CO Notary Fees, Liability & Prohibited Acts 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum fee a Colorado notary may charge for each notarial act?
- $1.00
- $5.00 (Correct answer)
- $10.00
- $25.00
Correct answer: $5.00
Colorado law sets the maximum notary fee at $5.00 per notarial act.
Question 2: Can a Colorado notary charge a travel fee in addition to the notarial act fee?
- No, only the per-act fee is allowed
- Yes, if the signer agrees in advance (Correct answer)
- Yes, but only for real estate closings
- No additional charges of any kind are permitted
Correct answer: Yes, if the signer agrees in advance
A notary may charge a travel fee in addition to the notarial act fee, provided the signer agrees to the fee in advance.
Question 3: Which of the following is a prohibited act for a Colorado notary?
- Performing an acknowledgment
- Practicing law without a license (Correct answer)
- Charging the maximum fee
- Keeping a journal
Correct answer: Practicing law without a license
A notary may not give legal advice or otherwise practice law unless they are also a licensed attorney.
Question 4: Can a Colorado notary notarize a document in which they have a direct financial interest?
- Yes, there is no prohibition
- No, a direct financial interest disqualifies the notary (Correct answer)
- Only if disclosed in the certificate
- Only for documents under $1,000 in value
Correct answer: No, a direct financial interest disqualifies the notary
A Colorado notary who has a direct financial or beneficial interest in a transaction must not notarize documents for that transaction.
Question 5: What is the penalty for a Colorado notary who charges fees above the legal maximum?
- Verbal warning only
- Civil fine and possible commission revocation (Correct answer)
- Mandatory retraining
- A 30-day suspension only
Correct answer: Civil fine and possible commission revocation
Charging fees above the statutory maximum may result in civil penalties and disciplinary action including commission revocation.
Question 6: May a Colorado notary advertise notary services in a language other than English?
- No, all advertising must be in English
- Yes, but must not call themselves a 'notario publico' without a disclaimer that they are not an attorney (Correct answer)
- Yes, with no restrictions
- Only if they have a bilingual commission
Correct answer: Yes, but must not call themselves a 'notario publico' without a disclaimer that they are not an attorney
Colorado law requires that notaries advertising in a foreign language must include a prominent disclaimer that they are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice, especially regarding terms like 'notario' which implies an attorney in some countries.
CO Notary Fees, Liability & Prohibited Acts 1
What is the maximum fee a Colorado notary may charge for each notarial act?