How to Become a Remote Online Notary in Colorado (2026)

Overview

Colorado’s 6-month minimum commission requirement means that brand-new notaries cannot immediately apply for RON – they must hold their commission for at least 6 months before the RON application is eligible. This is a meaningful gate that catches many applicants who rush the process. Plan for it when timing your RON entry into the Colorado market.

Colorado RON Requirements: The Full Picture

Colorado’s RON framework under CRS Section 24-21-501 et seq. requires all of the following before authorization is granted:

• Active Colorado notary commission held for at least 6 months prior to applying
• $25,000 surety bond – Colorado’s RON-specific bond amount is significantly higher than the traditional notary bond requirement
• Background check – criminal background check required as part of the RON application
• SoS-approved training course completed before the exam
• Pass the Colorado RON exam administered through the SoS system
• Contract with an SoS-approved RON technology provider
• Application and proof of completion submitted through your notary account on the Colorado SoS website
• $10 application fee

All of these requirements must be satisfied before the RON commission certificate is issued. Partial completion does not grant authorization to begin remote sessions.

The 6-Month Commission Requirement: Why It Matters

Colorado requires notaries to hold an active commission for a minimum of 6 months before the RON application is eligible. This means:

• If you just received your Colorado notary commission, you must wait 6 months from the issue date before applying for RON
• The 6-month clock starts from the commission issue date, not the application date
• If your commission is suspended or inactive during those 6 months, the clock may reset
• Plan ahead – if you are new to Colorado notarization, factor 6+ months into your RON launch timeline

The Colorado RON Exam

Colorado is one of the few states that requires passing a specific RON exam as a standalone step in the authorization process (alongside Hawaii and Indiana). The exam is administered through the Colorado SoS online notary system and covers:

• Colorado RON law and CRS requirements
• Remote notarization procedures and compliance obligations
• Identity verification standards
• Electronic journal and recording requirements
• Technology platform requirements and approved provider rules

You must complete the SoS-approved training course before attempting the exam. The training and exam are sequential, not parallel. Proof of both training completion and exam passage are uploaded as part of the SoS application.

Colorado’s $25,000 Bond Requirement

Colorado requires a $25,000 surety bond specifically for RON authorization – this is separate from and higher than the traditional Colorado notary commission bond requirement. The $25,000 bond must be in place and proof submitted with the RON application. Annual premiums for a $25,000 bond typically run $50-$100/year through NNA, Notary Rotary, or similar bond providers. Obtain the bond before submitting the application – the SoS requires the bond documentation as part of the complete application packet.

Colorado-Approved RON Technology Providers

Colorado maintains a list of approved RON technology providers. You must contract with a provider from this list – you cannot use a platform not on it. Providers approved for Colorado RON include:

• Notarize (Proof) – high consumer volume, pays per completed session
• NotaryLive – strong notary scheduling and session tools
• DocVerify – enterprise and financial document focus
• SIGNiX – mortgage and title closing integrations

Verify the current approved provider list at the Colorado SoS website before contracting. Include your provider contract information in the application submission.

After Authorization: Colorado RON Compliance

Once the RON commission certificate is issued, Colorado RON notaries must:

• Use only the approved technology provider listed in their authorization
• Maintain an electronic journal with required entries per act
• Retain audio-visual recordings per Colorado’s retention requirements
• Use Colorado-specific remote notarial certificate language
• Notify the SoS if changing technology providers
• Monitor both the traditional commission and RON commission expiration separately

Common Mistakes Colorado RON Notaries Make

• Applying for RON before holding the commission for 6 months – the application will be rejected
• Attempting the exam before completing the approved training course
• Purchasing a $25,000 bond after submitting the application – the bond must be in place first
• Using a technology provider not on Colorado’s approved list
• Performing sessions before the RON commission certificate is issued

Before You Start

Colorado’s RON requirements are among the most structured in the country. Confirm your 6-month commission window, complete training, pass the exam, obtain the $25,000 bond, contract with an approved provider, and wait for the commission certificate before your first remote session. Official reference: Colorado Secretary of State – Notary Public.

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