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 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 it 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 will expire.

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 being the application without a bond, you will be asked if you have a bond about halfway through the application process. However, if you do you do not have a bond by that point in the application the process 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 receiving 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.

How long will it take to receive my notary commission?

The state will typically take 10-12 weeks to send 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 its contact information here.

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.