Gessler drops notary fees to $1

Move highlights efficiency and convenience of online filing

Denver, October 30, 2012 - Today, Secretary of State Scott Gessler announced a fee reduction for notaries public, effective November 1. Online notary applications and renewal fees will temporarily drop from $10 to $1.

"As we continue putting services online, we’ve highlighted the efficiency and convenience of online filing with fee reductions," Gessler said. "This fee reduction will keep more money in the pockets of Coloradans. And we will continue evaluating this reduction to keep our fees among the lowest in the country."

For notaries who file for the first time or renew online, the fee will drop from $10 to $1, effective November 1. Gessler intends to keep the lower fees through the remainder of the fiscal year, but will review the reduction on a quarterly basis.

Currently, 83,000 Coloradans serve as notaries. A notary commission runs four years. The fee reduction is expected to reduce revenue by over $200,000. But Gessler says his office can absorb the reductions while continuing to provide top-notch services.

"Colorado has some of the lowest fees in the country. But we also have outstanding customer service. Fee reductions will not impact customer service," Gessler said.

The Secretary of State's office takes no state taxpayer dollars. Its operations are funded by filing fees from businesses and non-profits. The fee reduction for notaries public follows a fee reduction for non-profits that began in October.