Colorado Notary Exam CO Notarial Acts and Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing a copy certification in Colorado, the notary certifies that:
- The original document is legally valid and binding
- The copy is a true, exact, and complete reproduction of the original (Correct answer)
- The document was created by a licensed attorney
- The copy has been reviewed by the Secretary of State
Correct answer: The copy is a true, exact, and complete reproduction of the original
A copy certification attests that the copy is a true, exact, and complete reproduction of the original presented to the notary.
Question 2: A Colorado notary is asked to certify a copy of a vital record (birth certificate). The notary should:
- Certify it the same as any other document
- Decline, because vital records issued by government agencies may not be copy-certified by a notary (Correct answer)
- Certify it only if the original bears a raised seal
- Require the signer to obtain a court order first
Correct answer: Decline, because vital records issued by government agencies may not be copy-certified by a notary
Colorado notaries cannot certify copies of vital records or other documents that can only be certified by the issuing government agency.
Question 3: Which element is REQUIRED in a proper Colorado notarial certificate?
- The signer's social security number
- The venue stating the state and county where the act was performed (Correct answer)
- A photograph of the signer
- The document's filing fee amount
Correct answer: The venue stating the state and county where the act was performed
A Colorado notarial certificate must include a venue—the state and county where the notarial act took place.
Question 4: Under Colorado RULONA, an oath or affirmation administered by a notary must include:
- A written statement signed by two witnesses
- The notary's personal seal embossed on the signer's hand
- A solemn spoken pledge by the individual to tell the truth (Correct answer)
- Approval from the county clerk before the oath is given
Correct answer: A solemn spoken pledge by the individual to tell the truth
An oath or affirmation requires the individual to make a solemn spoken pledge to tell the truth, distinguishing it from an acknowledgment.
Question 5: A notary in Colorado who willfully notarizes a document knowing the signer was not present may face:
- Only a written warning from the Secretary of State
- Commission suspension or revocation and potential criminal penalties (Correct answer)
- A civil fine not to exceed $25
- No penalty if the document was used for legitimate purposes
Correct answer: Commission suspension or revocation and potential criminal penalties
Willfully performing a false notarial act in Colorado can result in commission revocation and criminal charges for official misconduct.
Question 6: What does the term 'principal' refer to in the context of a Colorado notarial act?
- The notary performing the act
- The individual whose signature or statement is the subject of the notarial act (Correct answer)
- The county official who issues notary commissions
- The attorney who drafted the document being notarized
Correct answer: The individual whose signature or statement is the subject of the notarial act
The 'principal' is the individual for whom the notarial act is being performed—the signer or person making a statement.
Question 7: Under Colorado law, a notary public commission expires after how many years?
- 2 years
- 4 years (Correct answer)
- 5 years
- 10 years
Correct answer: 4 years
Colorado notary commissions are valid for four years from the date of appointment.
Colorado Notary Exam CO Notarial Acts and Procedures 3
When performing a copy certification in Colorado, the notary certifies that: