How to Become a Notary in Arizona: Step-by-Step Guide 2026 October
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Becoming a notary public in Arizona requires being at least 18 years old, an Arizona resident or having a regular place of work in the state, passing the state's proctored notary competency exam (delivered by Pearson VUE, 45 questions, 80% to pass), and obtaining a $5,000 surety bond. The entire process takes about 4 weeks and costs approximately $128-$183.
Arizona Notary Requirements
To become a notary public in Arizona, you must meet these eligibility requirements:
- Age — At least 18 years old
- Residency — Legal resident of Arizona OR have a regular place of work or business in the state
- Legal status — Must be a legal resident of the United States
- No felony convictions — Cannot have been convicted of a felony unless civil rights have been restored
- Exam — Pass the Arizona notary competency exam, delivered by Pearson VUE (45 questions, 60 minutes, 80% to pass)
- Bond — Obtain a $5,000 surety bond from a licensed bonding company
Arizona does not require a separate education course, but the mandatory proctored competency exam (in effect since July 1, 2025) ensures notaries know the state's notarial laws before they receive a commission. Prepare for the exam with our free AZ Notary practice test.
Application Process: Step by Step
Here's how to become a notary in Arizona from start to finish:
- Register with Pearson VUE and get your Candidate ID — Create a Pearson VUE account under your legal name and obtain a Candidate ID number before you submit your application.
- Pass the notary exam — The proctored exam has 45 questions drawn from the Notary Public Reference Manual (a link to the manual is built into the testing software), a 60-minute time limit, and requires an 80% score to pass. The $35 fee is paid to Pearson VUE per attempt; if you fail, you must wait 30 days before retaking it. Practice with our AZ Notary Acknowledgments Procedures quiz.
- Obtain a $5,000 surety bond — Purchase from any licensed surety company. Cost: $25-$50 for a 4-year term. The bond protects the public, not you.
- Submit your application — File with the Arizona Secretary of State along with your original notarized $5,000 surety bond and the $43 filing fee.
- Take the oath of office — Administered by a county clerk or another notary public.
- Purchase your notary supplies — Official notary stamp/seal (must meet Arizona specifications), notary journal, and certificate forms.
- File your commission — Record your notary commission with the county recorder in the county where you reside.
The entire process, from scheduling your Pearson VUE exam to receiving your commission, typically takes about 4 weeks.
Many readers pair this guide with the az notary exam practice test to check their readiness before exam day.
- ✓Confirm your exam appointment and location
- ✓Bring required identification documents
- ✓Arrive 30 minutes early to check in
- ✓Read each question carefully before answering
- ✓Flag difficult questions and return to them later
- ✓Manage your time — don't spend too long on one question
- ✓Review flagged questions before submitting
Costs and Fees Breakdown
Here's what it costs to become a notary in Arizona:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Notary competency exam (Pearson VUE, per attempt) | $35 |
| $5,000 surety bond (4-year term) | $25 - $50 |
| Application fee (Secretary of State) | $43 |
| Notary stamp/seal | $15 - $30 |
| Notary journal | $10 - $25 |
| Total estimated cost | $128 - $183 |
Arizona notary commissions last for 4 years. Renewal also requires passing the Pearson VUE competency exam again, along with a new bond, updated application, and fee.
Arizona notaries can charge up to $10 per notarial act (as set by state law). Mobile notaries and notary signing agents often earn $75-$200 per appointment, making the initial investment well worth it.
How to Pros and Cons
- +AZ has a defined, publicly available content blueprint — candidates know exactly what to prepare for
- +Multiple preparation pathways (self-study, courses, coaching) accommodate different learning styles and schedules
- +A growing ecosystem of study resources means candidates at any budget level can access quality preparation materials
- +Clear score reporting allows candidates to identify specific strengths and weaknesses for targeted remediation
- +Professional recognition associated with strong performance provides tangible career and academic benefits
- −The scope of tested content requires substantial preparation time that competes with existing professional or academic commitments
- −No single resource covers the full content scope — candidates typically need multiple study tools for comprehensive preparation
- −Test anxiety and exam-day performance variability mean preparation effort does not always translate linearly to scores
- −Registration, preparation, and potential retake costs accumulate into a significant financial investment
- −Content and format can change between exam versions, making older preparation materials less reliable
Sample AZ Notary - Arizona Notary Exam Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free AZ Notary - Arizona Notary Exam practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
Are there any residency requirements to become a notary in Arizona?
- A. Yes, you must be a legal resident of Arizona or have a business located in the state
- B. Yes, but only if you live in a bordering state
- C. No, residency is not required
- D. No, but you must be registered to vote
Answer: A. Yes, you must be a legal resident of Arizona or have a business located in the state
Yes, there are specific residency requirements to become a notary in Arizona. Applicants must either be a legal resident of Arizona or have a place of employment or a business located within the state. This ensures that notaries operate within the jurisdiction where they are commissioned and can be held accountable under Arizona law.
A notary who does not renew and allows their commission to lapse for two years then decides to become a notary again. What process must they follow?
- A. Submit only a renewal application since they were previously commissioned
- B. Complete the full initial appointment process as a new applicant
- C. Provide proof of their prior commission number and pay a reinstatement fee
- D. Appear before the Secretary of State in person for reappointment
Answer: B. Complete the full initial appointment process as a new applicant
After a lapse, there is no reinstatement option; the individual must go through the full new-appointment process including bond and oath.
A person with a principal place of business in Arizona but who lives in Nevada wants to become an Arizona notary. Are they eligible?
- A. No, only Arizona residents may apply
- B. Yes, having a regular place of business in Arizona satisfies the residency requirement
- C. Yes, but their commission is limited to business-related notarizations only
- D. No, unless they establish legal domicile in Arizona first
Answer: B. Yes, having a regular place of business in Arizona satisfies the residency requirement
Arizona law permits individuals with a regular place of work or business in the state to apply even if they reside elsewhere.
Under Arizona law, what is the minimum age requirement to become a notary public?
- A. 16 years old
- B. 18 years old
- C. 21 years old
- D. 25 years old
Answer: B. 18 years old
Arizona requires notary applicants to be at least 18 years of age at the time of application, as set forth in A.R.S. § 41-311.
AZ Notary Questions and Answers
About the Author
Notary Public Law Expert & State Notary Exam Specialist
Georgetown University Law CenterAttorney Sarah Williams is a licensed attorney and National Notary Association (NNA) certified notary with a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center. She has 13 years of experience in notarial law, document authentication, and real estate closings. Sarah coaches candidates through state notary public examinations, notary signing agent certification, and loan signing agent training programs.
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