Colorado Secretary of State’s Office Enacts Remote Notarization Emergency Rules

Denver, March 30, 2020 – Following the Governor’s Executive Order on Saturday, the Secretary of State’s Office has set up a process that will enable Coloradans access to notary services without in-person contact.

“Stopping the spread of COVID-19 while still providing the services Coloradans rely on has been our main focus over the last two weeks,” said Secretary of State Jena Griswold.  “Remote notarization is the latest of these important services.”

On Saturday, Governor Polis issued an Executive Order that ordered the temporary suspension of the personal appearance requirement before notarial officers to perform notarizations due to the presence of coronavirus disease in Colorado.

Today, Secretary Griswold has issued emergency rules that outlines the procedures and requirements for remote notarization in Colorado during this state of emergency.

For the Notice of Temporary Adoption for the Colorado Notary Program Rules (8 CCR 1505-11), please click here. The notice includes the adopted rules, a statement of basis, and statement of justification. For an unofficial copy of the notary rules as adopted and effective 3/30/2020, please click here.

The Secretary of State’s Office has worked with stakeholders, including the Colorado Bar Association, on legislation on remote notary service over the last several years. The emergency remote notary process builds on this work.

For more information, please visit www.sos.state.co.us.