How to Become a Notary Public in Arizona
- Make sure you fit Arizona’s notary qualifications.
- Fill out the application online, then print it.
- Secure a $5,000 surety bond.
- Send in your Notary Application, notarized Bond, and fee.
- Once you Commission Certificate arrives, double-check your details for your stamp.
- Collect your supplies: Pick up your Notary seal, journal, and fee schedule.
- E & O insurance is optional but recommended by BlueNotary
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What are the Requirements to become a Notary in Arizona?
Here is what you need to become a Notary Public in Arizona.
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be able to read and write
- Be an Arizona resident
- Not be convicted of a felony unless civil rights have been restored
How much does it cost to become a Notary in Arizona?
Arizona charges $43 for a Notary commission application. Expect additional costs for bonds, supplies, and optional education, plus possible county fees.
How long does it take to become a Notary in Arizona?
Allocate 3-4 weeks for processing. Expedited processing (1-2 business days) is available for an extra $25; mark your envelope “EXPEDITE.” Note: Expedited service is not available for applications under review.
How long does an Arizona Notary commission last?
Your commission lasts 4 years.
Are Arizona notaries required to take an exam or training?
No training or exam is required. Arizona provides a Notary Public Reference Manual for guidance.
What Supplies do Arizona Notaries require?
A rubber stamp seal (with specific information) and a paper journal. Seals must use dark, non-bleeding ink; embossers are optional.
Does Arizona require a Surety Bond for Notaries?
A $5,000 bond is mandatory to protect the public from notarial errors. Optional E&O insurance offers additional protection for the Notary (recommended).
Arizona Notary Public FAQ’s
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Notary Section of the Arizona Secretary of State in Phoenix maintains Notary Public records, accessible to the public.
Can I become an Arizona Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Non-U.S. citizens can become Notaries in Arizona with legal state residency and fulfillment of all application criteria.
Where am I able to Notarize?
Notarial acts are permitted throughout Arizona.
Who Can I Notarize?
Services are available to the public, excluding personal documents and those where the Notary has a familial or financial interest.
What do I do if my address or name changes?
Report changes online or via the Notary Public Address/Name Change Notification form to avoid a $25 penalty. Address updates require prompt action within 30 days; name changes need supporting legal documentation.
How do I renew my notary commission in Arizona?
Renewal mirrors the initial application process, with a 60-day pre-expiration window for starting.
Becoming an eNotary:
Active traditional Notaries can apply to perform eNotarizations by following Electronic Notary Rules and partnering with approved technology vendors.
Is Online Notary Legal in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona is one of many states that has officially legalized online notarization. The state passed an online notarization law that allows for digital signatures and remote notarizations to take place as long as both parties are present in real time using electronic audio-video technology.
Arizona approved RON as of April 10, 2020. You must hold a traditional commission first, then follow the guide to apply for remote notarization.
How Do You Become An Online Notary In Arizona?
Once you have met all the requirements to become a traditional notary in Arizona, you can apply to become an online notary by:
- Hold an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Read the AZ Remote Online Notary Rules before applying.
- Contract with a RON technology platform (like BlueNotary) that meets the state requirements
- Submit an Electronic/Remote Notary Request to receive your remote Notary application from the Secretary of State.
- Print, sign and return your completed application to the Secretary of State using BlueNotary’s Session Simulator.
- Receive your commission certificate by email.
Once you have become an online notary in Arizona, you will be able to provide secure remote notarial services for Arizona residents. Always ensure that you follow the guidelines and laws set out by the state, as well as your selected RON vendor.
Why Should You Consider Becoming An Online Notary In Arizona
Becoming an online notary in Arizona is a great way to offer convenient and secure services to clients. It can also be very good gig for those who choose to do so as you have the ability to make your own schedule. Additionally, online notaries are in high demand due to the convenience they provide, from conducting remote meetings to handling transactions without requiring someone to be physically present.
Finally, it’s the perfect time as 1.25 billion notarizations are done annually in the Unites States and more and more of these notarizations are moving online.
What Steps Should You Take To Remain Compliant With Arizona Laws?
In order to remain compliant with Arizona laws, online notaries must take the following steps:
- Keep up-to-date records of all your remote notarizations.
- Verify the identity of each signer using an approved identification method such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Maintain a physical presence in the state of Arizona during remote notarial acts.
- Maintain a secure environment for digital documents.
- Keep your Notary commission active and in good standing. Make sure you are up-to-date on all the current laws and guidelines.
- Store all records and documents securely according to the requirements set out by the Arizona Secretary of State’s office.
- Stay up-to-date on your continuing education requirements.Follow the guidelines and processes set out by your chosen RON vendor.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you remain compliant with the laws governing online notaries in Arizona.
What to Expect From the Job?
As in other professions, the amount of work an online notary receives can vary widely. Generally the busiest times for notaries are during tax season, when documents such as tax returns need to be signed and notarized. However, there is also a steady demand throughout the year from businesses and individuals in need of authentication services. There are many businesses that need consistent notarizations.
It is important to remember that when working as an online notary, you are responsible for adhering to the regulations set forth by the state. This includes making sure documents are properly completed and witnessed and ensuring they contain all of the necessary information. Additionally, the most successful online notaries spend some time doing their own client acquisition and sales funneling.
Can I do Online Notary in Arizona?
Yes, you can do online notary in Arizona. In order to become an online notary, you just need to meet the state requirements for certification and have a commission from Arizona. You can also join the BlueNotary Notary Mastermind Group in order to get advice from Arizona notaries who have already been through the process and will share exactly what you need to do. They’ll help make guide you through working with your SOS. Becoming an online notary can be a great way to supplement your income and make a positive impact on the community.
As an online notary, you get to decide which service provider to use for finding clients. Blue Notary is the best option as we make it super easy for you to onboard and start notarizing documents online. We have training videos, signing simulator, and the ability to test with a friend in order for you to get you comfortable with the process.
General Questions About Online Notary in Arizona
What are the legal responsibilities of an online notary in Arizona?
An online notary in Arizona is responsible for verifying signers’ identities, ensuring they understand the documents, and complying with state laws. Failure to do so can result in fines, revocation of their commission, or criminal charges.
How does online notarization ensure document security?
Online notarization uses encryption, secure digital signatures, and identity verification methods to prevent fraud. Each session is recorded for verification purposes.
What are the costs of becoming an online notary?
Initial costs include application fees, surety bond prices, and expenses for E&O insurance. Ongoing costs may include subscription or transaction fees for compliant platforms.
Can online notaries notarize documents for people outside Arizona?
Yes, as long as the notary is physically in Arizona during the notarization. However, they should be cautious about notarizing documents for jurisdictions with specific requirements or that don’t recognize online notarizations.
