Starting December 31, 2020, Colorado Notaries can register to perform remote online notarizations (RONs). If you want to become a CO remote Notary, follow the steps below.
- Hold an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Complete a RON training course from the SOS.
- Take and pass the exam.
- Contract with an approved RON technology provider.
- Log into your Notary account on the CO Secretary of State website.
- Complete the application form.
- Upload proof of your training and exam completion.
- Pay the required fee.
In This Guide: Colorado RON Requirements | About RON in Colorado | Additional FAQs
Requirements to be a Remote Online Notary in Colorado
Before you can perform RONs, you must first hold an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public in Colorado. Traditional Notaries must 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 CO, and be able to read and write English.
Additionally, Notaries must not be convicted of a felony, unauthorized practice of law, or misdemeanor involving dishonesty in the prior five years. They must not have a finding against, or admission of liability to, acts of fraud, dishonesty or deceit nor have a Notary Public commission revoked, denied or suspended in another state.
Is training required to become a remote Notary?
Yes, Colorado requires applicants to complete RON training.
Is an exam required for online Notaries in Colorado?
Yes, applicants must successfully pass an exam to become a remote Notary.
What technology and supplies do I need to perform online notarizations in Colorado?
You'll need a computer, webcam, microphone and secure internet connection. Your computer must be able to support real-time audio and visual communication in a two-way connection. Next, you'll need to contract with at least one RON provider approved by the CO Secretary of State. Those providers include: Black Knight Origination Technologies, BlueNotary, Clear Sign, Cyberize It, Digital Delivery, Epic River Healthcare, LiveNotary, Notarize, NotaryCam, NotaryLive.com, SIGNiX and Stavvy.
In addition, you'll need an electronic journal, electronic seal and digital certificate containing your electronic signature — all of which must be compliant with your chosen RON provider.
Do I need a surety bond?
No, Notaries are not required to have a surety bond for remote notarizations.
Is an E&O insurance policy required in Colorado?
No, Colorado does not require an errors and omissions (E&O) policy. However, an E&O policy could protect you in your role as a Notary should you make an unintentional mistake on a notarized document.
About Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Colorado
Remote notarization will soon be coming to the Centennial State. Learn all about how RONs work here.
Does Colorado allow remote online notarization?
Yes, Senate Bill 20-096 was signed into law and takes effect on December 31, 2020. The new law allows Colorado Notaries to register to perform remote online notarizations. Notaries will be able to perform remote notarizations for signers in any location as long as the Notaries themselves are physically located within the state at the time of the notarial act.
How do remote notarizations work?
Remote online notarizations involve digital documents and electronic signatures. They're performed online where the Notary and signer personally appear before each other using two-way audio-video technology. The Notary verifies the signer's identity through the use of 1) personal knowledge, 2) oath or affirmation of a credible witness who physically appears either before the Notary or signer, or 3) remote presentation and credential analysis of a government-issued ID and the data contained on the ID displaying the signature and photo of the signer.
If the third method is used, at least one of the following is required: 1) a dynamic, knowledge-based authentication (KBA) assessment by an approved third-party, 2) a valid key certificate, and 3) an identity verification by an approved third party.
Once the signer's identity has been confirmed, the Notary verifies the signer is aware and willing to sign the document of their own free will. Then, the signer uses an electronic signature to sign the document. From there, the Notary checks the document, completes the notarial certificate, applies an electronic seal and attaches a digital certificate containing their electronic signature.
The Notary records the notarization in a journal and saves an audio-video recording of the session.
It's important to note that the Notary must stop and restart the remote notarization if either the signer or Notary leaves before the completion of the act, if the audio or visual feed is interrupted or terminated, or if the resolution or quality of the transmission becomes compromised.
CO Notaries must be physically located in the state at the time of notarization, but signers can be in any location.
What needs to be included in the recording?
Prior to recording the session, Notaries must first disclose to the signer that a recording will be saved and explain how it will be stored. The signer must consent to both the recording and storage of the recording. The recording must be stored in compliance with rules adopted by the Secretary of State.
At the time of recording, the Notary must recite sufficient information to identify the notarial act being performed. This includes stating their name, the date and time of the notarial act, a description of the notarization, the name of the signer, the name of any person who will be acting as a credible witness, and the method(s) by which the signer and credible witness will be identified to the Notary.
During the notarization, the recording must include the signer's verbal declaration that their signature on the record is knowingly and voluntarily made.
What notarial acts can be performed virtually in Colorado?
Notaries can perform the following notarial acts remotely for signers located within the United States:
- Taking an acknowledgment
- Taking a verification on an oath or affirmation
- Witnessing a signature
- Certifying a copy of a record
If the signer is outside of the U.S., the remote Notary must not have actual knowledge that the notarial act is prohibited in the jurisdiction where the signer is physically located at the time of the act. Notaries may only notarize electronic documents that relate to at least one of the following:
- A matter that will be filed with or is currently before a court, governmental entity or other entity in the U.S.
- Property located in the U.S.
- A transaction substantially connected to the U.S.
How long does a remote notarization take vs. traditional notarization?
Remote notarization takes much less time than traditional notarizations because travel no longer plays a factor. From the moment the signer logs onto a RON platform, it can take a few minutes for you to confirm the signer's identity using traditional methods, check the document and fill out the notarial certificate.
Additional RON FAQs
Here, we answer the most common questions about being a remote Notary in Colorado.
How much does it cost to register as a remote Notary?
The cost of becoming a remote online Notary ranges from below $100 to a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the companies you choose to work with plus other factors.
For example, you'll need to pay any sign-up fees associated with your preferred technology provider and the cost of your digital supplies, including your electronic seal and digital certificate.
You'll also need to factor in the cost to maintain an optional surety bond and recommended E&O policy. If you don't already have a computer, webcam, microphone and secure internet access, you'll need to purchase those items as well.
How much can CO remote Notaries charge for their services?
Colorado Secretary of State allows remote Notaries to charge a maximum fee of $25 for the Notary's electronic signature.
How long does it take to become a virtual Notary in Colorado?
It can take up to two weeks to become a remote online Notary in Colorado. You'll spend the first week or so getting your traditional Notary Public commission, factoring in the time for the Secretary of State to process your application.
Once you're commissioned, you'll spend one day choosing a RON technology provider and getting your remote Notary supplies, one day taking the state-required training, and one day completing and submitting your application along with an affirmation that you have read and will comply with CRS 24-21-514.5 and proof of training and exam completion.
How long will my remote Notary commission last?
Your remote Notary commission lasts for four years or as long as your traditional Notary Public commission is valid, whichever date comes first. Before it comes time to renew your traditional Notary commission, you'll need to successfully complete the renewal training, pass the exam and pay the fee. You can complete the renewal training no more than 90 days before your remote Notary status expires. Afterward, you'll need to notify the Secretary of State of your intention to perform remote Notary services again.
Will RON services grow my CO Notary business?
Yes, becoming an online Notary and joining a RON platform can help your business grow. As a remote Notary, your customer base includes signers in any location as long as you're physically located in Colorado at the time of notarization.
To expand your business even further, you may also consider becoming a certified Notary Signing Agent (NSA). Becoming NSA certified can make you eligible to receive more RON assignments and assures RON service providers you've passed a current background screening.
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Last updated: Sept 7, 2023