How to Become a Notary Public in Colorado

Steps to Becoming a Notary Public in Colorado

1. Meet eligibility requirements
2. Complete mandatory notary training and exam
3. Purchase a $10,000 surety bond
4. Complete and notarize the oath of office
5. Submit your application, bond, oath, and fee
6. Receive your notary commission certificate
7. Purchase your notary seal and journal
8. Optionally register as a Remote Online Notary (RON)
9. Renew your commission every four years

Colorado Notary Public Process

Commissions are valid for four years.

Applicants must complete a training course and pass an exam.

All documents—application, bond, oath, and fees—are submitted together.

Once commissioned, notaries can perform acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and certify copies.

RON is optional and available after traditional commissioning.

Cost to Become a Notary in Colorado

The total cost varies based on required and optional supplies. Below is a cost breakdown:

Colorado Commission Processing Time

Once your application package is submitted, the Secretary of State typically processes commissions in 2–3 weeks.

Colorado Notary Requirements

To qualify as a Notary Public in Colorado, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Be a resident of Colorado
• Be able to read and write English
• Have no felony convictions (unless rights are restored)
• Not have a professional license suspended or revoked

Notary Training Requirements

• First-time applicants must complete a state-approved notary training course, either in-person or online
• Must pass a closed-book notary exam following training
• Renewing notaries may skip training if recommissioned before expiration

Bond, Oath & Application Process

• Purchase a $10,000 surety bond
• Complete the official oath of office and have it notarized
• Submit the bond, oath, training certificate, and fee together during application

Colorado Notary Supplies

To perform notarizations in Colorado, Notaries need:

• Notary Seal or Stamp – Must include your full name, “Notary Public – State of Colorado,” commission expiration date, and county.
• Notary Journal – Must be bound, permanent, and kept for a minimum of seven years. It also must include details like date, signer’s name, type of act, and fee recorded.

Renewing a Colorado Notary Commission

• Notary commissions expire every four years
• Renew by submitting a new bond, oath, application, and payment
• Training and exam waived if within 90 days of expiration
• Order a new seal if commission information changes

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Colorado

Once commissioned as a traditional notary, you may apply for RON:

• Complete additional RON training
• Use a state-approved RON provider and technology
• Maintain electronic seals and secure journals
• Meet identity verification and recordkeeping standards for remote acts

Conclusion

Becoming a Notary Public in Colorado involves clear, state-specific steps: eligibility, training, bonding, filing, and supplying. With optional RON registration, you can extend your services into the digital space. Once commissioned, you’ll serve your community throughout the state for four years.