How to become a notary arizona

To be commissioned as a Notary in Arizona. The Secretary of State has requirements that must be met, per Arizona Revised Statute § 41-312(E)

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• Must be an Arizona resident.
• Age of at least 18 years of age or older.
• Ability to read and write in English.
• Be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident 
• Have no conviction for a felony.

Filing Tips

• Upon receiving your commission certificate, we recommend reviewing your name, county of residence, and commission rates, then purchasing a stamp. 
• Before using your stamp, ensure your stamp is made accurately (matching your name and information).

What if my application requires further review, but I purchased an expedited commission? 

This means something might be wrong with your application. You will be refunded your check or money order, as expedited, and have to await your results.

A bond for notary in arizona must include:

Principal name and signatures

Commission effective and end dates

Issue date

Your county of residence

Counter signatures

Oath of office and notarization

Lastly, Notary Public Reference Manual

• All notaries must have our current Notary Public Reference Manual on hand. This manual is available in electronic format for download on the following website link: Notary Manual.

New & Renewal Arizona Notaries Guide to easy commission

How to become a notary in Arizona? 

In short, you must meet the requirements and submit an arizona notary application, $43 application filing fee and surety bond for processing. You will receive a notary public commission. Moreover, as a Arizona notary commissioned you will be able to provide notary services for Arizona. 

Where do i submit my notary public application for Arizona?

You can present them together either in person or through mail.

If I submit an application in person, where do i submit it?

You will submit a notary application at the Phoenix or Tucson customer service centers. If by mail to the Secretary of States Phoenix office location.

What is a notary bond? Do I need one? 

An surety bond protects the public from any notarial misconduct. The secretary of state will not process an application without a bond. A.R.S. § 41-315

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What would happen if I didn’t get a surety bond?

You will have to purchase one. Please note: the secretary of state does not provide bonds for notary publics. 

How long is the notary process?  

The application procedure typically takes between three and four weeks. Please note: there is an option for expediting. 

Expediting applications, which is $25, comes 1-2 days processing. 

What is E & O Insurance?

With a surety bond, it protects the client (who needs a document notarized). With E&O Insurance, it protects the notary and covers you, and helps repay a bond if someone wants to place a claim.

Similarly, a judge can hold you unlimited liability if you are taken to court. 

When should I renew my commission?

Ahh, commission renewal. The joys of doing this task. If you don’t renew your commission soon enough, you won’t legally perform notarizations. The question is, “when should I renew my commission?” 

You can begin renewing your commission as early as sixty days before expiration of commission. To check when your commission expires, check out the Secretary of State’s website or check your notary seal.

What payment can I include?

If you are applying by mail, you must send your payment as a money order of check payable to the “Arizona Secretary of State”. If you apply in person at one of our customer service locations in Tucson or Phoenix, you may pay with cash.

I’m new to Arizona. Do I need an Arizona ID before applying?

You don’t need Arizona identification before you apply to become a notary in the state. However, the secretary of state will request a copy of your out-of-state driver’s license, as well as a statement explaining why you don’t yet have an Arizona identification. Please note, when renewing, you will be required to have Arizona identification.