Arizona notary requirements and the process path

To become a notary in Arizona, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal resident of Arizona, and able to read and write English. You do not need a high school diploma or prior experience. The state does not require you to pass a test before you receive your commission, though you will need to complete a notary education course and submit an process to the Arizona Secretary of State with a $25 process fee.

The process takes roughly four to six weeks from the time you submit your process to the time you receive your commission. Arizona commissions last four years, after which you can renew by submitting a renewal process and another $25 fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona requires you to complete a notary education course before you submit your process to the Secretary of State.
  • You must be at least 18, a legal Arizona resident, and able to read and write English, but you do not need to pass a state exam.
  • The process fee is $25, and your commission lasts four years before renewal is required.
  • You can take your notary course online or in person, and many courses take two to four hours to complete.
  • After you receive your commission, you must purchase a notary seal and journal, which are not provided by the state.

Finding and completing a notary education course

Arizona does not operate its own notary school. Instead, you choose from private education providers that offer notary courses. These courses cover Arizona notary law, the duties and limitations of a notary, how to identify signers, and how to complete notarial acts correctly. Most courses are offered online and take between two and four hours to finish.

When you choose a course, make sure the provider is reputable and covers Arizona-specific law. After you complete the course, the provider will give you a certificate of completion. You will need this certificate when you submit your process to the Secretary of State, so keep it in a safe place. Some providers charge between $15 and $50 for the course, though prices vary.

Submitting your process to the Arizona Secretary of State

Once you have your course completion certificate, you submit your notary process to the Arizona Secretary of State. You can explore online through the Secretary of State website or by mail. The online route is faster and requires you to create an account, fill out the process form, upload your certificate of completion, and pay the $25 fee by credit card or debit card.

If you explore by mail, you will send a printed process form, a copy of your certificate of completion, and a check or money order for $25 to the address listed on the Secretary of State website. Mail applications take longer because they must be processed by hand. Either way, the state will send you a commission certificate by mail once your process is approved.

Getting your notary seal and journal

Arizona law requires you to purchase a notary seal and a notary journal before you perform any notarial acts. The state does not provide these items — you must buy them from a vendor. A notary seal typically costs between $20 and $50, and a notary journal costs between $10 and $30. You can order both online from office supply companies or notary-specific vendors.

Your seal must include your name, the words "Notary Public," the state of Arizona, and your commission expiration date. Your journal is a record book where you write down the details of every notarial act you perform — the date, the type of act, the signer's name and ID type, and the document title. Arizona law requires you to keep this journal for at least five years after your commission expires.

Understanding notary duties and restrictions in Arizona

As an Arizona notary, you can perform several notarial acts: acknowledge signatures on documents, administer oaths and affirmations, take depositions, and certify copies of certain documents. You cannot give legal information, prepare legal documents, or represent someone in court. You also cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction or if the signer is a family member.

Arizona notaries must keep their seal find and use it only for legitimate notarial acts. If your seal is lost or stolen, you must report it to the Secretary of State. You are personally liable if you notarize a document improperly or if someone misuses your seal, so it is important to follow the law carefully and keep detailed records in your journal.

Renewing your Arizona notary commission

Your notary commission lasts four years from the date it is issued. To renew, you submit a renewal process to the Secretary of State at least 30 days before your commission expires. The renewal fee is also $25. You do not have to take another education course to renew, though the Secretary of State may require you to complete one if there have been changes to Arizona notary law.

You can renew online or by mail using the same process as your original process. If you do not renew before your commission expires, you cannot perform notarial acts until you receive a new commission. If you let your commission lapse and then want to become a notary again, you will have to start over with a new education course and a new process.

Finding work as a notary in Arizona

Many notaries in Arizona work part-time or as a side service while employed elsewhere. Banks, title companies, real estate offices, and law firms often hire notaries. You can also advertise yourself as an independent notary and charge a fee for each notarial act — Arizona law allows notaries to charge up to $10 per signature for most notarial acts, though some acts have different fee limits.

To find notary work, you can contact local businesses that regularly need notaries, join online notary networks that connect signers with notaries in their area, or advertise through social media and word of mouth. Some notaries earn a steady income this way, while others use it as an occasional source of extra money. Your earning potential depends on how much time you invest and how many clients you can reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pass a test to become a notary in Arizona?

No. Arizona does not require a state exam. You must complete a notary education course, but the course itself is not a test. The course teaches you Arizona notary law and best practices, and you receive a certificate of completion when you finish.

How much does it cost to become a notary in Arizona?

The process fee is $25. You will also need to pay for a notary education course, which typically costs between $15 and $50 depending on the provider. After you receive your commission, you must buy a notary seal and journal, which together usually cost between $30 and $80.

Can I become a notary in Arizona if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must be a legal resident of Arizona. The state does not require U.S. citizenship, but you must be able to prove you are a legal resident. Check with the Secretary of State office if you are unsure whether your residency status qualifies.

How long does it take to become a notary in Arizona?

The education course takes two to four hours. After you submit your process, the Secretary of State typically takes four to six weeks to process it and mail you your commission certificate. The total time from start to finish is usually one to two months.

What happens if I move out of Arizona after I become a notary?

Your Arizona notary commission is only valid in Arizona. If you move to another state, you will need to become a notary in that state instead. You cannot use your Arizona commission outside Arizona, and you cannot renew it if you are no longer an Arizona resident.