Colorado Notary Exam Preparation Newest With Complete Questions And
Correct Detailed Answers| Brand New Version!
Question 1
Under Colorado RULONA, how long is a notary public required to retain their notary journal
after the last notarial act recorded in the journal?
A) Five years
B) Seven years
C) Ten years
D) Perpetually
E) Two years
Correct Answer: C) Ten years
Rationale: According to the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S. 24-21-519), a notary public
must maintain the journal for ten years after the last notarial act. This requirement ensures
that a record of transactions exists for a sufficient period to address legal challenges, audits,
or investigations that may arise long after the document has been signed.
Question 2
A Colorado notary is asked to perform a copy certification on a document issued by the federal
government. Which of the following is true?
A) Notaries can never certify copies of federal documents.
B) Notaries may certify the copy as long as the document does not contain language prohibiting
reproduction.
C) Federal documents always require a special federal notary commission.
D) The notary must first obtain written permission from the Secretary of State.
E) Only the clerk of the court can certify federal documents.
Correct Answer: B) Notaries may certify the copy as long as the document does not contain
language prohibiting reproduction.
Rationale: Colorado notaries are permitted to perform copy certifications on many
documents, including federal ones, provided that the document is not a vital record (like a
birth certificate) and does not specifically state that it may not be reproduced. The notary
must compare the original to the copy to ensure it is a complete and accurate transcription
or reproduction.
Question 3
If a notary is presented with a document that does not contain a pre-printed notary certificate,
how should the notary proceed?
A) Choose the certificate they think is best for the signer.
B) Refuse to notarize the document under any circumstances.
C) Ask the signer to determine which type of certificate to use based on the purpose of the act.
D) Consult an attorney to decide for the client.
E) Attach an acknowledgment by default as it is the most common act.
, 2
Correct Answer: C) Ask the signer to determine which type of certificate to use based on the
purpose of the act.
Rationale: A notary who is not an attorney cannot choose the type of notarial act for a
client, as this constitutes the unauthorized practice of law. The notary should explain the
difference between the acts (e.g., acknowledgment vs. oath) and let the signer choose. If the
signer is unsure, they should contact the person who drafted the document or an attorney.
Question 4
In which of the following situations does a Colorado notary have a disqualifying interest in a
transaction?
A) When the notary is notarizing for a stranger.
B) When the notary is named as a beneficiary in the document.
C) When the notary is an employee of the company signing the document but receives no
commission.
D) When the notary is notarizing a document for their neighbor.
E) When the notary is a witness to the signature but not the notary.
Correct Answer: B) When the notary is named as a beneficiary in the document.
Rationale: RULONA prohibits a notary from performing a notarial act if the notary has a
direct beneficial interest in the transaction. Being named as a beneficiary creates a conflict
of interest, as the notary is no longer a detached, impartial witness. This protects the
integrity of the notarial act from self-serving motives.
Question 5
Which of the following is NOT a required element to be recorded in a Colorado notary journal
for a standard notarial act?
A) The date and time of the notarial act.
B) A description of the record.
C) The full name and address of the individual.
D) The verbal oath taken by a credible witness.
E) The type of notarial act performed.
Correct Answer: D) The verbal oath taken by a credible witness.
Rationale: While the identity of a credible witness must be recorded in the journal, the
actual verbal oath spoken by the witness is not a data point required for entry. The journal
must include the date/time, the type of act, the document description, and information
about the signer’s identity (including witness info if applicable), but the transcript of the
oath itself is excluded.
Question 6
Regarding the requirement of "physical presence" under RULONA for traditional (non-remote)
notarizations, which is true?
, 3
A) Presence can be established via a telephone call.
B) There is never an exception to the physical presence requirement for traditional notarizations.
C) Physical presence is only required for acknowledgments.
D) If the notary knows the signer well, they can sign in different rooms.
E) Physical presence is defined as being within the same county.
Correct Answer: B) There is never an exception to the physical presence requirement for
traditional notarizations.
Rationale: For standard notarizations, the individual must appear in the physical presence
of the notary public at the time of the notarial act. This allows the notary to screen the
signer for identity, willingness, and competence. Even with the advent of remote
notarization, the "remote" aspect is a specific legal framework; for traditional acts,
physical "face-to-face" presence is absolute.
Question 7
A notary is asked to notarize for a signer who is reportedly in the early stages of Alzheimer's
disease. What is the correct course of action?
A) Refuse immediately because they have a medical diagnosis.
B) Screen for identity, willingness, and basic awareness as with any other signer.
C) Require a doctor’s note before proceeding.
D) Only notarize if the signer's lawyer is present.
E) Perform the notarization only if a family member signs for them.
Correct Answer: B) Screen for identity, willingness, and basic awareness as with any other
signer.
Rationale: A medical diagnosis does not automatically disqualify a person from signing a
document. The notary's duty is to determine if the signer understands the nature of the
document they are signing and is doing so of their own free will. If the signer can
communicate their intent and appears aware of the transaction at the time of the act, the
notary may proceed.
Question 8
How must a qualified person apply for a Colorado notary public commission?
A) By mailing a paper application to the Governor's office.
B) By appearing in person at the Secretary of State's office.
C) By uploading their application and documents to the Secretary of State's website and paying
the fee.
D) By taking an oral exam at the local DMV.
E) By submitting a request through their employer.
Correct Answer: C) By uploading their application and documents to the Secretary of
State's website and paying the fee.
, 4
Rationale: The Colorado Secretary of State handles all notary applications electronically.
Applicants must complete an approved training course, pass an exam, and then submit the
application, a copy of their ID, and the required fee (currently $10) via the SOS online
portal.
Question 9
When a commissioned notary changes their home address or work address, they must notify the
Secretary of State:
A) Within 10 days.
B) Within 30 days.
C) Within 60 days.
D) At the time of their commission renewal.
E) Only if the change is to a different state.
Correct Answer: B) Within 30 days.
Rationale: To maintain accurate records and ensure the notary remains reachable by the
Secretary of State for legal purposes, any change in name, home address, or business
address must be reported within 30 days of the change. This is done through the notary’s
online account on the SOS website.
Question 10
In Colorado, a "Protest" (a specific notarial act related to dishonored negotiable instruments)
may only be executed by a notary who:
A) Has been a notary for at least 10 years.
B) Is an attorney.
C) Is acting in the course and scope of their employment with a financial institution.
D) Has a special "Protest" endorsement on their seal.
E) Is notarizing for a government agency.
Correct Answer: C) Is acting in the course and scope of their employment with a financial
institution.
Rationale: Under RULONA, the act of "Protest" is highly specialized and restricted to
notaries employed by financial institutions (banks) acting in their professional capacity.
Most general notaries will never perform this act.
Question 11
Which of the following is considered "secure and verifiable ID" for identifying a signer in
Colorado?
A) A valid Colorado Driver's License.
B) A valid US Passport.
/ C) A valid foreign passport with a US visa/entry stamp.
Correct Detailed Answers| Brand New Version!
Question 1
Under Colorado RULONA, how long is a notary public required to retain their notary journal
after the last notarial act recorded in the journal?
A) Five years
B) Seven years
C) Ten years
D) Perpetually
E) Two years
Correct Answer: C) Ten years
Rationale: According to the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S. 24-21-519), a notary public
must maintain the journal for ten years after the last notarial act. This requirement ensures
that a record of transactions exists for a sufficient period to address legal challenges, audits,
or investigations that may arise long after the document has been signed.
Question 2
A Colorado notary is asked to perform a copy certification on a document issued by the federal
government. Which of the following is true?
A) Notaries can never certify copies of federal documents.
B) Notaries may certify the copy as long as the document does not contain language prohibiting
reproduction.
C) Federal documents always require a special federal notary commission.
D) The notary must first obtain written permission from the Secretary of State.
E) Only the clerk of the court can certify federal documents.
Correct Answer: B) Notaries may certify the copy as long as the document does not contain
language prohibiting reproduction.
Rationale: Colorado notaries are permitted to perform copy certifications on many
documents, including federal ones, provided that the document is not a vital record (like a
birth certificate) and does not specifically state that it may not be reproduced. The notary
must compare the original to the copy to ensure it is a complete and accurate transcription
or reproduction.
Question 3
If a notary is presented with a document that does not contain a pre-printed notary certificate,
how should the notary proceed?
A) Choose the certificate they think is best for the signer.
B) Refuse to notarize the document under any circumstances.
C) Ask the signer to determine which type of certificate to use based on the purpose of the act.
D) Consult an attorney to decide for the client.
E) Attach an acknowledgment by default as it is the most common act.
, 2
Correct Answer: C) Ask the signer to determine which type of certificate to use based on the
purpose of the act.
Rationale: A notary who is not an attorney cannot choose the type of notarial act for a
client, as this constitutes the unauthorized practice of law. The notary should explain the
difference between the acts (e.g., acknowledgment vs. oath) and let the signer choose. If the
signer is unsure, they should contact the person who drafted the document or an attorney.
Question 4
In which of the following situations does a Colorado notary have a disqualifying interest in a
transaction?
A) When the notary is notarizing for a stranger.
B) When the notary is named as a beneficiary in the document.
C) When the notary is an employee of the company signing the document but receives no
commission.
D) When the notary is notarizing a document for their neighbor.
E) When the notary is a witness to the signature but not the notary.
Correct Answer: B) When the notary is named as a beneficiary in the document.
Rationale: RULONA prohibits a notary from performing a notarial act if the notary has a
direct beneficial interest in the transaction. Being named as a beneficiary creates a conflict
of interest, as the notary is no longer a detached, impartial witness. This protects the
integrity of the notarial act from self-serving motives.
Question 5
Which of the following is NOT a required element to be recorded in a Colorado notary journal
for a standard notarial act?
A) The date and time of the notarial act.
B) A description of the record.
C) The full name and address of the individual.
D) The verbal oath taken by a credible witness.
E) The type of notarial act performed.
Correct Answer: D) The verbal oath taken by a credible witness.
Rationale: While the identity of a credible witness must be recorded in the journal, the
actual verbal oath spoken by the witness is not a data point required for entry. The journal
must include the date/time, the type of act, the document description, and information
about the signer’s identity (including witness info if applicable), but the transcript of the
oath itself is excluded.
Question 6
Regarding the requirement of "physical presence" under RULONA for traditional (non-remote)
notarizations, which is true?
, 3
A) Presence can be established via a telephone call.
B) There is never an exception to the physical presence requirement for traditional notarizations.
C) Physical presence is only required for acknowledgments.
D) If the notary knows the signer well, they can sign in different rooms.
E) Physical presence is defined as being within the same county.
Correct Answer: B) There is never an exception to the physical presence requirement for
traditional notarizations.
Rationale: For standard notarizations, the individual must appear in the physical presence
of the notary public at the time of the notarial act. This allows the notary to screen the
signer for identity, willingness, and competence. Even with the advent of remote
notarization, the "remote" aspect is a specific legal framework; for traditional acts,
physical "face-to-face" presence is absolute.
Question 7
A notary is asked to notarize for a signer who is reportedly in the early stages of Alzheimer's
disease. What is the correct course of action?
A) Refuse immediately because they have a medical diagnosis.
B) Screen for identity, willingness, and basic awareness as with any other signer.
C) Require a doctor’s note before proceeding.
D) Only notarize if the signer's lawyer is present.
E) Perform the notarization only if a family member signs for them.
Correct Answer: B) Screen for identity, willingness, and basic awareness as with any other
signer.
Rationale: A medical diagnosis does not automatically disqualify a person from signing a
document. The notary's duty is to determine if the signer understands the nature of the
document they are signing and is doing so of their own free will. If the signer can
communicate their intent and appears aware of the transaction at the time of the act, the
notary may proceed.
Question 8
How must a qualified person apply for a Colorado notary public commission?
A) By mailing a paper application to the Governor's office.
B) By appearing in person at the Secretary of State's office.
C) By uploading their application and documents to the Secretary of State's website and paying
the fee.
D) By taking an oral exam at the local DMV.
E) By submitting a request through their employer.
Correct Answer: C) By uploading their application and documents to the Secretary of
State's website and paying the fee.
, 4
Rationale: The Colorado Secretary of State handles all notary applications electronically.
Applicants must complete an approved training course, pass an exam, and then submit the
application, a copy of their ID, and the required fee (currently $10) via the SOS online
portal.
Question 9
When a commissioned notary changes their home address or work address, they must notify the
Secretary of State:
A) Within 10 days.
B) Within 30 days.
C) Within 60 days.
D) At the time of their commission renewal.
E) Only if the change is to a different state.
Correct Answer: B) Within 30 days.
Rationale: To maintain accurate records and ensure the notary remains reachable by the
Secretary of State for legal purposes, any change in name, home address, or business
address must be reported within 30 days of the change. This is done through the notary’s
online account on the SOS website.
Question 10
In Colorado, a "Protest" (a specific notarial act related to dishonored negotiable instruments)
may only be executed by a notary who:
A) Has been a notary for at least 10 years.
B) Is an attorney.
C) Is acting in the course and scope of their employment with a financial institution.
D) Has a special "Protest" endorsement on their seal.
E) Is notarizing for a government agency.
Correct Answer: C) Is acting in the course and scope of their employment with a financial
institution.
Rationale: Under RULONA, the act of "Protest" is highly specialized and restricted to
notaries employed by financial institutions (banks) acting in their professional capacity.
Most general notaries will never perform this act.
Question 11
Which of the following is considered "secure and verifiable ID" for identifying a signer in
Colorado?
A) A valid Colorado Driver's License.
B) A valid US Passport.
/ C) A valid foreign passport with a US visa/entry stamp.
