This comprehensive guide explains how to become a commissioned Notary Public in Arizona and how to renew your notary commission, with the latest requirements as of May 2025. It covers eligibility, application, renewals, tools, remote online notarization (RON), and FAQs, based on official Arizona state sources. Note: Effective July 1, 2025, Arizona has instituted a mandatory Notary competency exam for all new and renewing notaries.
- Eligibility Requirements
- Application Process
- Commission Term and Expiration
- Renewal of Notary Commission
- Notary Seal and Journal
- Remote Online Notarization (RON)
- Oath of Office
- Official Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an Arizona Notary Public commission, you must:
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Age and Residency: Be at least 18 years old AND an Arizona resident.
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Citizenship: Be a United States citizen OR a legal permanent resident (green card holder). Work visas alone do not qualify.
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Language: Be able to read and write English.
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Criminal History: Not have any felony conviction (unless civil rights restored) AND not have any conviction for a lesser offense involving moral turpitude or duties incompatible with those of a notary.
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Competency Exam (Effective July 1, 2025): All new or renewing applicants must pass a notary public exam.
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Notary Manual: Be prepared to keep and refer to the official Arizona Notary Public Reference Manual.
Get a notary stamp that meets Arizona’s official requirements, available in multiple formats and shipped within one business day.
Application Process for New Notaries
The process is handled by the Arizona Secretary of State’s (SOS) Business Services.
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Prepare for and Pass Notary Exam (Effective July 1, 2025):
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Register with Prometric (state’s exam vendor) to schedule and obtain a Candidate ID. Exam available from May 1, 2025.
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Cost: $46.75 per attempt.
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Format: 45 questions from 2025 Notary Public Reference Manual, open-book, 80% to pass. Retake after 30 days if failed.
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Obtain a $5,000 Surety Bond: Secure a 4-year, $5,000 bond from an AZ-authorized insurance/bonding company before applying. Name on the bond must exactly match the application. Bond form includes Oath of Office.
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Complete Application Form & Sign/Notarize Bond (Oath): Use online SOS portal to enter info, then print application. Sign the bond form (which includes the Oath of Office) before a current notary, who will notarize your signature.
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Prepare Submission Packet: Gather:
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Original signed notary application.
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Original signed and notarized $5,000 bond.
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$43.00 state filing fee (check/money order to "Arizona Secretary of State").
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Proof of passing notary exam (e.g., Prometric Candidate ID, from July 2025).
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Submit to Secretary of State: Mail or deliver the complete packet to AZ SOS, Business Services, Notary Section.
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Await Approval & Commission Certificate: SOS reviews (typically 4-6 weeks). If approved, a Notary Commission Certificate is mailed. Review for accuracy.
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Purchase Notary Seal and Journal: After receiving commission certificate, obtain official seal and journal before notarizing.
Commission Term and Expiration
Term: Four years from the effective commission date (4 years minus one day). Expiration: Authority ends at midnight. No grace period. If not renewing, surrender seal and journal to SOS within 3 months after expiration to avoid potential civil penalty.
Renewal of Notary Commission
Process mirrors initial application.
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When to Renew: Up to 60 days before current expiration. Recommended to start early.
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Exam Requirement (from July 1, 2025): Renewing notaries must pass the exam.
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Renewal Application & Bond: New application form, new $5,000 bond (with notarized oath), and $43 fee. Submit a packet to SOS.
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Address Change Penalty: If unreported address change >30 days old, include $25 civil penalty with renewal.
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New Seal: Required due to new expiration date and commission number.
Notary Seal and Journal
Official Notary Seal (Stamp): Mandatory. Rubber stamp, dark ink (black, dark blue/purple/brown); reproducible.
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Shape/Size: Rectangular (max 1.5"H x 2.5"W) OR circular (max 1.5" dia.).
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Content (must match commission exactly):
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"Notary Public"
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Your name (as on commission)
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County of commission
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Commission expiration date
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Great Seal of the State of Arizona (image)
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Notary commission number.
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Security: Only one official seal. Keep secure. Report loss/theft to SOS within 10 days (failure: $1,000 fine).
Notary Journal: Mandatory. Paper, bound journal.
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Format: Permanently bound, pre-numbered pages recommended.
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Entries (contemporaneous): Date/time, document description, act type, signer name/signature, ID method, fee.
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Retention: At least five (5) years after last entry.
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Surrender: Deliver to SOS upon commission end.
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Security: Notary's exclusive control. Report loss/theft to SOS within 10 days (failure: $1,000 fine).
Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Arizona
Authorized since July 1, 2022. Requires separate SOS authorization.
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Prerequisite: Current, active AZ traditional notary commission.
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Application for E-Notary/RON: Apply via SOS online system.
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No additional state fee or bond.
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Identify chosen RON technology platform (SOS lists examples).
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SOS issues Electronic/Remote Notary Commission number(s) upon approval.
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Electronic Seal/Journal: Use e-seal (same info as physical). Maintain electronic journal and audio-video recording of RON session (retain 5 years).
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Process:
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Notary must be physically in Arizona. Signers can be anywhere.
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Multi-factor ID verification via platform (ID scan + KBA).
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Live audio-video session recorded. Electronic document, e-signatures.
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Certificate notes remote act ("This notarial act was performed using audio-visual technology").
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Fees: Max $10 per RON act (same as traditional). Platform may charge separate service fees.
Oath of Office
Integrated into the notary bond form. Signed by applicant before another notary. Submitted with application. No separate ceremony.
Official Resources
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Arizona SOS – Notary Division: azsos.gov (Notary Public Services for applications, forms, FAQs, online portal).
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Contact: Business Services – Notary Section, 1700 W. Washington St, 7th Fl., Phoenix, AZ 85007. Phone (602) 542-6187. Email [email protected]
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Arizona Notary Public Reference Manual (2025 Ed.): Official SOS PDF guide.
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Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.): Title 41, Ch. 2, Art. 2 (Notary Laws); §§ 41-371 to 41-380 (RON).
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Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.): Title 2, Ch. 12 (Notary Rules).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is eligible to become an Arizona notary public?
A: ≥18, AZ resident, read/write English, U.S. citizen/permanent legal resident. No disqualifying felony/moral turpitude convictions. Pass exam (from July 2025).
Q: How do I apply for a notary commission in Arizona, and what does the process involve?
A: Pass exam (from July 2025). Get a $5k bond. Complete app online (print/sign). Mail original signed app, original notarized bond, $43 fee to SOS. Await certificate. Buy a seal/journal.
Q: Is there a test or training required to become an Arizona notary public?
A: Yes, exam required effective July 1, 2025 (new/renewal). Open-book, 45 questions, 80% pass, $46.75 fee (Prometric). No state-mandated course, but study of Notary Manual essential.
Q: How much does it cost to become a notary in Arizona?
A: State app fee $43. Exam fee $46.75 (from July 2025). Bond premium ~$25-$50. Seal/journal ~$30-$70. Total ~$145-$210+.
Q: How long is an Arizona notary commission valid, and can it be renewed?
A: Four years. Renew by reapplying (new app, bond, fee, exam from July 2025). Start up to 60 days pre-expiration.
Q: What are the requirements for the notary seal and journal in Arizona?
- A: Seal: Mandatory rubber stamp, dark ink, specific size/content (name, "Notary Public," county, expiration, commission #, AZ Great Seal).
- Journal: Mandatory bound paper journal, specific entries, kept 5 yrs post-last entry.
Q: What is remote online notarization (RON), and can Arizona notaries notarize documents online?
A: Yes, if authorized by SOS. Requires active commission, application for e-notary/RON status, use of approved RON platform. Notary in AZ, signer anywhere. A/V recording, e-journal required.
Q: What should I do if I change my address or legal name during my notary commission term?
A: Notify SOS within 30 days (Update Name/Address form).
- Name change: provide proof, get a new seal. Fee for new certificate ($18 for name change).
- Address change: No charge.
- Late address update: $25 penalty.
Q: What do I do if my notary seal or journal is lost or stolen?
A: Notify SOS in writing within 10 days (Notice of Loss/Theft Form). Failure: $1,000 penalty. File a police report for theft. Get a new seal (different design/ink).
Q: How much can I charge for my notary services in Arizona?
A: Max $10.00 per notarial act (traditional or RON). No charge for absentee/early ballot affidavits. Post/disclose fees if charging. Travel fees separate, by prior agreement.
Q: What happens if I don’t renew my commission or decide to resign as a notary?
A: Commission ends. Stop notarizing. Surrender seal and journal(s) with recent entries (less than 5 years old) to SOS within 3 months of commission end.
Q: I’m not a U.S. citizen (but I have a legal work permit). Can I become a notary in Arizona?
A: No. Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (green card holder). Work permit alone insufficient.
Q: Can I notarize a document that is written in a foreign language I don’t understand?
A: Yes, with caution, if the notarial certificate is in English and the signer's signature is readable. Notary must communicate with signer (translator okay if needed). Notary does not certify document content.
Q: Can I notarize documents for my family members, or notarize my own signature?
A: Cannot notarize own signature or if a party/direct beneficial interest. Cannot notarize if notary or spouse is party or has direct beneficial interest. Avoid for the immediate family to maintain impartiality.
Always consult official Arizona SOS resources for the most current notary information.