Key Takeaways
- Arizona notaries are commissioned by the Secretary of State to serve as impartial witnesses
- The primary purpose is to verify signer identity and deter fraud in document transactions
- Arizona notaries have statewide jurisdiction - they can notarize anywhere in Arizona
- Commissions are valid for 4 years and require a \$5,000 surety bond
- As of July 1, 2025, ALL new and renewing notaries must pass a competency exam
Overview of the Arizona Notary Public Role
Picture this scenario: Someone walks into a title company with documents to transfer ownership of a $400,000 home in Scottsdale. How does the title company know this person is actually the legitimate owner and not someone attempting fraud?
This is where you come in as an Arizona notary public: a state-commissioned, impartial witness who helps prevent fraud by verifying the identity of document signers. You serve as a critical checkpoint in protecting Arizona residents from document fraud.
What Is an Arizona Notary Public?
An Arizona notary public is a public officer appointed by the Arizona Secretary of State under Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 41-312. As a notary, you are:
| What You Are | What You Are NOT |
|---|---|
| State-commissioned public officer | Government employee |
| Impartial witness to signatures | Party to any transaction |
| Identity verifier | Document content verifier |
| Fraud deterrent | Legal advisor or attorney |
| Statewide jurisdiction | Limited to one county |
The Four Core Notarial Acts
Arizona notaries are authorized to perform four specific notarial acts:
| Notarial Act | Purpose | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | Signer confirms they signed willingly | Identity verification required |
| Jurat | Signer swears document is true | Must witness signature AND administer oath |
| Oath/Affirmation | Verbal promise under penalty of perjury | Can stand alone without document |
| Copy Certification | Certify copy matches original | Limited to certain document types |
What You Do NOT Do
Understanding your limitations is equally important:
| Prohibited Action | Why |
|---|---|
| Verify document truthfulness | You're not a fact-checker |
| Provide legal advice | Unauthorized practice of law |
| Explain document meanings | That's for attorneys |
| Certify vital records | Birth/death certificates excluded |
| Notarize your own signature | Conflict of interest |
Arizona Jurisdiction
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Who commissions you | Arizona Secretary of State |
| Where you may notarize | Anywhere within Arizona (statewide) |
| Where you may NOT notarize | Outside Arizona borders |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Bond requirement | $5,000 surety bond |
2026 Exam Requirement - NEW
Effective July 1, 2025, Arizona requires ALL new and renewing notaries to pass a competency examination. This is a significant change from previous years when no exam was required.
| Exam Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Questions | 45 multiple-choice |
| Time limit | 60 minutes |
| Passing score | 80% (36 of 45 correct) |
| Format | Open-book (digital manual provided) |
| Exam fee | $46.75 |
| Administered by | Prometric (in-person or remote) |
On the Exam
Expect questions about the notary's role. Key points tested:
- Primary purpose: Verify identity and deter fraud
- NOT your job: Verify truthfulness or give legal advice
- Impartiality: You cannot have a stake in the transaction
- Jurisdiction: Statewide within Arizona only
- New requirement: Exam mandatory as of July 2025
What is the PRIMARY purpose of an Arizona notary public?
As of July 1, 2025, what is required for ALL new and renewing Arizona notaries?
Where may an Arizona notary public perform notarizations?