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?

Only notaries commissioned by the Colorado Secretary of State have authorization to perform In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN) in Colorado.

These notaries must meet certain requirements to obtain their commission, including being a legal resident in the state, completing training and passing an exam to maintain good standing as a notary public.

Even in a digital environment, the notarization process must remain secure and legally compliant with state laws and regulations. Over the years, IPEN has become a valuable tool in the notaries’ arsenal. It enables them to carry out duties with improved efficiency and convenience, all while facilitating secure electronic transactions.

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.