Last updated 2026-08-18
TL;DR
Colorado authorizes remote online notarization under C.R.S. § 24-21-501 and later sections, plus its 2020 RON rules. The Secretary of State handles all of it. There is no separate RON board. You need a standard four-year notary commission plus a one-time RON registration. State fees sit in the $10 to $25 range, so confirm the current amount before you file.
Which body oversees remote online notarization in Colorado?
Colorado has no standalone remote online notarization board. The Colorado Secretary of State's office is the single authority. It commissions notaries, registers RON providers, and writes the rules. That office operates under Colorado Revised Statutes Title 24, Article 21, the Notaries Public Act. [1]
The Secretary of State adopted formal RON rules in 2020 under 8 CCR 1505-11. Those rules set the requirements for audio-video technology, identity proofing, credential analysis, and recordkeeping. [2] The operational detail lives there, not in a separate licensing board like a few other states run.
One agency for everything. Your commission, your RON authorization, and any complaint against you all route through the same office. That is cleaner than states that split oversight between a Secretary of State and a separate technology or financial regulator.
Do you need a license for remote online notarization in Colorado?
Yes, though "license" is a loose word for what Colorado issues. You need two things in place before you can legally perform a RON.
First, an active Colorado notary commission. Colorado commissions last four years. [3] Already commissioned? You don't start over. If you're not, you apply through the Secretary of State's online system, pass a knowledge examination, and pay the commission fee.
Second, RON authorization, which the Secretary of State grants separately. You register your intent to perform remote online notarizations, name the approved platform (or platforms) you'll use, and attest that your setup meets the technology and identity-proofing standards in 8 CCR 1505-11. [2] There is no separate written exam for the RON authorization. You are still responsible for knowing the rules before you go live.
Colorado also requires that you use a platform the Secretary of State has reviewed and found compliant. The approved provider list is published on the Secretary of State's website. [4] Check that list before you pay for any subscription. Using an unapproved vendor is a rules violation no matter how well-known the vendor is nationally.
How much does remote online notarization cost in Colorado?
Colorado's fee structure has two layers: government fees you pay the state, and per-notarization fees you can charge signers.
On the government side, the four-year commission application fee has historically run in the $10 to $25 range. The Secretary of State adjusts fees periodically, so confirm the current amount on the fee schedule before filing. [3] The RON authorization does not appear to carry a separate state fee beyond the commission fee, but verify that directly too.
On the per-act side, Colorado law caps what a notary can charge per notarial act. Under C.R.S. § 24-21-519, the cap for an electronic or online notarization is $5 per act, the same cap that applies to traditional in-person work. [1] Some states created a higher cap for RON. Colorado did not.
Then there's the platform cost, the biggest variable in your budget. RON platform subscriptions generally run from roughly $20 to $50 per month for solo notaries, and some vendors charge per-transaction instead. That is a market price, not a state fee, and it moves. Get a current quote from each vendor you're weighing before you commit.
A new notary entering Colorado RON should budget for the state commission fee, the RON registration step, and a platform subscription. The government costs alone are small. The platform subscription is where your real first-year spend sits.
The chart below shows how Colorado's per-act cap compares to nearby states.
What does Colorado's RON statute actually say about identity proofing?
Colorado's rules under 8 CCR 1505-11 require a RON platform to run identity proofing through credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) before the session begins. [2] Credential analysis means the platform checks that a government-issued ID is genuine, reading its security features, more than eyeballing a match. KBA means the signer answers questions pulled from public and private data records that a stranger would struggle to pass.
If credential analysis fails or the signer can't clear KBA, the session stops. You cannot override the technology check by vouching for the person on camera.
Colorado does allow identity proofing by oath when the signer is personally known to the notary and certain conditions are met. That path is narrower than it sounds, and the rules spell out what "personally known" requires. If you're building a general signing business, plan on the technology path for nearly every session.
The statute at C.R.S. § 24-21-519(2) says a notary "may perform a remote notarial act" using communication technology that meets the Secretary of State's standards. [1] Those standards sit in the rules, not the statute itself. That's why checking the current version of 8 CCR 1505-11 matters as much as reading the law.
How long does remote online notarization take in Colorado?
Two timelines matter here: how long it takes to get authorized, and how long a single RON session runs.
Getting authorized is fast if you already hold an active commission. The RON step is essentially an administrative registration. There is no reported processing queue at the Secretary of State that creates the multi-week delays some state boards impose. Once your commission is active and your platform is chosen, you can be operational in days. The office does not publish a guaranteed processing time, so don't promise a client a start date you can't control.
Need a commission first? Add the application timeline. Colorado processes commission applications online, and turnaround has generally run faster than older paper-based states, but it moves with volume. Confirm current processing times with the office before you plan a launch.
Session length is a separate thing. A residential real estate closing over RON runs 20 to 45 minutes depending on document count. A single-document notarization, like an affidavit or a power of attorney, often takes 10 to 15 minutes including the identity-proofing steps. These are real-world numbers from the RON industry broadly. Nobody has published a controlled study on Colorado session times specifically.
Recordkeeping adds a small time cost too. Colorado requires you to keep a RON journal and retain the audio-video recording of each session for at least 10 years. [2] Build that storage and logging step into your workflow from day one.
What technology standards must a Colorado RON platform meet?
The rules at 8 CCR 1505-11 require the communication technology to provide real-time audio and video between the notary and each signer. [2] A phone call alone does not satisfy this. The platform must also support the identity-proofing requirements (credential analysis and KBA) described above, and it must let the notary attach the electronic notarial certificate to the document in a tamper-evident way.
Colorado publishes a list of platforms the Secretary of State has reviewed. [4] That list is your starting point. The platforms on it have already shown compliance with the technical requirements, which saves you from auditing a vendor yourself.
One thing to watch. A platform approved today can lose approval if its certification lapses or the Secretary of State updates the standards. Build a habit of checking the approved vendor list at least once a year, and always before you renew a subscription.
For how other states handle platform approval, the remote online notarization board in Arizona and the remote online notarization board in Florida each take a different route to vendor review. Worth a look if you're building a multi-state practice.
How does Colorado handle RON recordkeeping and the electronic journal?
Colorado requires every RON to be recorded as an audio-video file, and that recording must be kept for at least 10 years. [2] That's a longer retention window than some states impose. If you run high volume, storage cost and data organization are real line items, not afterthoughts.
The journal is mandatory too. Colorado's rules require a notary to keep a sequential journal of each notarial act, RON sessions included. [2] Each entry captures the date and time, the type of document, the identity-proofing method used, and the signer's name.
Some RON platforms generate and store the journal and the recording for you. That's convenient. It does not shift the legal responsibility to the platform. You are the notary of record. If a platform folds or loses your data, you are the one who violated the 10-year retention rule. Keep a backup, or use a platform that puts long-term storage guarantees in its terms of service.
Can a Colorado notary perform RON for signers located in other states?
Yes. Colorado law lets a Colorado-commissioned notary perform remote online notarizations for signers physically located anywhere in the United States at the time of signing. [1] The signer does not have to be in Colorado. What matters is where the notary sits: the notary must be physically in Colorado during the session.
Whether the receiving state or institution accepts a Colorado RON is a separate question. Most states that enacted RON legislation accept out-of-state RON under their own rules, but a handful set restrictions. If your business sends notarized documents to other states, check the acceptance rules in the destination state before the session.
For multi-state work, read how neighboring states handle inbound RON. The remote online notarization board in Arizona article and the remote online notarization board in Idaho article each cover the acceptance rules in those states.
What happens if you violate Colorado's RON rules?
The Secretary of State can suspend or revoke a notary commission for violations of the Notaries Public Act or the RON rules. [1] The statute calls out specific violations: failing to perform proper identity verification, failing to keep required records, and notarizing with unapproved technology.
Colorado's rules also make plain that the notary is personally responsible for each act. Blaming the platform is not a defense. If the platform failed to finish credential analysis and you proceeded anyway, the violation is yours.
Civil liability is separate from commission revocation. A defective notarization that causes financial harm to a third party can bring a civil claim against you personally. Colorado does not mandate notary errors and omissions insurance for RON. Given the 10-year record retention window and the documents RON usually involves (real estate, estate planning, financial), E&O coverage is worth pricing out.
How does Colorado's RON framework compare to nearby states?
The table below lays out the structural differences between Colorado and a few neighboring states. Confirm every figure with the relevant state office before filing, because fees and rules change.
| State | Governing body | Separate RON authorization? | Max fee per RON act | Min recording retention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Secretary of State | Yes (registration) | $5 [1] | 10 years [2] |
| Arizona | Secretary of State | Yes (certification) | $10 [5] | 5 years [5] |
| Idaho | Secretary of State | Yes (registration) | $10 [6] | 10 years [6] |
| Florida | Governor / Department of State | Yes (registration) | $25 [7] | 10 years [7] |
Colorado's $5 per-act cap is notably lower than most states. If per-act volume pricing drives your business model, factor that in. Florida's $25 cap gives notaries more pricing room, though operating in Florida is not cheaper overall.
For a closer look at the Florida framework, see the remote online notarization board in Florida article. For the Georgia approach, see the remote online notarization board in Georgia article.
Where does RONPath fit into this and what should you do next?
RONPath is an independent publisher. We do not issue commissions, approve platforms, or represent any government office. Everything here is based on Colorado's published statutes and administrative rules, and both change without notice.
Starting to map the paper path for Colorado RON? The sequence is short. First, verify your notary commission status or apply for one. Second, review the current approved platform list from the Secretary of State. Third, complete the RON authorization registration. Fourth, set up your recordkeeping system before your first session.
RONPath's $99 State RON Add-On Kit at /start pulls the specific forms, rule citations, and platform checklist for Colorado into one place so you aren't hunting across agency pages. Everything in that kit is also publicly available if you'd rather assemble it yourself. Either way, confirm current fees and processing times directly with the Colorado Secretary of State before filing.
For comparison reading while you plan, see the remote online notarization board in Arizona and the remote online notarization board in Illinois articles.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license for remote online notarization in Colorado?
You need an active Colorado notary commission (four-year term) plus a separate RON authorization from the Secretary of State. There is no standalone RON license; the authorization is a registration step tied to your existing commission. You also must use a platform on the Secretary of State's approved vendor list. Both must be in place before your first remote session.
How much does remote online notarization cost in Colorado?
State government fees for the notary commission have historically run in the $10 to $25 range; confirm the current amount on the Secretary of State's fee schedule. Colorado caps the fee a notary can charge signers at $5 per notarial act for RON, the same cap as in-person work. Platform subscriptions are a separate market cost, typically $20 to $50 per month for solo notaries.
How long does remote online notarization take in Colorado?
Getting authorized takes days once your commission is active, since Colorado's RON registration is an administrative step with no separate exam. Sessions run roughly 10 to 15 minutes for a single document and 20 to 45 minutes for a real estate closing with multiple documents. Commission application processing time varies; confirm current timelines with the Secretary of State before scheduling client work.
Is there a Colorado RON board separate from the Secretary of State?
No. Colorado has no standalone RON board. The Secretary of State's office handles notary commissions, RON authorizations, approved platform lists, and enforcement under C.R.S. § 24-21-501 and later sections plus 8 CCR 1505-11. This single-agency model is simpler than states that split oversight between multiple bodies.
Which platforms are approved for RON in Colorado?
The Secretary of State publishes a list of technology providers reviewed and found compliant with 8 CCR 1505-11. The list lives on the Secretary of State's website and should be checked before you pay for any subscription, because using an unapproved platform is a rules violation. The list changes over time as vendors apply or let approvals lapse.
How long must Colorado notaries keep RON recordings?
Colorado's rules under 8 CCR 1505-11 require audio-video recordings of remote online notarizations to be kept for at least 10 years. The notary is personally responsible for retention, even if a third-party platform stores the files. If your platform closes or loses data, the obligation stays yours. Keep a backup copy outside the platform.
Can a Colorado notary do RON for signers in other states?
Yes. A Colorado-commissioned notary may perform RON for signers located anywhere in the United States, as long as the notary is physically in Colorado during the session. Whether the receiving state or institution accepts the document is a separate question; check acceptance rules in the destination state, especially for real estate transactions.
What identity-proofing methods are required for Colorado RON?
Colorado's rules require credential analysis (technology-based verification that a government ID is genuine) and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) before the session proceeds. If either check fails, the session must stop. Notaries may use a personal-knowledge path under specific conditions, but for general practice, plan on the technology-based path for every session.
What is the maximum fee a Colorado notary can charge for a remote notarization?
Under C.R.S. § 24-21-519, the cap is $5 per notarial act, whether the notarization is in-person or remote. Colorado did not create a higher cap for RON the way some states did. If you're pricing a closing with multiple notarial acts, each act counts separately toward the cap.
Does Colorado require a separate exam or training for RON authorization?
There is no separate written exam for RON authorization. You must pass the general notary knowledge exam as part of your commission application, and you must attest that you understand and will comply with the RON rules when you register. No formal RON-specific training course is mandated by the state, though understanding 8 CCR 1505-11 before your first session is your responsibility.
What happens to your Colorado RON authorization if your commission expires?
Your RON authorization is tied to your notary commission. If your commission expires, you cannot legally perform any notarial act, including RON. Renew your commission before it expires; there is no automatic grace period for notarizing on an expired commission. Colorado commissions run four years, so calendar your renewal well in advance.
Does Colorado require E&O insurance for RON notaries?
Colorado does not mandate errors and omissions insurance for RON. That said, RON commonly involves high-stakes documents like real estate closings and estate planning instruments, and your liability exposure runs for at least 10 years given the record retention period. E&O insurance is not legally required, but it is worth pricing before you launch.
Can a Colorado notary use any audio-video platform for RON?
No. Colorado requires you to use a platform specifically approved by the Secretary of State under the criteria in 8 CCR 1505-11. General video conferencing tools like standard Zoom or FaceTime do not meet the credential analysis and KBA integration requirements and are not on the approved list. Using an unapproved platform risks commission suspension.
Where do I find Colorado's RON rules and statute?
The primary statute is C.R.S. § 24-21-501 through 524, Colorado's Revised Notaries Public Act. The operational rules are in 8 CCR 1505-11, the Secretary of State's notary rules. Both are available through the Colorado General Assembly's website and the Secretary of State's site. Always check the current version; both the statute and rules have been updated since 2020.
Sources
- Colorado General Assembly, C.R.S. § 24-21-519 (Colorado Revised Statutes): Colorado authorizes remote notarial acts and caps the fee at $5 per notarial act under C.R.S. § 24-21-519
- Colorado Secretary of State, Notary Program (8 CCR 1505-11 Notary Rules): Colorado's RON rules require credential analysis, KBA, audio-video recording, and 10-year retention of recordings
- Colorado Secretary of State, Become a Notary Public: Colorado notary commissions last four years and are issued by the Secretary of State
- Colorado Secretary of State, Remote Notarization technology providers: Colorado publishes a list of approved RON technology providers that notaries must use
- Arizona Secretary of State, Remote Online Notarization: Arizona caps the per-act RON fee at $10 and requires a 5-year recording retention period
- Idaho Secretary of State, Notary Public: Idaho caps the per-act RON fee at $10 and requires a 10-year recording retention period
- Florida Department of State, Notaries and Online Notarizations: Florida caps the per-act RON fee at $25 and requires a 10-year recording retention period
- Colorado General Assembly, Colorado Revised Statutes Title 24 Article 21: Colorado enacted its Revised Notaries Public Act authorizing RON under Title 24, Article 21