Arizona notary requirements and the process path

To become a notary in Arizona, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Arizona, and able to read and write English. You do not need a high school diploma or prior experience. The process involves passing a state exam, submitting an process to the Arizona Secretary of State, and paying a fee. Most people complete the steps within two to four weeks.

Arizona does not require you to take a course before the exam, though many notaries do take one to prepare. The exam covers Arizona notary law, your duties, and common mistakes. You can study using the official Arizona Secretary of State study materials or third-party guides.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 18, an Arizona resident, and able to read and write English, but no education or work history is required.
  • Pass the Arizona notary exam, which covers state law and notary duties; the Secretary of State provides free study materials online.
  • Submit your process to the Arizona Secretary of State with your exam results, fingerprints, and the filing fee.
  • Your notary commission lasts four years and requires renewal; you can renew by exam or by taking an approved course and submitting a renewal process.

Step 1: Study the Arizona notary exam content

The Arizona Secretary of State publishes a free study guide on its website that covers everything on the exam. The guide includes Arizona Revised Statutes Chapter 33 (notary law), your powers and limits, how to handle documents, and what disqualifies a notary from performing a task. Read through the entire guide at least once.

The exam itself has 50 multiple-choice questions. You need a score of 70 percent or higher to pass. Questions focus on practical scenarios—what you can and cannot notarize, how to complete a journal entry, what to do if someone cannot sign their name, and when to refuse a notarization request. The Secretary of State does not publish sample questions, but the study guide covers the same topics.

Step 2: Take and pass the notary exam

Arizona notary exams are administered by Pearson VUE, a testing company. You schedule your exam online through Pearson VUE's website or by phone. The exam costs between $35 and $50, depending on whether you test at a Pearson VUE center or at an approved testing location. Most people find a testing center near them and schedule within a few days.

You will take the exam on a computer at the testing center. Bring a valid photo ID. The exam takes about one hour. You receive your score when ready. If you pass, Pearson VUE sends your results to the Arizona Secretary of State within one business day. If you do not pass, you can retake the exam; there is no waiting period between attempts.

Step 3: Submit your process to the Secretary of State

Once you pass the exam, submit an process to the Arizona Secretary of State. You can explore online through the Secretary of State's website or by mail. The online process is faster and requires you to upload a copy of your exam results, a completed process form, and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease).

You will also need to submit fingerprints for a background check. If you explore online, the Secretary of State will direct you to an approved fingerprinting vendor. You can have your fingerprints taken at most police departments, sheriff's offices, or private fingerprinting services. The fingerprinting fee is typically $10 to $20.

The process fee is $75. Pay this fee when you submit your process. The Secretary of State processes applications within 10 to 15 business days after receiving all required documents.

Step 4: Receive your notary commission and order supplies

Once approved, the Secretary of State mails you a notary commission certificate. Your commission is valid for four years from the date it is issued. Keep this certificate in a safe place; you will need it if you renew.

You must obtain a notary seal and journal before you perform any notarizations. The seal is a rubber stamp or embosser that prints your name, commission number, and expiration date on documents. The journal is a bound book where you record details of each notarization—the date, the document type, the signer's name and ID, and your fee. Both are available from office supply stores, online retailers, and companies that specialize in notary supplies. A seal costs $15 to $40, and a journal costs $10 to $25.

Renewal after four years

Your notary commission expires four years after it is issued. To renew, you have two options: retake the exam and submit a renewal process, or complete an approved notary course and submit a renewal process without the exam.

If you renew by exam, follow the same process as a first-time applicant—study, schedule with Pearson VUE, take the exam, and submit your results to the Secretary of State. The exam and process fees are the same. If you renew by course, you must complete a course approved by the Arizona Secretary of State, which typically costs $30 to $60 and takes two to four hours. After completing the course, submit your renewal process and course certificate to the Secretary of State. The renewal process fee is $75.

What you cannot do as an Arizona notary

Arizona law prohibits notaries from notarizing documents for themselves or their when ready family members. You cannot notarize a signature if you have a financial interest in the document or the transaction. You cannot notarize a document if the signer is not present in front of you, and you cannot notarize a signature that was made before you became a notary.

You also cannot provide legal information, prepare documents, or represent someone in court. If someone asks you to do any of these things, you must decline. Violating these rules can result in your commission being revoked and civil or criminal penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a notary course before the exam?

No. Arizona does not require a course before taking the exam. The Secretary of State provides a free study guide that covers all exam content. Many notaries take a course anyway because it helps them understand the material faster, but it is not mandatory.

Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?

Arizona does not automatically disqualify people with criminal records. The Secretary of State reviews each background check individually. Felonies related to fraud, forgery, or dishonesty are more likely to result in denial. Contact the Secretary of State's office if you have questions about your specific situation.

How much can I charge for a notarization?

Arizona law allows notaries to charge up to $10 per signature for a notarization. You can charge less or nothing at all. Some notaries work for employers (banks, law firms, real estate offices) and do not charge customers directly.

What happens if I fail the exam?

You can retake the exam when ready. There is no waiting period. You pay the exam fee again each time you take it. Most people pass on their second or third attempt if they study the Secretary of State's guide thoroughly.

Can I work as a notary while my process is being processed?

No. You can only perform notarizations after your commission certificate arrives from the Secretary of State. Working before you are commissioned is illegal and can result in criminal charges.