To become a Notary Public in Colorado, you must complete the following process:
- Meet Colorado’s Notary qualifications.
- Take a Notary training course.
- Pass the exam.
- Get your affirmation notarized.
- Submit your application.
- Receive your commission, Notary ID and password via email.
- Buy your official Notary stamp and journal.
About the Colorado Notary Process
A Colorado Notary commission lasts for four years. Here is some more information on the application process for a Notary Public commission.
Cost to Become a CO Notary
The cost to become a Colorado Notary Public ranges between $150 to $175, depending on where you take the Notary training course and get your supplies.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Application filing fee |
$10 |
| Notary training |
$65 |
| Oath of office and affirmation notarization |
$15 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Notary journal |
$30 - $55 |
| Total Cost |
$150 - $175 |
Commission Processing Time
The Colorado Secretary of State estimates a length of three to five business days for the processing of a Notary Public commission application.
Colorado Notary Public Requirements
Learn how you can qualify to become a Notary in the Centennial State below.
Eligibility
A Notary Public applicant in Colorado must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a citizen or permanent legal resident, or lawfully present in the U.S.
- Be a resident of or have a place of employment in Colorado
- Be able to read and write English
- Not be convicted of a felony or the unauthorized practice of law
- Not be convicted of a misdemeanor involving dishonesty in the prior five years
- Not have a finding against, or admission of liability to, acts of fraud, dishonesty or deceit
- Not have a Notary Public commission revoked, denied or suspended in another state
Notary Training
Colorado requires training for all Notary applicants. The training can be taken online or in person from an approved education vendor.
The National Notary Association offers the state-approved Colorado training course online.
Exam
Applicants for a Colorado Notary commission must take an exam. The online, open-book exam generally takes 25-30 minutes to complete.
When you finish the exam, click the "Print Completion Certificate" button to issue proof that you passed.
Oath of Office
Take your oath of office and get your affirmation notarized.
Application
Submit your application online with the following:
- Copy of your ID card
- Training certificate
- Exam certificate
- Original notarized affirmation
- $10 filing fee
An email with your Notary Public commission, Notary ID and password will be sent to you.
Print your commission certificate and present it to an approved Notary stamp vendor.
Notary Supplies
Colorado Notaries are required to use a rubber stamp ink seal and a journal for paper-based notarizations.
The seal must be in a rectangular design with a rectangular outline or border that is either plain or decorative. The following information must be inside the border:
- Your name as it appears on your commission certificate
- The words "Notary Public"
- The words "State of Colorado"
- Your Notary ID number
- Your commission expiration date
You must also keep and maintain a journal of all your official notarial acts. You may keep a hard copy with numbered pages or a tamper-evident digital journal. Simple notebooks or glue-bound journals are not acceptable in Colorado.
Colorado Notary Public FAQs
Have more questions about being a Notary in Colorado? We've got you covered.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Colorado Office of Secretary of State, Business and Licensing Division, Notary Program, Denver, CO, issues Notary Public commissions.
Business and Licensing Division
1700 Broadway
Suite 200
Denver, CO 80290
May I become a Colorado Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to become a Colorado Notary Public. If you're not a citizen, you must be a permanent legal resident or lawfully present in the United States. You must reside in or have a place of employment in Colorado and meet all other application requirements.
Do I need a surety bond or insurance?
Where will I be able to notarize?
A Colorado Notary can perform notarial acts anywhere within the state's borders.
Who can I notarize for?
Notaries commissioned by the state of Colorado may perform notarizations for any member of the public, as long as the request meets all statutory requirements for notarization.
You're not allowed to notarize your own signature or that of your spouse, partner, ancestors, descendants and siblings. Any document from which you or your family member might benefit is strictly prohibited.
How much can CO Notaries charge per notarization?
Colorado authorizes Notaries to charge a maximum fee of $15 per traditional notarial act and $25 per electronic document.
Notaries who charge a fee must notify the signer of all fees verbally or in writing before performing the notarial act. Fees must be itemized and provided to the signer in the form of a receipt or other written document.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
Any changes to your address, name or signature must be reported to the Secretary of State within 30 days of the change.
You can do so by logging into your account and updating your information there. If you change your home address, you can print a new Notary Commission Certificate with your new address.
For name changes, you must provide a copy of an acceptable ID with your new name and submit a sample of your new signature.
What is the process to renew my commission as a Colorado Notary?
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Colorado?
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Last updated: Apr 21, 2025