Colorado Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws
RON EnactedEffective June 30, 2020
Quick Facts
- Status
- RON Enacted
- Year Enacted
- 2019
- Statute
- Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-21-501 et seq.
- Bill Number
- SB 19-062
Colorado RON Law Overview
Remote online notarization became permanently authorized in Colorado when the legislature passed legislation in 2019 (SB 19-062) under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-21-501 et seq.. The law took effect on June 30, 2020. Colorado's RON law allows commissioned notaries to use approved audio-video technology platforms to notarize documents for signers located anywhere, subject to compliance with identity verification protocols and electronic record-keeping requirements established by the statute.
Colorado RON Requirements
Under Colorado law, every remote online notarization must take place via real-time audio-video communication between the notary and the signer. Credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID is required to verify the signer's identity. The signer must successfully complete knowledge-based authentication (KBA), answering personal questions generated from public records and credit data to confirm their identity. The notary is required to keep an electronic journal documenting each transaction and to use tamper-evident sealing on all notarized documents. Audio-video recordings of each RON session must be retained for at least 10 years.
- Audio-video required
- Yes
- Tamper-evident seal
- Required
- Electronic journal
- Required
- Recording retention
- 10 years
- Credential analysis
- Required
- KBA required
- Yes
- Commissioned in state
- Required
- RON endorsement
- Required
- Bond amount
- $10,000
Interstate Recognition
Colorado generally recognizes remote online notarizations performed by notaries commissioned in other states that have enacted equivalent RON legislation. Documents notarized via RON in another state may be accepted for recording and legal purposes in Colorado, subject to compliance with the originating state's RON requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote online notarization legal in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado has enacted permanent RON legislation in 2019 under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-21-501 et seq.. Remote online notarization is fully legal and authorized for Colorado-commissioned notaries who meet the state's RON requirements.
What are the identity verification requirements for RON in Colorado?
Colorado requires credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) for all remote online notarizations. The signer must correctly answer personal questions generated from authoritative data sources.
Do I need a special endorsement to perform RON in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado requires notaries to obtain a RON endorsement or registration in addition to their standard notary commission before performing remote online notarizations.
What technology is required for RON in Colorado?
Colorado requires RON sessions to use real-time two-way audio-video communication. Documents must be sealed with tamper-evident technology. An electronic journal must be maintained for all remote notarizations. Session recordings must be retained for 10 years.
Does Colorado accept out-of-state RON?
Colorado generally recognizes remote online notarizations performed by notaries commissioned in other states with equivalent RON laws. However, specific recording offices may have additional requirements.
What is the bond requirement for RON notaries in Colorado?
Colorado requires RON notaries to maintain a surety bond of $10,000. This bond protects the public against errors or misconduct during remote notarizations and is in addition to any bond required for a standard notary commission.