Journal Requirements in Colorado
Colorado's notary law under CRS §24-21-501 et seq. does not require a journal for traditional in-person paper notarizations. Colorado was an early RON adopter, authorizing remote online notarization under HB19-1250, which became effective in January 2020. For RON, Colorado requires a notary journal and audio-visual recording with a 10-year retention period — one of the longer retention requirements among RON states. Colorado also requires RON notaries to use a Secretary of State-approved platform.
Colorado Notary Commission Quick Facts
| Element | Colorado Requirement |
|---|---|
| Governing authority | coloradosos.gov |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Bond required | No bond required |
| Exam/training | No exam required |
| Journal (paper notarizations) | Not required — recommended |
| Journal (electronic/RON) | Required — 10 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Colorado does not have a separate state-issued notary signing agent certification. The notary commission is the legal credential. Most signing services and title companies operating in Colorado require NNA certification, a background check, and E&O insurance as vendor requirements regardless of state law.
Standard government-issued photo identification is accepted: state driver’s license or ID card, U.S. passport or passport card, military ID, and permanent resident card. Always verify current Colorado statutes for state-specific variations. When in doubt, require documentary ID rather than relying on personal knowledge of the signer.
Yes, absolutely. A journal provides contemporaneous documentation of every notarial act. In the event of a fraud allegation or dispute, your journal is your primary defense. Professional signing agents in Colorado maintain journals as standard practice regardless of legal mandate.