2.1 Types of Notarial Acts
Key Takeaways
- Colorado notaries perform acknowledgments, verifications, and oaths
- Personal appearance is required for all notarial acts
- Proper identification must be obtained
- Journal keeping is required under RULONA
- Electronic notarization is authorized
Colorado notaries are authorized to perform several types of notarial acts under RULONA.
Authorized Acts
| Act | Description |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | Signer confirms signature is genuine and voluntary |
| Verification on oath | Jurat - sworn statement of truthfulness |
| Oath/Affirmation | Administer sworn statements |
| Signature witnessing | Observe actual signing |
| Copy certification | Certify true copies (with restrictions) |
Key Requirements
Personal Appearance
The signer MUST personally appear before the notary. No exceptions for traditional notarization.
Identification
Must positively identify signer through:
- Personal knowledge
- Government-issued photo ID
- Credible witness (if no ID available)
Journal Keeping
Colorado requires notaries to maintain a journal:
- Record each notarial act
- Include date, type, signer info, ID used
- Retain for required period
Electronic Notarization
Colorado authorizes electronic notarization:
- Electronic signatures permitted
- Electronic seals permitted
- Still requires personal appearance
- Remote Online Notarization (RON) also available
On the Exam
- Personal appearance: Always required
- Acknowledgment vs. jurat: Key differences
- Journal: Required in Colorado
- Electronic notarization: Authorized
Exam Focus
For Types of Notarial Acts, tie every act to identity, willingness, awareness, certificate wording, and recordkeeping. Notary exam questions often describe a signer, document, and request, then ask whether the notary may proceed. Check whether the signer personally appears, presents acceptable identification or credible witness proof, understands the transaction, and signs voluntarily. Also watch for the difference between acknowledgments, jurats, copy certifications, oaths, and affirmations. The safest answer is usually the one that refuses shortcuts and preserves an accurate journal and certificate.
Does Colorado require notaries to maintain a journal?