Under what condition can a notary perform an acknowledgment?

A notary can perform an acknowledgment when they are familiar with the signer, which involves having sufficient knowledge of the individual's identity to be able to attest to their signature and the act being acknowledged. Familiarity typically means that the notary has either personal knowledge of the signer or has been able to verify the signer's identity through reliable forms of identification that are acceptable under Colorado law.

This relationship of familiarity ensures that the notary can confidently and accurately certify that the signer is who they claim to be and is willingly signing the document in question. In situations where personal knowledge is absent, additional documentation or identification must be provided for the notary to proceed.

Other conditions for an acknowledgment, such as existing friendship or requiring written consent from the signer, do not constitute sufficient grounds for a notary to perform the acknowledgment effectively or lawfully. Similarly, the presence of a witness is not a requisite condition for performing an acknowledgment in Colorado; the notary's determination of the signer's identity and their voluntary act of signing are paramount.