Colorado notary exam practice questions

New to the process? Start with how to become a notary in Colorado.

1. What is the minimum age to become a Colorado notary?

   1. 18
   2. 21
   3. 19
   4. 16
   Show the answer

   A. 18

   Secretary of State FAQ: at least 18 years old.

   Source: Colorado Secretary of State, Notary Public FAQs: applying and renewing (coloradosos.gov)

2. Which status meets Colorado's presence requirement?

   1. A person who has lived in Colorado for at least five years before applying
   2. A U.S. citizen only, whether by birth or by naturalization, with proof on file
   3. A registered Colorado voter who has voted in at least one Colorado election
   4. A U.S. citizen, a permanent legal resident, or otherwise lawfully present in the U.S.
   Show the answer

   D. A U.S. citizen, a permanent legal resident, or otherwise lawfully present in the U.S.

   Secretary of State FAQ.

   Source: Colorado Secretary of State, Notary Public FAQs: applying and renewing (coloradosos.gov)

3. Since what date have new and renewing Colorado notaries had to complete training and pass an exam?

   1. January 1, 2020
   2. October 9, 2024
   3. July 1, 2010
   4. July 1, 2018
   Show the answer

   D. July 1, 2018

   Secretary of State FAQ.

   Source: Colorado Secretary of State, Notary Public FAQs: applying and renewing (coloradosos.gov)

4. A new applicant must complete training and pass the exam no more than how long before applying?

   1. 6 months
   2. 1 year
   3. 90 days
   4. 30 days
   Show the answer

   C. 90 days

   Rule 2.1.3.

   Source: 8 CCR 1505-11, Rule 2.1.3 (Secretary of State Notary Program Rules)

5. How must the applicant sign the affirmation form?

   1. In front of the county clerk only
   2. Without a witness, by signing it alone
   3. Electronically on the exam site
   4. In front of a current Colorado notary
   Show the answer

   D. In front of a current Colorado notary

   Attachment instructions: sign the affirmation in front of a current Colorado notary.

   Source: Colorado Secretary of State, notary application attachment instructions (coloradosos.gov)

6. How long does processing usually take after an application is submitted?

   1. One to two business days
   2. Four to six weeks after submission
   3. Three to five business days
   4. Up to 90 calendar days
   Show the answer

   C. Three to five business days

   Secretary of State FAQ.

   Source: Colorado Secretary of State, Notary Public FAQs: applying and renewing (coloradosos.gov)

7. What is the most a Colorado notary may charge per document for a notarization with a manual signature?

   1. $15
   2. $25
   3. $10
   4. $5
   Show the answer

   A. $15

   Handbook, citing C.R.S. § 24-21-529(1).

   Source: C.R.S. § 24-21-529, as cited in the Secretary of State's Notary Handbook (April 24, 2024)

8. What is the most a Colorado notary may charge for an electronic or remote signature?

   1. $25
   2. $10
   3. $50
   4. $15
   Show the answer

   A. $25

   Handbook, citing C.R.S. § 24-21-529(2); Rule 5.2.7.

   Source: C.R.S. § 24-21-529, as cited in the Secretary of State's Notary Handbook (April 24, 2024)

9. What shape must a Colorado notary stamp be?

   1. Rectangular, keeping the stamp outline
   2. Any shape, as long as it is legible
   3. Oval, with the state seal inside
   4. Circular, with a serrated border
   Show the answer

   A. Rectangular, keeping the stamp outline

   Handbook, Official Stamp.

   Source: Colorado Secretary of State, Notary Handbook (revised April 24, 2024)

10. Which item must appear on a Colorado notary stamp?

    1. The notary's home street address
    2. The notary's date of birth
    3. The notary's identification number
    4. The county where the notary lives
    Show the answer

    C. The notary's identification number

    Handbook, Official Stamp.

    Source: Colorado Secretary of State, Notary Handbook (revised April 24, 2024)

11. Which item must a Colorado journal entry include?

    1. The signer's employer
    2. The signer's Social Security number
    3. The date and time of the act
    4. A photocopy of the signer's ID
    Show the answer

    C. The date and time of the act

    Handbook, citing C.R.S. § 24-21-519.

    Source: C.R.S. § 24-21-519, as cited in the Secretary of State's Notary Handbook (April 24, 2024)

12. When an interpreter is used, which interpreter details go in the journal?

    1. The interpreter's fee, how it was paid and who paid it
    2. Full name, address, and certification or credential number, if any
    3. Nothing; interpreters are never recorded in the notary's journal
    4. Only the interpreter's first name and the language interpreted
    Show the answer

    B. Full name, address, and certification or credential number, if any

    Handbook.

    Source: Colorado Secretary of State, Notary Handbook (revised April 24, 2024)

13. Which ID is always satisfactory evidence in Colorado?

    1. A passport, driver's license or government non-driver ID, current or expired no more than one year
    2. Any government-issued ID that expired up to five years ago, if the photograph still matches
    3. A Social Security card together with a current utility bill in the person's name
    4. A major credit card or debit card bearing the person's signature and printed full name
    Show the answer

    A. A passport, driver's license or government non-driver ID, current or expired no more than one year

    Handbook, citing C.R.S. § 24-21-507.

    Source: C.R.S. § 24-21-507, as cited in the Secretary of State's Notary Handbook (April 24, 2024)

14. Is a foreign passport acceptable identification?

    1. Only with a valid U.S. visa stamped inside
    2. Yes, if current or expired no more than one year
    3. No, never; only U.S. passports are acceptable
    4. Only for remote notarizations
    Show the answer

    B. Yes, if current or expired no more than one year

    Handbook, citing C.R.S. § 24-21-507.

    Source: C.R.S. § 24-21-507, as cited in the Secretary of State's Notary Handbook (April 24, 2024)

15. An interpreter helps a Spanish-speaking signer. What certification does the interpreter need?

    1. A notary commission
    2. No special certification or registration
    3. Registration with the Secretary of State
    4. A court interpreter license
    Show the answer

    B. No special certification or registration

    Handbook, Interpreters.

    Source: Colorado Secretary of State, Notary Handbook (revised April 24, 2024)

16. Which relative of the notary, if a party to the record, creates a disqualifying interest?

    1. A cousin
    2. A sibling
    3. A neighbor
    4. A former co-worker
    Show the answer

    B. A sibling

    Handbook, citing C.R.S. § 24-21-504: spouse, partner, ancestor, descendant or sibling.

    Source: C.R.S. § 24-21-504, as cited in the Secretary of State's Notary Handbook (April 24, 2024)

17. When must a Colorado notarial certificate be signed?

    1. When the record is filed with the county clerk and recorder
    2. At the time of the act, correctly dated, never pre- or post-dated
    3. Before the signer arrives, so the certificate is ready to sign
    4. Within 30 days after the signer appears, using the date of completion
    Show the answer

    B. At the time of the act, correctly dated, never pre- or post-dated

    Handbook, citing C.R.S. §§ 24-21-515 and 24-21-516.

    Source: C.R.S. § 24-21-515, as cited in the Secretary of State's Notary Handbook (April 24, 2024)

18. Is a written request required before a Colorado notary certifies a copy?

    1. No, it is not required
    2. Yes, always
    3. Only for court records
    4. Only for foreign documents
    Show the answer

    A. No, it is not required

    Handbook, citing C.R.S. § 24-21-505.

    Source: C.R.S. § 24-21-505, as cited in the Secretary of State's Notary Handbook (April 24, 2024)

19. Within how long must a notary file a change of name, address, phone or email?

    1. 30 days
    2. 10 days
    3. 60 days
    4. 90 days
    Show the answer

    A. 30 days

    Handbook, citing C.R.S. § 24-21-530.

    Source: C.R.S. § 24-21-530, as cited in the Secretary of State's Notary Handbook (April 24, 2024)

20. Before performing electronic notarizations, a Colorado notary must:

    1. Take an in-person course on electronic records at a community college
    2. Post an additional $25,000 bond with the Secretary of State
    3. File a notice of intent and receive Secretary of State approval
    4. Buy an electronic embosser that works with the electronic stamp
    Show the answer

    C. File a notice of intent and receive Secretary of State approval

    Rule 2.2.1.

    Source: 8 CCR 1505-11, Rule 2.2.1 (Secretary of State Notary Program Rules)

Unofficial practice questions written from the public sources named under each answer. They are not the state's exam, are not affiliated with the State of Colorado, and are not legal advice. Rules change, so check the commissioning office's current materials.