How to Become a Notary in Colorado

Looking to make a difference in your community? Let us guide you on a rewarding journey towards a unique profession.

In this comprehensive guide on how to become a notary in Colorado, we lay out the roadmap to achieving this goal. With easy-to-follow, actionable steps, we’ll help you navigate this intriguing process, turning the complex into simple.

Whether you’re looking to serve your community or generate additional income, this article will offer everything you need to know to get started.

Become a Notary in Colorado

In order to become a notary in Colorado, you will need to complete a few simple steps.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

First and foremost, you will need to make sure that you satisfy all of the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a citizen or a permanent legal resident of the US
• Be a resident or have a place of employment in the state of Colorado
• Not have been convicted of a felony, unauthorized practice of law, or a misdemeanor involving dishonesty within the last five years
• Not have had your notary commission revoked, denied, or suspended in another state

Note: These are the basic requirements that you will need to meet in order for your application to not be denied.

Step 2: Take a Notary Training Course

After you’ve ensured that you satisfy all of Colorado’s qualifying requirements, you will need to take a notary training course.

You can do this through a state-approved vendor, or through the Colorado Secretary of State’s free eLearning notary training course.

For a full list of all of the vendors which are approved in Colorado, we recommend having a look at the SOS’s Notary Public Training page.

Step 3: Pass the Notary Public Examination

After you’ve completed a state-approved course, you will need to take (and pass) the notary public examination.

According to the Secretary of State’s website, the exam should take around 30 minutes to complete, is not proctored, and tests your familiarity with Colorado notary law.

The notary law content will test knowledge in relation to the operational procedures and guidelines of working as a notary in Colorado.

Step 4: Complete Your Affirmation and Get it Notarized

Before you begin your application, you will need to complete the Affirmation for Appointment and Commission as a Notary Public form.

You can do this by signing the form using your official signature in front of an already commissioned notary.

This signature will then be kept on file and used to authenticate the documents that you have notarized.

Step 5: Protect Yourself with Errors and Omissions Insurance

While not required by law, it’s a good idea to consider protecting yourself with Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance.

This type of insurance provides coverage for any potential mistakes or omissions that you might make as you perform notarial acts. It’s an extra layer of protection that can give you peace of mind while operating for a relatively low opportunity cost.

Step 6: Complete Your Application for a Notary Commission

Before you begin your application, we recommend spending some time in order to ensure that you have everything that you will need in order to complete it.

This includes:

• Your affirmation document
• An approved form of ID (e.g., driver’s license, US passport, etc.)
• Your notary training certificate and notary exam certificate (must have been issued within 90 days)

Once you’ve confirmed that you have everything that you need to complete your application, you can get started through the Colorado Secretary of State Notary Application page.

Step 7: Purchase Your Notary Supplies

Finally, you’ll need to obtain your notary supplies.

This includes your notary stamp or seal, as well as your notary journal (used to maintain a record of all of your notarial acts).

Remember that, as a notary, you will serve a vital role in your community. This responsibility requires diligence, precision, and a high ethical standard.