Colorado Secretary of State’s Office To Implement Remote Notarization

This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.

After working closely with the Governor’s office, stakeholders, and the legal community, the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office will implement a remote notarization process.  Remote notarization will assist Coloradans and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We are committed to maintaining important services for Coloradans during this national health crisis,” said Secretary of State Jena Griswold.  “Remote notarization will enable Coloradans and businesses continued access to notary services while observing the social distancing guidelines that keep us all safe.” 

Governor Polis issued an Executive Order today, which states in part: “Pursuant to the authority vested in the Governor of the State of Colorado and, in particular, pursuant to Article IV, Section 2 of the Colorado Constitution and the relevant portions of the Colorado Disaster Emergency Act, C.R.S. § 24-33.5-701 et seq. (Act), I, Jared Polis, Governor of the State of Colorado, hereby issue this Executive Order ordering the temporary suspension of the personal appearance requirement before notarial officers to perform notarizations due to the presence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Colorado.”

Secretary Griswold will issue emergency rules on Monday, setting forth the procedures and requirements for remote notarization in Colorado during this state of emergency.  These rules will address implementation of the remote notarization process while including protections against identity theft and fraud.  

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