Key Takeaways
- Arizona notaries must have ONE official seal - only one is permitted
- Seal can be rectangular (max 1.5"H × 2.5"W) or circular (max 1.5" diameter)
- Must use dark, reproducible ink (black, dark blue, purple, or brown)
- Seal must include: name, commission number, "Notary Public," "State of Arizona," and expiration date
- Loss or theft must be reported within 10 days or face \$1,000 fine
Official Notary Seal Requirements
Your notary seal (also called a stamp) is your official mark that authenticates every notarization you perform. Arizona has specific requirements for what your seal must contain and how it must be used.
Seal Shape and Size Options
Arizona allows two seal shapes:
| Shape | Maximum Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Rectangular | 1.5 inches high × 2.5 inches wide |
| Circular | 1.5 inches diameter |
Either shape is acceptable, but you may only have ONE official seal.
Required Seal Elements
Your seal MUST include all of the following:
| Element | Example |
|---|---|
| Your name | "JANE M. DOE" |
| "Notary Public" | Required text |
| "State of Arizona" | Required text |
| Commission number | "Commission #123456" |
| Expiration date | "My Commission Expires: 01/15/2030" |
Ink Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Ink type | Rubber stamp with ink |
| Color | Dark and reproducible |
| Acceptable colors | Black, dark blue, dark purple, dark brown |
| Clarity | Must be legible when photocopied |
Embossers alone are NOT acceptable in Arizona. You must use an inked rubber stamp.
One Seal Rule
Arizona is strict: only ONE official seal is permitted.
| Allowed | NOT Allowed |
|---|---|
| One seal for all notarizations | Multiple seals |
| Backup seal stored securely | Using different seals for different clients |
| Keeping seals at multiple locations |
Seal Security
You are responsible for the security of your seal:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Storage | Keep in secure location |
| Access | Only you should use it |
| Supervision | Never leave unattended during notarizations |
| Transport | Secure during travel |
Loss or Theft Reporting
| Event | Action Required | Deadline | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seal lost | Notify Secretary of State | Within 10 days | $1,000 fine if late |
| Seal stolen | Notify Secretary of State | Within 10 days | $1,000 fine if late |
When You Need a New Seal
| Situation | New Seal Required? |
|---|---|
| Commission renewal | Yes (new expiration date) |
| Name change | Yes (new name) |
| Seal damaged | Yes (clarity compromised) |
| Seal worn out | Yes (illegible impressions) |
Seal Placement on Documents
| Placement Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Near signature | Close to your notarial signature |
| Clear impression | Not over text or other stamps |
| Legible | Readable for scanning/copying |
| Complete | Entire seal visible, not cut off |
On the Exam
Common seal questions focus on:
- Required elements on the seal
- Size limits (1.5" × 2.5" rectangular or 1.5" circular)
- Loss reporting deadline (10 days) and penalty ($1,000)
- Only one seal rule
- Ink requirements (dark, reproducible)
How many official notary seals may an Arizona notary possess?
Within how many days must an Arizona notary report a lost or stolen seal to the Secretary of State?
What is the maximum size for a rectangular Arizona notary seal?