the SOS grounds to deny your application under C.R.S. § 24-21-523, no matter how long ago
• You must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving dishonesty within the past five years
• You must be able to read and write English
• You must never have had a notary commission revoked in any state
• You must be a US citizen, permanent legal resident, or otherwise lawfully present in the United States

What Counts as a Misdemeanor Involving Dishonesty

Colorado’s Secretary of State does not publish an exhaustive list, but “dishonesty” generally covers crimes involving fraud, theft, forgery, or deception. Common examples include:

• Theft or shoplifting
• Fraud (insurance fraud, check fraud, identity theft)
• Forgery or falsifying documents
• Embezzlement
• Perjury or making false statements

A DUI, drug possession, or assault charge would not typically count as involving dishonesty. The five-year clock starts from the date of conviction, not the date of the offense. If you have a question about a specific charge, contact the Colorado SOS notary program before applying.

Residency and Employment Requirements

You do not need to live in Colorado to become a Colorado notary. If you work in the state or have a professional practice there, you qualify. This is useful for notaries who live in a border state (Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona) but conduct business in Colorado.

Out-of-state applicants must provide proof of their Colorado employment or practice when they apply. A letter from an employer, a business license, or similar documentation usually suffices.

What Happens If Your Application Is Denied

If the Secretary of State denies your notary application, you will receive a written explanation. Common reasons for denial include:

• Felony conviction found on background check
• Recent misdemeanor involving dishonesty
• Incomplete or inaccurate application
• Failed to disclose a criminal history

You can reapply after the disqualifying period passes (for misdemeanors, five years from conviction). A felony conviction never ages out: it gives the Secretary of State grounds to deny for life, and the decision to deny is discretionary. See our Colorado notary application denial guide for more details.

Next Steps If You Qualify

If you meet these requirements, it’s time to start the process. Colorado requires you to complete a notary training course, pass a state exam, submit your application, pay the $10 application fee, and purchase your notary stamp and journal. The entire process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from training to commission.

Read our full guide on how to become a notary in Colorado for step-by-step instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions