Colorado Notary Public — All Questions

How may a Colorado notary identify a signer?

• a.Only by a Colorado ID card
• b.Only by the notary's memory of the signer's face
• c.By personal knowledge of the signer, or by satisfactory evidence such as a current government photo ID or a credible witness✓
• d.By the signer signing a self-identification form

Under RULONA, Colorado allows identification by the notary's personal knowledge of the signer, or by satisfactory evidence: a current government-issued photo ID bearing a signature, or the oath of a credible witness who knows the signer.Colorado RULONA (C.R.S. Title 24, Art. 21, Part 5); Colorado Notary Handbook

Which is acceptable identification for a Colorado notarization?

• a.A gym membership card
• b.A current driver's license with photo and signature✓
• c.A Social Security card
• d.A handwritten note from the signer

Acceptable ID is a current government-issued document showing the signer's photograph, signature, and an identifying number, such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Membership cards, Social Security cards, and notes do not qualify.Colorado RULONA (C.R.S. Title 24, Art. 21, Part 5); Colorado Notary Handbook

A Colorado signer has no ID but brings a credible witness. What is required?

• a.The witness signs for the signer
• b.Nothing; the witness is automatically enough
• c.The witness's ID is copied onto the document
• d.The witness must personally know the signer, be identified to the notary, and take an oath vouching for the signer✓

A credible witness must personally know the signer, be personally known to or identified by the notary, and take an oath or affirmation as to the signer's identity. Only a sworn, qualifying witness can substitute for missing identification.Colorado RULONA (C.R.S. Title 24, Art. 21, Part 5); Colorado Notary Handbook

If a Colorado notary cannot confirm the signer's identity by any allowed method, what must the notary do?

• a.Refuse to perform the notarization✓
• b.Perform it and note the concern
• c.Accept an ID expired for many years
• d.Rely on the signer's spoken name

When identity cannot be established through personal knowledge, an acceptable ID, or a credible witness, the notary must refuse. Notarizing despite genuine doubt about who the signer is defeats the purpose of the office.Colorado Notary Handbook (Colorado Secretary of State)