Notary Public
Effective mmediately and until further notice, expedited processing will not be offered for new or renewal notary application. We will however, process your applications as quickly as possible. Thank you in advance for your patience.
Business Services Division Response to COVID-19 – In-person services are only for Apostilles by appointment only. All other filings must be mailed.
The Secretary of State records and maintains notary public commissions in Arizona. A notary public witnesses signatures and verifies identities of signers and must be impartial.
Every state commissions notaries; however, every state allows notaries to perform different functions. In Arizona, notaries can perform only acknowledgments, jurats, copy certifications, and oaths and affirmations. Samples of each can be found in our Notary Public Reference Manual (PDF).
An Arizona notary must meet several basic requirements which are listed in Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) § 41-312(E). These requirements will be reviewed and verified in the application process. Our office cannot commission someone who does not meet these standards.
Document to File: Notary Public Application and completed notary bond
Filing Fee: Standard application $43. Checks and money orders can be made out to the "Arizona Secretary of State." Please do not send cash by mail.
Commission Length: 4 years
Processing time: Approximately 4 weeks.
- You must submit these three* items together:
- Original signed Notary Application
- Original notarized Notary Bond
- $43 filing fee
- Our office reserves the right to request additional documentation or fees required for processing.
- If you have changed any address (mailing, home and/or business) more than 30 days from today's date and did not report that change to our office, include a civil penalty of $25 to avoid a delay in processing your application. (A.R.S. § 41-323).
- You may renew a commission up to two months before your term expires. If you are unsure of when your commission ends, look at your stamp or check our online search feature.
- Upon receipt of your commission certificate, we recommend that you review your name, county of residence and commission dates to ensure your stamp is made accurately.
- Any application requiring further review, i.e. felony conviction, professional license action or past notary complaint, cannot be expedited. If the expedited fee is included, it will either be returned or refunded.
- Copies of the notary bond can be requested with the Public Record Request Form (PDF) for $3.10. A notary application is not available for public inspection or duplication, and can only be released by order of a subpoena.
- If you have any questions, please call us at 602-542-6187 or 1-800-458-5842 or email us.
Filing By Mail
Secretary of State
Attn: Notary Dept.
1700 W. Washington Street, Fl. 7
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2808
In-Person Filing - Phoenix Office
State Capitol Executive Tower
1700 W. Washington Street
Suite 220
In-Person Filing - Tucson Office
Arizona State Complex Building
400 West Congress
First Floor, Suite 141
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Notary Search
The Notary Search feature may be used to get a complete listing of all notaries in a particular county or zip code or to find out if a specific notary is currently active. The search will also allow you to find notaries commissioned to perform Electronic or Remote Online Notarizations.
Becoming an Arizona Notary
An applicant for a commission as a notary public must meet the following requirements per A.R.S. § 41-269.B.
- Be at least eighteen years of age.
- Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States.
- Be a resident of this state for income tax purposes.
- Be able to read, write and understand English.
- Not be disqualified to receive a commission under section 41-217.
Remote & eNotary
An applicant for a commission as an E-notary or Remote Online Notary must be a current active Arizona notary public. Applicant must review the applicable Administrative Rules PRIOR to completing the application.
Notary Complaints
The Secretary of State has the authority to determine if, under notary statutes, a notary has fully and faithfully discharged the duties of a notary public. If a member of the public believes that an Arizona notary has committed a violation under Arizona’s notary statutes, he or she may file a complaint with the office of the Secretary of State.
Services for Existing Notaries
The following additional services are available in online web-based applications that upon completion, must be printed, signed and submitted by U.S. Mail. Application cannot be submitted online
This office is a filing agency, and we cannot provide legal advice or interpret statutes. Please refer to Arizona Revised Statutes or consult an attorney if you have questions regarding laws that apply to your specific filing.
Resources
- Notary Public Reference Manual (PDF)
- Become a NEW Arizona Notary Public
- Renew My Notary Commission
- Change My Name and /or Address on Record
- Request a Duplicate Commission Certificate
- Report Missing or Stolen Notary Journal, Seal, and/or Certificate
- Resign My Notary Commission
- Request a Certificate of Notarial Capacity
- Commissioned Notary Database Public Records Request
- Public Record Request Form (PDF)
Office of the Secretary of State
Business Services Division
1700 W Washington St Fl 7
Phoenix AZ 85007-2808
602-542-6187
1-800-458-5842
