IPEN in Colorado – A Guide

Are you a notary in Colorado looking for an efficient way to perform your duties? In-person electronic notarization, or IPEN, just might be your answer. Every day, more  organizations are taking advantage of digitizing official records.

Currently, Colorado allows electronic notarization (IPEN) and remote online notarization (RON). And, BlueNotary meets the State’s standards for both!

IPEN

What is In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN)?

In-Person Electronic Notarization is a modern approach to the traditional notary process. It combines benefits of face-to-face interaction with the efficiency of technology.

Simply, it’s traditional notarization gone paperless. Both the notary and signer must be physically present in the same location, so electronic notarization hugely differs from remote online notarization. Know the difference!

Electronic notarization is in-person and notarial act procedures remain the same. Personal appearance is a requirement. So is verifying the identity of the signer and completion of the notarial certificate by affixing the notary’s electronic signature and seal to it.

Unlike RON, electronic notarizations doesn’t require any special training any at this time.

How does IPEN work in Colorado?

Currently in Colorado, a notary must be approved by the Secretary of State to perform electronic notarization.

A Colorado notary must apply for approval by submitting the form “Notification of Intent to Notarize Electronically” to the Secretary of State.

When approved, the notary will receive via email 50 Document Authentication Numbers (DANs). The notary should insert one DAN in each electronically notarized document.

1. Identify the signer using “Satisfactory Evidence”
2. Signer acknowledges in notary’s physical presence that document was signed by him or her, or notary administers an oath or affirmation 3. Complete notarial certificate
4. Notary attaches a “DAN”– Document Authentication Number 5. Notary records transaction in journal, including DAN

What is a DAN?

The “DAN”-Document Authentication Number Legal equivalent of using an embosser seal or rubber stamp seal. Electronic notaries must include a unique DAN on each document.

Composition of“DAN” 20XX1234567– XXXXXX
Notary Certificate Number– Randomly assigned numbers
11 digits 6 digits

Colorado electronic notaries can obtain more DANs as needed through their secretary of state portal.

Who can perform in person electronic notarization?

Notaries that have received their commission from the state’s Secretary have the right to do an In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN) in Colorado.

Notaries must fulfill the prerequisites to get the authorization and these include living in a home legally, undertaking a course and passing a test to be always a notary public.

Regardless of moving into the digital space, the process of notarization should still be safe and in order with state rules and regulations. Throughout the last years, IPEN has proved itself more and more useable in the hands of notaries. They can perform their functions more efficiently and comfortably because it not only saves the best of the old but also helps them to complete secure electronic transactions reliably.

How to choose an electronic notarization provider

The first step is understanding your specific needs and requirements as a notary. Always consider factors like user-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, integration capabilities, and regulatory compliance too.

Don’t shy away from talking with fellow notaries, either. They can share valuable insights! Jump in and connect via BlueNotary’s Facebook group; Four thousand notary members and growing daily!

IPEN is a convenient way to get important documents notarized while keeping up with the times. It reduces time and cost of traditional methods as you already have a digital copy of the document.

On BlueNotary’s secure platform, we have a secure, encrypted network infrastructure. Users can confidently obtain an electronic notarization! We provide a safe online option to sign and store documents.

DISCLAIMER
This information is for general purposes only, not legal advice. Laws governing these matters may change quickly. BlueNotary cannot guarantee that all the information on this site is current or correct. For specific legal questions, consult a local licensed attorney.

Last updated: March 21, 2025

Index