How to become a notary in Colorado
Notaries in Colorado are commissioned by the Colorado Secretary of State, Notary Program. Here is who can apply, what it takes and what it costs, from the state's own rules, checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a notary in Colorado?
- At least 18 years old
- U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident or otherwise lawfully present
- Resident of Colorado or has a place of employment or practice in Colorado
- Can read and write English
- No felony conviction, no dishonesty misdemeanor in the past 5 years, and no prior revoked commission
What are the Colorado notary requirements?
| Commissioned by | Colorado Secretary of State, Notary Program |
|---|---|
| Training required | Yes. Approved training is required for new and renewing notaries (since July 1, 2018); the SOS offers it free online. |
| Exam required | Yes. Free online SOS exam after training; attach the exam certificate to the application. |
| Surety bond | None stated by the state |
| Application fee | $10.00 |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Remote online notarization | Yes: active Colorado notaries may become remote notaries after separate remote training and exam, a $10 application, and use of an SOS-approved provider; recordings must be kept 10 years. |
Steps to become a notary in Colorado
- Complete the free SOS notary training (or an approved vendor course)
- Pass the online notary exam
- Sign the Affirmation form before a notary
- Apply online, attaching the affirmation, ID, training and exam certificates
- Pay the $10 fee online
- After approval (about 3-5 business days), print your certificate and get an official stamp and journal
Apply on the official Colorado site
How do you find a notary in Colorado?
- Banks, credit unions, shipping stores and law offices often have a notary on staff. Call ahead, because not every branch does.
- A mobile notary travels to you for a travel fee on top of the state's notarization fee.
- Bring a current government photo ID and the unsigned document. Don't sign it until the notary watches you.
- A notary checks your identity and witnesses your signature. They can't give legal advice or tell you what a document means unless they are also a lawyer.
- Check that a notary is commissioned on the official Colorado notary lookup.