How to Become a Notary in Arizona

Looking to make a difference in your community? Let us guide you on a rewarding journey towards a unique profession.

In this comprehensive guide on how to become a notary in Arizona, we lay out the roadmap to achieving this goal. With easy-to-follow, actionable steps, we’ll help you navigate this intriguing process, turning the complex into simple.

Whether you’re looking to serve your community or generate additional income, this article will offer everything you need to know to get started.

Become a Notary in Arizona

In order to become a notary in Arizona, you will need to complete a few simple steps.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

For the Secretary of State to commission you as an Arizona notary public, you must first meet the following minimum requirements:

• Be an Arizona resident for income tax purposes
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Claim primary residency on state and federal tax returns
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Not have received a conviction for a felony/lesser offense involving moral turpitude that’s incongruent with a notary public’s duties

Note: For any clarification on any part of the notary commission process in Arizona, see the Secretary of State’s Notary Public Reference Manual.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Next, you’ll need to complete an online web-based application form that can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Once you’ve finished filling out your application form, you’ll need to print it out and sign it as it cannot be submitted online.

Note: Make a note of how you filled out your name on the application as it is required to be completely identical to how it appears on your surety bond form.

Step 3: Obtain a $5,000 Surety Bond

The next step in the notary commission process in Arizona is to obtain a $5,000 surety bond and get it notarized properly.

In order for your surety bond to be acceptable, it must:

• Include your printed name signed twice exactly as it appears on your application
• Contain the bond’s starting and expiration dates
• Be countersigned in two places by authorized agents from the licensed surety
• Be properly notarized (i.e., with jurat language and without blank lines)

Note: A surety bond protects the public from any liability that could arise as a result of negligence or misconduct on your part when you perform notarial acts.

In order to ensure that you are also protected, you will need to purchase an Arizona notary Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance policy.

Step 4: Submit Your Application to the Secretary of State

With your valid surety bond obtained, you’re ready to submit your application to the Arizona Secretary of State.

This step involves mailing originals versions of your signed application form, notarized bond form, and filing fees to the following address:

The Honorable Adrian Fontes
Secretary of State
1700 W. Washington Street, Fl. 7
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2808

The following application fees must be made payable to the Secretary of State’s office along with your submission:

• Application fee: $25
• Arizona notary bond filing fee: $18

It typically takes between 4–6 weeks for your application to be processed once the Office of the Secretary of State has received it, assuming it contains no errors.

Note: For any questions, call the Secretary of State’s office for assistance at (602) 542-6187.

Step 5: Equip Yourself With the Necessary Supplies

Once you receive your Arizona notary commission certificate from the Secretary of State, it’ll be time to get yourself set up with the necessary notary supplies. These include an Arizona notary stamp or seal and a notary record book.

The seal is used to authenticate your notarial acts, and the record book is for logging all the services you provide.

Step 6: Purchase a Course (Optional)

Even though this last step is not a legal requirement, you should note that several Arizona notary applicants choose to invest in a notary course. This is because it can offer several benefits, such as:

• Understanding the Law: Notary laws can be complex and vary from state to state. A course can help ensure that Arizona notaries fully understand relevant notary laws and how to apply them correctly.
• Professional Development: A course can enhance professional skills, making a notary more effective and competent in their role.
• Reducing Liability: By better understanding the rules and best practices, notaries can reduce the risk of making errors that could result in legal action.
• Increased Confidence: A notary course can boost a notary’s confidence by giving them a solid foundation of knowledge and expertise to draw from.
• Staying Updated: Laws and procedures change over time. A course can help notaries stay current with any changes in notary regulations and practices.

So, while it’s not mandatory in Arizona, many aspiring notaries find value in such courses. It’s a personal decision based on individual comfort and professional goals.