How to become a notary in Arizona: the official requirements
Who can apply, the training, bond and term, and the steps, from the Arizona Legislature's own published requirements and the state statute.
To become a notary public in Arizona: Who can apply: At least 18; a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; an Arizona resident for income tax purposes who claims Arizona as the primary residence on state and federal tax returns; able to read, write and understand English; not disqualified under ARS 41-271; you keep an approved notary manual, and pass the examination under ARS 41-270 if the Secretary of State requires one. Bond: A $5,000 surety bond (an assurance) from a surety licensed or authorized in Arizona, submitted before the commission is issued. Commission term: Four years. Commissions are issued by the Arizona Secretary of State.
Notary requirements in Arizona
| Requirement | Arizona |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | At least 18; a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; an Arizona resident for income tax purposes who claims Arizona as the primary residence on state and federal tax returns; able to read, write and understand English; not disqualified under ARS 41-271; you keep an approved notary manual, and pass the examination under ARS 41-270 if the Secretary of State requires one. |
| Training | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Arizona Secretary of State. |
| Exam | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Arizona Secretary of State. |
| Bond | A $5,000 surety bond (an assurance) from a surety licensed or authorized in Arizona, submitted before the commission is issued. |
| Commission term | Four years. |
| State fee | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Arizona Secretary of State. |
| Background check | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Arizona Secretary of State. |
| Oath and filing | Execute an oath of office and submit it to the Secretary of State before the commission is issued. |
Where the official source we read does not state something, the table says so rather than guessing.
How to apply in Arizona
- Apply to the Secretary of State with the information its rules require, and pay the application fee.
- Get a $5,000 surety bond and submit it to the Secretary of State.
- Execute your oath of office and submit it.
- Notarize only while a valid bond is on file with the Secretary of State.
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Questions people ask
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How this page is built
Every requirement on this page comes from the Arizona Legislature's own published material and the state statute (source named below), read on the dates shown. Requirements and fees change; the authority's current instructions govern.
- Not legal advice.
- Fees charged by bonding agencies, course providers and fingerprint vendors are not included.
- Arizona Revised Statutes 41-269 (Commission as notary public; qualifications; assurance), Arizona Legislature, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.