Key Takeaways
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or otherwise lawfully present in the U.S.
- Must be a Colorado resident OR have a regular place of employment or practice in Colorado
- Must be able to read and write English sufficiently to perform notarial acts
- No felony convictions ever, and no misdemeanor involving dishonesty within the past 5 years
- Cannot have had a Colorado notary commission previously revoked
Eligibility Requirements for Colorado Notary Public
Colorado has established clear eligibility requirements under the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA) to ensure notaries can fulfill their duties with integrity.
Basic Qualifications
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Citizenship/Legal Status | U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or otherwise lawfully present in the U.S. |
| Residency | Colorado resident OR regular place of employment/practice in Colorado |
| Language Proficiency | Ability to read and write English sufficiently to perform notarial acts |
Character Requirements
Colorado takes the integrity of notaries seriously with strict character requirements:
Disqualifying Criminal History
| Type of Conviction | Disqualification Period |
|---|---|
| Any felony conviction | Permanent disqualification |
| Misdemeanor involving dishonesty | 5 years from conviction date |
| Previous commission revocation | Permanent disqualification |
What Constitutes "Dishonesty"?
Misdemeanors involving dishonesty include but are not limited to:
- Fraud
- Theft
- Forgery
- Perjury
- False statements
- Identity theft
Non-Citizen Applicants
If you are not a U.S. citizen but are lawfully present in the United States, you may still apply. You must provide:
| Required Documentation | Description |
|---|---|
| Permanent Resident Card | Copy of both sides (Green Card) |
| Valid Visa | Copy of both sides of qualifying visa |
| Other Documentation | Evidence of lawful presence as required |
Colorado Residency Alternatives
You do NOT need to be a Colorado resident if you have:
| Alternative | Description |
|---|---|
| Regular Place of Employment | Work regularly in Colorado for an employer |
| Regular Place of Practice | Conduct professional practice regularly in Colorado |
This allows individuals who work in Colorado but live in a neighboring state to obtain a Colorado notary commission.
On the Exam
Key exam points about eligibility:
- Age: 18 years minimum - no exceptions
- Felony: Permanent bar to commission
- Misdemeanor + dishonesty: 5-year waiting period
- Non-resident: May qualify through regular Colorado employment
Which criminal history disqualifies someone from becoming a Colorado notary?
Can someone who lives in Wyoming but works in Colorado become a Colorado notary?