How to Become a Notary Signing Agent in Colorado: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide
Colorado is one of the few states that requires both training and an exam — but charges almost nothing for the commission itself: a $10 application fee and no bond. Here's the complete current process — then what turns a Colorado notary into a loan signing agent.
Step 1: Confirm you qualify
- At least 18 years old
- A U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or lawfully present in the U.S.
- A Colorado resident, or employed / maintaining a practice in Colorado
- Able to read and write English
- No felony convictions or dishonesty-related misdemeanors in the past 5 years
Step 2: Complete the training course and pass the exam
Within 90 days before applying, you must complete a state-approved training course (offered by SOS-approved vendors, the Secretary of State, or approved course providers) and pass the open-book exam administered by the Secretary of State. The exam tests your understanding of Colorado notary duties under the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts, related statutes, and the official Notary Handbook. Renewing notaries repeat the training and exam as well.
Step 3: Apply online and pay $10
Submit your application through the Secretary of State's online electronic filing system. The application fee is $10. Processing is typically quick — often a matter of days.
There is no surety bond requirement in Colorado — one of the states that skips it entirely. A journal is required for all notarial acts.
Commission term: 4 years.
Step 4: Get your seal and journal
Order your stamp from an office-supply vendor once commissioned, and keep a journal from day one — it's mandatory, not optional.
Colorado caps fees per notarial act by statute (with a higher cap for remote acts) — check the current Secretary of State fee schedule before setting your prices.
From Colorado notary to signing agent
Colorado has no separate state signing-agent certification — the commission above is the legal credential. But the companies that hire signing agents (lenders, title companies, signing services) operate on industry credentials: training certification plus background screening.
To work as a signing agent in Colorado, add:
- Background screening (the NNA's screening is the industry standard; ~$60–$80/year)
- Signing agent training on loan documents — see the startup cost breakdown and our Loan Signing System review
- E&O insurance — not required by the state, but required by most hiring companies
- A dual-tray laser printer and the rest of the mobile notary kit
Colorado is also a RON state: remote online notarization has been legal since December 31, 2020 (SB 20-096). RON is an add-on to your base commission — you must hold your commission for at least 6 months, complete RON-specific training and pass the RON exam, and use a Secretary of State-approved platform. Compare the two paths in our signing agent vs. general notary income guide.
Cost summary
| Item | Cost |
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| State-approved training course | Varies by vendor |
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| SOS exam | Included via the SOS |
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| Application fee | $10 |
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| Seal + journal | ~$40–$75 |
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| Signing agent training + screening | $100–$500 |
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| Commission basics total | Roughly $50–$150 before training |
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Requirements from the Colorado Secretary of State (8 CCR 1505-11), verified September 2026. Confirm against sos.colorado.gov before applying.