How to Become a Notary in Colorado (2026 Guide)

Published March 12, 2023 · Updated May 21, 2026

Key Takeaways

State-approved training course required
State exam required (administered by CO Secretary of State)
Journal required for all notarial acts
No surety bond or E&O insurance required
Application fee: $10 | Commission term: 4 years
Must be 18+, a CO resident or worker, and able to read/write English

Colorado requires a state-approved training course and exam for all notary applicants. No bond is required, but a journal is mandatory. Here’s the step-by-step process.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old
Be a US citizen, permanent resident, or lawfully present
Live in Colorado or have an occupation/practice in the state
Be able to read and write English
Have no felony convictions or misdemeanor involving dishonesty (past 5 years)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Training Course

Complete a state-approved notary training course. Aardvark Notary Training offers a state-approved course that satisfies this requirement.

Step 2: Pass the State Notary Exam

The Colorado notary exam is administered by the Secretary of State. It is open-book and covers state notary law, procedures, and best practices.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

After passing the exam, submit your notary application through the CO Secretary of State’s online portal. The application fee is $10. Processing takes 3-5 business days.

Step 4: Buy Your Supplies

Purchase your notary stamp (required) and a notary journal (required). Stamps cost $15-$25, journals $10-$50.

How Much Does It Cost?

Item	Cost
State-approved training course	$50-$150 (varies by provider)
State exam	No charge (administered by SOS)
Application fee	$10
Notary stamp	$15-$25
Notary journal (required)	$10-$50
Total	$85-$235

Do You Need a Surety Bond?

No. Colorado does not require a surety bond or E&O insurance. However, E&O insurance is recommended.

Renewal

Colorado notary commissions last 4 years. Renew through the Secretary of State. You must retake the training course and exam for each renewal.

RON and Electronic Notarization

Colorado notaries can register to perform electronic notarizations and remote online notarizations (RONs) through the Secretary of State. Additional registration and requirements apply.

Becoming a Signing Agent in Colorado

Colorado is not an attorney state for real estate closings, making it a good market for signing agents. After getting commissioned, take a signing agent training course. See our signing agent guide for details.

How Much Can Colorado Notaries Charge?

Colorado does not set a statutory maximum fee for notarizations. Notaries may charge a reasonable fee. Best practice is to communicate your fees before performing the notarization.

Can You Notarize for Family Members in Colorado?

Colorado does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. The general conflict-of-interest rule applies: you cannot notarize a document in which you have a direct financial or beneficial interest.

Penalties for Notary Misconduct

Notarizing without authority: misdemeanor
Fraud or forgery: felony charges
Commission revocation, the Secretary of State can revoke your commission
Civil liability. You can be held personally liable for damages

Employer Obligations

Your commission is personal. It cannot be controlled by your employer
If you leave your job, your stamp and journal go with you
Your employer cannot require you to skip proper procedures

How Colorado Compares to Neighboring States

Requirement	Colorado	Arizona	New Mexico	Utah	Wyoming
Bond	None	$5,000	$10,000	$5,000	None
Exam	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Training	Yes (free SOS)	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Term	4 years	4 years	4 years	4 years	6 years
Journal	Required	Required	Recommended	Required	Recommended
RON	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Colorado and Arizona both require no bond but do require training and an exam. Colorado’s training is free through the SOS, giving it a cost advantage. New Mexico is the only neighbor requiring a bond ($10,000). Wyoming offers the longest term at 6 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a notary exam in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado requires all notary applicants to pass the state notary exam after completing a state-approved training course.

Do I need a surety bond in Colorado?

No. Colorado does not require a surety bond or E&O insurance.

How long does a Colorado notary commission last?

4 years. Renew through the Secretary of State with a new training course and exam.

Is a notary journal required in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado requires all notaries to maintain a journal of notarial acts.

Can Colorado notaries perform remote online notarizations?

Yes. Register with the Secretary of State to conduct RONs.

How to Become a Notary in Colorado (2026 Guide)

Key Takeaways

Requirements

Step-by-Step Application Process