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How To Become a Notary Public
or Loan Signing Agent in
Fort Collins, Colorado
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Step by Step Instructions for all Notaries in
Fort Collins, Colorado
How to Become a Notary Public in Colorado
To become a Notary Public in Colorado, you must complete the following process:
Make sure you meet the state's qualifications (see below).
Take a Notary training course from a state-approved provider.
Pass the state-required exam.
Take your oath of office and get your affirmation notarized.
Submit your application with a copy of your ID card, training certificate, exam certificate and the $10 filing fee online. Include the original notarized affirmation, too.
Receive your commission, Notary ID and password via email.
Print your commission certificate. Present it to an approved Notary stamp vendor.
Buy your official Notary stamp and journal.
Get E&O insurance (optional, but strongly recommended).
If you are seeking to become a Notary Loan Signing Agent in Colorado it is strongly advised that you take additional training beyond the National Notary Association.
The National Notary Association helps to prepare Notaries on a very basic level. However, companies like Notary2Pro, NotaryStars, and NotaryAcademy are all very well poised to help Notary Loan Signing Agents learn the meaning of Loan Documents, How to Present Loan Documents, What You as a Notary Can Say About Loan Documents, and How to Execute Loan Documents. Ideally, the highest paid Loan Signing Agents will have taken all three of these courses and more.
Companies like Notary Stars can also help point you in the direction of additional reputable trainers within the industry who can also show you how to perform additional services like Permit Running, Apostille, Document Translations, Estate Planning, and more! These are additional sources of revenue that the National Notary Association does not cover.
More Details About the Colorado Notary Process
Here is some more information on the application process for a Notary Public commission.
How much does it cost to become a Colorado Notary?
There is a $10 fee to apply for a Notary Public commission online. Additional costs for training courses, Notary supplies and insurance vary depending on vendors.
The cost of commissioning can differ depending on whether you are a new or renewing Notary. New Notaries may need more how-to assistance than experienced Notaries. Books, training and live expert assistance are often must-haves for most new Notaries.
How long does the commission process take?
The Colorado Secretary of State estimates a length of three to five business days for the processing of a Notary Public commission application.
How long does a Notary commission last in Colorado?
A Colorado Notary commission lasts for four years.
Requirements to be a Notary in Colorado
Learn how you can qualify to become a Notary in the Centennial State below.
Who can become a Notary?
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
To verify an applicant is lawfully present in the U.S., the Secretary of State will check one of eight forms of identification or accept an affidavit from the applicant stating they are residing lawfully in the U.S. This new law will take effect on July 1, 2022.
What kind of Notary training is required?
Colorado requires training for all Notary applicants. The training can be taken online or in-person by an approved education vendor. The training provided by the state is a two-hour class. The National Notary Association also offers a training course that meets the states requirements.
Do Notary applicants need to take an exam?
Yes. Colorado Notaries 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.
What kind of supplies will I need?
Colorado Notaries are required to use a rubber stamp ink seal and a journal for paper-based notarizations. Stamps should not bleed during or after use, as this can cause county officials to reject documents due to smudging. 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 hardcopy with numbered pages or a tamper-evident digital journal. Simple notebooks or glue-bound journals are not acceptable in Colorado. When purchasing a journal, there are features to which you must pay close attention. A journal with tamper-proof sewn construction allows Notaries to identify missing pages in their journals, which becomes extremely helpful if you're ever named in a lawsuit. Your Notary seal and journal of notarial acts must be kept secure and under your exclusive control. They may not be used by any other person.
Do I need a surety bond or insurance?
A surety bond is not required in Colorado.
However, Notaries can insure themselves against possible legal costs or damages by purchasing a separate, optional errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy. Though not required by law either, an E&O policy covers a Notary's legal fees and damages up to the amount of the policy, should the Notary get sued for making an unintentional mistake or if a false claim is filed against them.
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.
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.
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.
Starting on April 30, 2024, 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?
The process to renew your commission is the same as when you initially applied to become a Colorado Notary. You may renew online up to 90 days before your commission expires.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Colorado?
As of December 31, 2020, Colorado Notaries can register to perform remote online notarizations (RONs). Once you become a commissioned Notary Public, follow the steps in this guide to become a CO remote online Notary.
It's important to know that before you perform electronic notarizations you must alert the Secretary of State. Specific information for CO Notaries are available on the Guide to In-Person Electronic Notarization page.
If you're not quite ready yet, we have additional resources where you can learn what a Notary is, what they do and why you should become a commissioned Notary.
Learn More About Notary Stars For Notaries and Signing Agents in:
Fort Collins, Colorado
Meet Our Notary & Loan Signing Agent Instructors
Kirsten Bly,
New Notary Liason
Beth Hathoot,
Lead Signing Agent Instructor
Ronnie Mickle,
Founder & Owner
Manuel Puga,
Bilingual Notary Instructor
Amy Seitz,
Lead RON Instructor
Common Misconceptions About Becoming a Notary Signing Agent In:
Fort Collins, Colorado
Myth 1: All Notaries Earn Over Six Figures
A widespread belief suggests that notaries consistently earn six-figure incomes. While it's true that some notaries achieve substantial earnings, this is not the norm for everyone. Such claims are often exaggerated to promote notary courses. In reality, income varies based on factors like location, experience, and the effort invested in building the business. It's crucial to approach such claims with caution and conduct thorough research before committing to any training program. Check out this Article from the NNA.
Myth 2: Being a Notary is Easy
The notion that being a notary is a simple task is misleading. The role demands meticulous attention to detail, a deep understanding of legal documents, and strict adherence to state laws and regulations. Notaries must ensure the authenticity of signatures, prevent fraud, and maintain accurate records. This level of responsibility requires comprehensive training and a commitment to ongoing education. While the work is fulfilling, it is far from effortless.
Myth 3: Marketing as a Notary Signing Agent is Unnecessary
Some believe that merely obtaining a notary commission will lead to a steady stream of clients. However, like any business, building a successful notary practice requires proactive marketing. Relying solely on a notary commission without marketing efforts is unlikely to attract clients. Organizations like Notary Stars specialize in providing training and resources to help notaries effectively market their services, navigate industry challenges, and establish a thriving business.
Myth 4: Notaries Can Provide Legal Advice
A common misconception is that notaries can offer legal advice or assist in drafting documents. In reality, notaries are prohibited from providing legal counsel unless they are also licensed attorneys. Their primary role is to witness signatures and verify the identity of signers, ensuring that documents are signed willingly and knowingly. Offering legal advice without proper qualifications can lead to legal repercussions and undermine the notary's credibility.
Myth 5: Notarization Guarantees the Legality of a Document
Many assume that a notarized document is automatically legal and enforceable. However, notarization only confirms the authenticity of signatures and the voluntary nature of the signing. It does not validate the content or legality of the document itself. Ensuring a document's legality requires proper drafting and, in many cases, legal review by a qualified attorney.
Myth 6: Notaries Must Notarize Every Document Presented to Them
It's a common belief that notaries are obligated to notarize any document upon request. However, notaries have the authority to refuse notarization under certain circumstances, such as:
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Inability to verify the signer's identity
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Suspected coercion or unwillingness of the signer
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Incomplete or altered documents
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Requests for unauthorized acts, like certifying copies of official records
Notaries must adhere to their state's laws and exercise judgment to maintain the integrity of the notarization process.