Arizona Notary FAQs
Am I qualified to become an Arizona Notary?
To be a notary in the state of Arizona you must meet the following qualifications:
- At least 18-years old
- Be a citizen of the United States
- Be a resident of Arizona
- Able to write and read English
- Have not been convicted of a felony
- Must not have had an Arizona Notary Commission revoked within the past four years
How much does it cost to become a notary public in AZ?
The exact price depends on multiple factors, but here’s a breakdown of costs to keep in mind.
- For $109, our all-in-one notary package includes your required $5,000 surety bond, a notary stamp, a record-keeping journal, and a frameable notary certificate
- Arizona requires a $43 filing fee with your application
- Your notary bond needs to be notarized before filing your application, which can cost up to $10
How long does it take to become a notary in Arizona?
According to the Arizona Secretary of State, the standard processing time for a notary application is four weeks. Because the notary application process doesn’t involve any coursework or tests, most of your wait will be the time it takes the state to process your application.
Can a non-AZ resident become a notary in Arizona?
No. Currently, only people who claim Arizona as their primary residence can apply to be a notary. Learn more on the Secretary of State website.
How do I renew my notary commission in Arizona?
To renew your notary commission, you must reapply through the state. The State of Arizona does not have an automatic renewal process.
How long is my Arizona Notary Commission valid for?
Your Arizona Notary Commission is valid for four years.
When should I renew my notary commission in Arizona?
The State of Arizona recommends you start the renewal process no less than 60 days before your current commission expires.
Do I need to take a course to become an Arizona Notary?
No, no education is required to become an Arizona Notary.
Do I have to fill out my application on the state website?
Yes, Arizona requires that you fill out its notary application on the state website.
Do I need the $5,000 surety bond?
The State of Arizona requires all notaries to hold a $5,000 surety bond. The state does not provide these bonds, which must be purchased through a bonding agency like Notaries.com.
Do I need a bond before I start the application?
While you can begin the application without a bond, you will be asked if you have a bond about halfway through the application process. However, if you do not have a bond by that point in the application the process, it becomes rather complicated. That’s why we highly recommend you purchase the bond before you start the application.
Do I need Errors and Omissions Insurance?
No, Errors and Omissions Insurance is not a state requirement. However, this serves to protect the notary from lawsuits, whereas the $5,000 surety bond does not protect the notary.
Do I need a notary stamp?
The State of Arizona requires all notaries to have a notary stamp containing:
- Notary's name as it appeared on the application
- The name of the county the notary is commissioned in
- The notary commission's expiration date
Since the stamp must have an expiration date on it, it cannot be created until you have received your Notary Commission.
Do I need a journal?
Yes, the State of Arizona requires all notaries to keep records of their work.
Do I need to send you my application?
No, you send your notary application to the state at this address:
Office of Secretary of State
Business Services Division, Notary Section
1700 West Washington, 7th Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2888
Can I start notarizing after I receive my notary bond?
No. You must get the bond notarized by a current Arizona Notary and then complete the state notary application and submit it to the state.
Can I start notarizing after I receive my notary commission?
No, you must obtain a notary stamp before you start working. Your stamp cannot be made until you receive your application, since your stamp must list the expiration date listed on your notary commission.
Why don't I have my notary commission yet?
Please refer all questions regarding the status of your notary commission to the state. You can find contact information on the Secretary of State website.
Why don't I have my stamp yet?
We cannot create your stamp until you:
- Receive your Notary Commission
- Send us a copy of said Notary Commission
Since the expiration date of your commission must be on the stamp, it cannot be made until then. If you've already sent us a copy of your commission, please wait 10 business to receive your stamp.
Do I need to send you a copy of my notary commission?
Yes. In order for us to make your stamp with the expiration date on it, we need a copy of your notary commission.
Can an Arizona notary notarize a document from out of state?
Yes, you can notarize a document from out of state as long as the notarization act itself follows all AZ laws.
Can I notarize for a family member in Arizona?
Technically, yes. But the Arizona Secretary of State says doing so could “call into question a notary’s impartiality” and should be avoided.
Can you notarize your own documents in AZ?
No. The main duty of a notary is to act as an impartial third party to help prevent fraud and deception. Since you can’t be an impartial third party to yourself, you should not notarize your own documents.
Does a notarized document expire?
No. Once a document is notarized, that notarization on the document itself does not expire.
Do notary stamps expire?
Yes. Because valid notary stamps must show the current commission’s expiration date, notaries need a new stamp every time they renew.
If I let my Arizona notary commission accidentally expire, what can I do now?
You must stop notarizing until you renew your commission. Start the renewal process with our all-in-one Arizona notary package.
Can a notary notarize an electronic signature?
In Arizona, only eNotaries can notarize an electronic signature. The process of becoming a remote notary or eNotary is a little different from the process for standard notaries. Learn more on the Secretary of State website.
What do I do if my business or home address has changed?
You must let the AZ Secretary of State know when you change your name or address. Start the process on the Secretary of State website.
How do I obtain a duplicate commission certificate?
Current Arizona notaries can request a duplicate of their commission by:
- Visiting this Arizona Secretary of State page
- Entering your notary ID number
- Printing and mailing a form with an $18 check
- Waiting for your second copy to come by mail or picking up at the Phoenix or Tucson Secretary of State offices
