During the 2017 legislation, the Colorado General Assembly enacted a bill that will repeal the existing Notaries Public Act and replace it with the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA) on July 1, 2018.

In advance of RULONA becoming effective on July 1, 2018, our office is sending monthly emails to notify you of important changes or additions to the law. This month’s email will address the following topics: “eligibility for a commission and grounds to deny, revoke, or suspend commissions”.

Eligibility For A Commission

In addition to other RULONA requirements, including being lawfully present in the U.S., an applicant must either be a Colorado resident or have a place of employment in Colorado.

24-21-521(3)(b), C.R.S.

Grounds To Deny, Revoke, Or Suspend Commissions

• RULONA also makes some changes to the grounds on which the Secretary of State may deny, revoke, or suspend a notary’s commission. New reasons include:
  • A finding or admission of liability in a civil lawsuit based on the notary’s fraud, deceit, or dishonesty.
  • A revocation, denial, or suspension of a notary commission in another state.

24-21-523(1), C.R.S.

For more details see our Summary of Changes page.

For more information, see our RULONA page. We will continue to add helpful information to this page.

It is the responsibility of each notary to familiarize themselves with RULONA and to follow the law after July 1, 2018. Any notary courses that are completed before July 1, 2018 will not cover the new provisions enacted by RULONA.

We’re excited to work with you and will strive to make this transition as smooth as possible. To help you maintain your notary commission, it’s important you read the upcoming emails. Copies of these emails are available on our website. Next month our topics will include: “Oaths and affirmations; acknowledgments and signature witnessing; and copy certifications”.