Posted by Les_CO on 7/24/12 10:25am
Msg #427836

Colorado Notaries

On August 8, 2012, changes to the notary law become effective. You are
responsible for complying with these new standards. These important changes
are:

* JOURNAL REQUIREMENTS – A journal book will be required to contain
the type and date of the notarial act, the title or type of document being
notarized, the name, address and signature of the person signing, and the
name, address, and signature of each witness to the notarization.
* SEAL STANDARDS – The notary seal standards have changed. Renewing
notaries will be required to obtain and use a seal that conforms to new
standards. The new seal standards require:

* A rectangle rubber ink stamp.
* The stamp must contain within the outline the notary’s printed legal
name, the words ‘Notary Public,’ the words ‘State of Colorado,’ the notary’s
11-digit ID number, and the notary’s commission expiration date.

* Currently commissioned notaries may continue using seals obtained
before August 8, 2012 until renewal of their commission.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 7/24/12 11:53am
Msg #427854

Wow... I'm kinda surprised they changed the seal to a

rectangular format since most Colorado notaries I've seen use a round stamp.

The requirement for witnesses to sign your journal and give their name and address is going to be a problem methinks... I haven't seen journals that provide space for this.

Reply by Les_CO on 7/24/12 1:44pm
Msg #427892

Re: Wow... I'm kinda surprised they changed the seal to a

I’ve used a round stamp w/blue ink for years. I also have a round embosser. Guess I’ll have to change. Hope Harry does too, so I can order here.
I did call the CO SOS and ask about signatures and journal entries. If you notarize one document (like an affidavit) signature, it’s one line, if you do a ‘loan package’ that’s 12 signatures, that’s also one line per signer(you need to list type of docs/like DOT-POA-QC Deed, etc.). Not as I understand the CA law that requires a separate line for ‘each’ document notarized.
Still a PITA. I liked the old days no journal required.

Reply by Les_CO on 7/24/12 2:11pm
Msg #427898

Forgot to add

Ink color is still notary preference, just must be ‘photographically reproducible’ so dark blue/black/purple okay…but no light yellow.

Reply by HisHughness on 7/24/12 12:07pm
Msg #427859

I look forward to the day when we have a Model Noatry Law...

... that requies a stamp and is adopted by all jurisdictions. Obviously, the stamp would have the notary's name and expiration date -- and that would eliminate the necessity to hand write those on so many certifications.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 7/24/12 12:18pm
Msg #427866

If there were a Model Notary Law, I would like to see

it mandatory that the notary's name, commission number/exp date be stamped OR typed/printed under the signature (as done in New York), AND a mandatory raised seal.