Colorado adopted RULONA (Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts) — one of the most modern notary frameworks. The state fee is only $10, but you do need to complete training and pass an exam.
Under C.R.S. § 24-21-501 et seq. (Colorado's RULONA), the requirements are:
Colorado is one of the cheapest states to become a notary — the application fee is just $10. The training course and supplies are your main expenses.
| Item | Required? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State application fee | Required | $10 |
| Training and exam (online via SOS) | Required | Often free |
| Notary stamp/seal | Required (rectangular, inked) | $20–$40 |
| Mandatory journal (RULONA) | Required | $15–$30 |
| Surety bond | Not required | $0 |
| E&O insurance (recommended) | Optional | $25–$50/yr |
| Total to get commissioned | $45–$80 |
Colorado requires a rectangular stamp (not round/oval) — and embossers are explicitly NOT permitted as the official seal. Make sure your stamp vendor knows Colorado's rectangular requirement when ordering.
The whole process is online via the Colorado Secretary of State.
Go to coloradosos.gov and create an account. This is your portal for the entire application, training, exam, and renewal process.
Take the state-provided training course through your SOS account. The course covers RULONA, Colorado-specific rules, and notarial best practices. Self-paced.
Take the exam after the course. You need a passing score (typically 70%+). Print your completion certificate.
Complete the online application with your personal info, training certificate, and required affirmation. Pay the $10 fee.
Once approved (typically same-day or next business day for online applications), print your official Notary Commission Certificate from your SOS account.
Get your inked rectangular stamp (NOT an embosser) and bound journal before performing any notarial acts. Both are mandatory under RULONA.
Colorado notaries can perform these acts statewide under RULONA:
Colorado allows notaries to set their own fees — no statutory caps under RULONA:
Denver metro (including Boulder, Aurora, Lakewood) and Colorado Springs are the dominant markets. Colorado's strong real estate market, tech industry concentration in Denver/Boulder, and large population of retirees creates strong notary demand. The cannabis industry also generates unique notarial work (business formation documents, ownership transfers).
Colorado authorized RON in 2020. To perform RON in Colorado:
Your Colorado commission is valid for 4 years. You can renew up to 90 days before expiration.
Renewal requires retaking the training and exam, submitting a new affirmation and identification, and paying the $10 fee. If your commission expires, you can still renew through the same process (no separate "reapplication" — RULONA simplifies this). Notify SOS within 30 days of any name or address changes during your term.
The Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA) is a model statute drafted by the Uniform Law Commission. Colorado adopted it in 2018 — modernizing notary law with clear definitions, electronic and remote notarization frameworks, and consistent procedures across states. About 12 states have now adopted RULONA. The practical effect: Colorado notary law is clearer, more modern, and more aligned with other RULONA states than most state-specific frameworks.
Colorado specifically requires a rectangular stamp to distinguish it from the round seals used in many other states and from some informal/decorative stamps. The rectangular format must include your name (exactly as on commission), "Notary Public," "State of Colorado," your notary ID#, and your commission expiration date. Embossers are explicitly NOT permitted as the official seal under RULONA.
Often yes. Colorado provides the basic training and exam through the SOS online portal at no additional cost. Some third-party providers offer enhanced training packages ($25-$75) but they're not required. The free official training is sufficient to pass the exam.
Yes, with limits. You can notarize documents for your employer's business in the ordinary course. You cannot notarize documents in which you have a direct financial interest (your own contracts, your own loans, documents transferring property to/from you).
RULONA requires journals. Colorado follows this — every notarial act must be recorded in your journal (paper or electronic): date/time, act type, document, signer name/address/signature, ID method, fee charged. Keep the journal for 10 years after the last entry. This protects you legally and is required by Colorado law.
Yes, you can use one journal for both. However, the journal must be tamper-evident — if you use an electronic journal, it must meet RULONA's tamper-evident requirements. Most state-approved electronic journal platforms (NotaryAct, Jurat, etc.) meet this requirement.
Colorado's RULONA framework, modern RON laws, and booming Denver tech/real estate economy make it one of the most progressive states for mobile and remote notary work. We're recruiting founding-cohort Colorado notaries now — 10 spots, $10 platform fee for life.
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