AZ Notary Exam Practice Test
Updated for October 2026
Prepare for your official commission with our comprehensive AZ Notary Practice Test. Since July 1, 2026 the Arizona Secretary of State requires every new and renewing notary to pass a proctored competency exam (45 questions, 60 minutes, 80% to pass, delivered by Pearson VUE) before a commission is issued or renewed.
Whether you plan to work as a general AZ Notary or specialize in loan signings, our free study resources will help you master the material. From understanding bond requirements to learning proper journal maintenance, our guide covers everything you need to become a notary in AZ successfully.
What changed for the Arizona notary exam in 2025-2026
- Proctored exam is mandatory since July 1, 2025: under A.R.S. § 41-270 every new and renewing Arizona notary public must pass the Secretary of State's notary competency examination before a commission is issued or renewed. The earlier "no state exam" guidance is obsolete. (source) (source)
- Format: 45 questions, 60 minutes, 80% to pass. The questions are drawn directly from the current Notary Public Reference Manual; a link to the manual is built into the testing software, but a physical copy is not allowed at the test center or during remote testing. If you fail, you can retake the exam after a 30-day wait. (source) (source)
- Pearson VUE now delivers the exam (test center or OnVUE online). Create a Pearson VUE account under your legal name, obtain your Candidate ID number and schedule your appointment (up to one calendar day before the test date) before you complete the notary application; the per-attempt exam fee is paid to Pearson VUE at booking (listed at $35 on the Secretary of State's notary page; Prometric charged $46.75 until mid-2026). (source) (source)
- Application fee $43, $5,000 bond, 4-year commission, about 4 weeks to process: file the signed application, the original notarized $5,000 surety bond and the $43 application-and-bond filing fee together; the Secretary of State lists processing at approximately four weeks, and renewals can be filed up to two months before the current commission ends. (source) (source)
- Maximum fee per notarial act is $10: A.A.C. R2-12-1102 caps the charge at $10 per notary signature (you may charge less or nothing), and the fee schedule must be posted where you notarize. (source)
- Thumbprint rule (SB 1479, 2026) now in A.R.S. § 41-254(C), effective September 12, 2026: when notarizing a deed, quitclaim deed, deed of trust, other real-property document or a power of attorney, the notary must take the signer's right thumbprint in the journal (left thumb or another finger if unavailable, noted in the journal); trustee's deeds from foreclosure, deeds of release and reconveyance, and compliant remote notarizations are exempt. (source)
- Eligibility unchanged: 18 or older, U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, Arizona resident for income-tax purposes, able to read, write and understand English, and you must keep an approved reference manual (A.R.S. § 41-269). (source)
Last verified: September 18, 2026 against the Arizona Secretary of State (azsos.gov), Pearson VUE and the Arizona Revised Statutes (azleg.gov).
Note: The AZ Notary Exam is a proctored competency test required by the Arizona Secretary of State since July 1, 2025 for every new and renewing notary. It is delivered by Pearson VUE at a test center or online (OnVUE), has 45 questions with a 60-minute limit, and needs 80% to pass. It is "open book" only through the manual link built into the testing software; a physical copy of the Arizona Notary Public Reference Manual is not permitted.
AZ Notary Exam Flashcards
Quick review for the AZ Secretary of State Notary Exam
📚 📚What is the bond amount required for an AZ Notary?
An Arizona Notary must purchase and maintain a $5,000 surety bond for the duration of their 4-year commission.
🎯 ⏳How long is an Arizona Notary commission term?
An Arizona Notary commission is issued for a term of 4 years (ARS 41-269).
💡 📓Is a journal required for AZ Notaries?
Yes, Arizona law requires all notaries to keep a paper journal of all notarial acts, which is a public record.
🔑 📍Can an AZ Notary notarize for family members?
No, an AZ Notary generally cannot notarize documents for immediate family members if they have a direct interest.
📝 🏠What residency is required for an AZ Notary?
Applicants must be a legal resident of Arizona for income tax purposes to qualify for a commission.
⭐ 📝What is the standard fee for an acknowledgment?
An AZ Notary may charge up to $10 per notarial act (signature), such as an acknowledgment or jurat.
AZ Notary Exam Study Guide
The AZ Notary Exam focuses on state-specific laws found in the Arizona Notary Public Reference Manual. This study guide breakdown helps you understand key topics covered in the AZ Secretary of State Notary test.
- What is the AZ Notary Exam?
- The AZ Notary Exam is a proctored competency test required under A.R.S. § 41-270. Since July 1, 2025 the Secretary of State will not issue or renew a commission until you pass it.
- Who needs to take the AZ Notary test?
- Every new applicant and every renewing notary must pass the AZ Notary test before filing the application with the Secretary of State.
- What topics are covered on the AZ Notary exam?
- The exam covers bond requirements, journal entries, acceptable identification, fees, and prohibited acts as outlined in the AZ Notary Manual.
- Is the AZ Notary exam open book?
- Partly. A link to the Arizona Notary Public Reference Manual is built into the AZ Notary exam software, but a physical copy is not allowed at the test center or during remote testing.
- How many questions are on the AZ Notary exam?
- The AZ Notary exam has 45 questions drawn directly from the Notary Public Reference Manual.
- How long is the AZ Notary test?
- You have 60 minutes to complete the 45-question AZ Notary test.
- What is the format of the AZ Notary exam?
- It is a computer-based multiple-choice exam delivered by Pearson VUE, either at a test center or online through OnVUE with a live proctor.
- Can I retake the AZ Notary exam if I fail?
- Yes. If you fail the AZ Notary exam you must wait 30 days before retaking it, and each attempt is paid for separately at Pearson VUE.
- How do I register for the AZ Notary exam?
- Create an account with Pearson VUE under your legal name, obtain your Candidate ID number and schedule the exam. You must have the Candidate ID before you complete the AZ Secretary of State Notary application.
- What is the AZ Notary exam cost?
- The exam fee is paid per attempt to Pearson VUE when you book (the Secretary of State's page lists $35). It is separate from the $43 application and bond filing fee.
- Do I need a bond before taking the AZ Notary test?
- You can take the AZ Notary test before buying the bond, but the original notarized $5,000 surety bond must be filed together with the application and $43 fee.
- Where can I take the AZ Notary exam?
- At any Pearson VUE test center in Arizona or remotely from home through Pearson OnVUE, subject to its webcam, room and ID rules.
- What is the passing score for the AZ Notary exam?
- You need 80% (36 of 45 questions) to pass the AZ Notary exam and start or renew your commission.
- When do I get my AZ Notary exam results?
- Results are reported at the end of the computer-based exam, and the pass is reported to the Secretary of State for your application.
- Does the AZ Notary exam expire?
- Passing applies to the commission you are applying for; because renewing notaries must also pass, expect to test again when you renew your 4-year commission.
- How hard is the AZ Notary exam?
- Most applicants find the AZ Notary exam manageable if they have reviewed the reference manual, as it is designed to verify basic competency.
- What is the average AZ Notary salary?
- The average AZ Notary salary varies widely, with mobile notaries and signing agents earning significantly more than general notaries.
- How much can a Notary Phoenix AZ charge?
- A Notary Phoenix AZ can charge up to $10 per signature for standard acts, plus additional travel fees for mobile services.
- Do mobile notaries make more in AZ?
- Yes, working as a mobile notary Phoenix AZ or Tucson allows you to charge travel fees, increasing your overall income per appointment.
- Is becoming an AZ Notary a good side hustle?
- Yes, becoming an AZ Notary is a popular side hustle, especially for real estate agents and legal assistants looking to earn extra income.
AZ Notary Score Calculator
Total Scored Questions
45
Estimated score calculation
31 out of 45 correct
69%
Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)
Your Score: 31 correct ✓ PASS
You can generally become a notary in AZ for roughly $150-$200 total, including the state fee, exam fee, bond, stamp, and journal. This low barrier to entry makes it an attractive career option. You may also want to try our notary public practice test to expand your notary knowledge. Practice with the free AZ Notary - Arizona Notary practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).
If you are searching for a AZ notary exam practice test, start with the free questions on this page: every answer comes with an explanation, and the study notes below cover the AZ Notary exam topics in order. Treat it as an az notary sample test: time yourself, score against the 80% mark, and look up every miss in the reference manual.
Free AZ Notary - Arizona Notary Exam Study Tools
Interactive AZ Notary - Arizona Notary Exam resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
Arizona Notary Exam Practice Test: What the Real Exam Looks Like
Since July 1, 2025, every new and renewing Arizona notary must pass a competency examination under A.R.S. § 41-270 before the Secretary of State will issue or renew a commission. The exam is delivered by Pearson VUE, at a Pearson testing site or remotely, and costs $35 per proctored attempt. It has 45 questions drawn directly from the 2025 Notary Public Reference Manual, a 60-minute time limit and a passing score of 80%. It is open book only in a limited sense: the manual is built into the testing software, and a physical copy is not allowed at the test center or during remote testing. You get three attempts; after a third failure you must wait 30 days to reschedule. Obtain a Candidate ID number before you complete the notary application.
An arizona notary exam practice test is most useful when it mirrors that format. Work through the questions on this page in under 60 minutes, then look up every miss in the reference manual, because the manual is the only source the state tests from. Know where it covers journal entries, acceptable identification, the $10 maximum fee per notarial act, and the four permitted acts: acknowledgments, jurats, copy certifications, and oaths and affirmations. From September 12, 2026 (Senate Bill 1479), notaries must also record the signer's right thumbprint in the journal when notarizing deeds, deeds of trust, other real-property documents and powers of attorney.
AZ Notary Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the AZ Notary - Arizona Notary Exam exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
AZ Notary Test Day Checklist
Pearson VUE confirmation and Candidate ID number Valid government-issued photo ID matching your legal name Arrive 15-30 minutes early at the test center (or run the OnVUE system test) No physical manual: the reference manual link is inside the exam Plan your time: 45 questions in 60 minutes Quiet, cleared room and working webcam for online testing After passing: signed application, notarized $5,000 bond, $43 fee Allow about 4 weeks for the Secretary of State to process Start Your AZ Notary Career Today
Ready to commission? Our free practice tests help you pass the AZ Notary Exam on your first try. A practice test for arizona notary exam questions is the fastest way to learn where you are weak before you pay for a proctored attempt. Master the rules and start earning: title companies, law offices and banks that offer bank notary services all value staff who hold their own commission. You may also want to try our notary public practice test to expand your notary knowledge.
AZ Notary Renewal Requirements
Your commission lasts 4 years. The AZ Notary renewal process mirrors the initial application, including the proctored competency exam, and must be started before expiration to avoid a gap in service.
📅
Timeline
Up to 2 Months Prior
There is no "automatic" renewal. You must pass the proctored AZ Notary test again, re-apply, purchase a new bond, and pay the $43 filing fee.
AZ Notary: Pros and Cons
Pros
- notary phoenix az — aZ Notary exam preparation strengthens your knowledge across all domains
- Passing the exam proves competency to employers and clients
- Study materials and practice tests are widely available
- Exam-based credentials are portable across states and employers
- Clear exam objectives help focus your study plan effectively
Cons
- Exam anxiety can affect performance — practice tests help reduce it
- Registration fees are non-refundable if you miss your test date
- Limited retake opportunities may apply with waiting periods
- Exam content updates periodically — use current study materials
- Testing center availability may require advance scheduling
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| notary phoenix az — aZ Notary exam preparation strengthens your knowledge across all domains | Exam anxiety can affect performance — practice tests help reduce it |
| Passing the exam proves competency to employers and clients | Registration fees are non-refundable if you miss your test date |
| Study materials and practice tests are widely available | Limited retake opportunities may apply with waiting periods |
| Exam-based credentials are portable across states and employers | Exam content updates periodically — use current study materials |
| Clear exam objectives help focus your study plan effectively | Testing center availability may require advance scheduling |
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.
A signer returns to an Arizona notary with a document that was previously acknowledged by a different notary, asking the current notary to 'fix' the acknowledgment certificate that has an error. What should the notary do?
- A. Correct the error and sign over the prior notary's signature
- B. Refuse to alter another notary's completed certificate; have the signer re-execute with a fresh acknowledgment if needed
- C. White-out the prior notary's information and substitute their own
- D. File a report with the Arizona Secretary of State before making any changes
Answer: B. Refuse to alter another notary's completed certificate; have the signer re-execute with a fresh acknowledgment if needed
A notary cannot alter or complete another notary's certificate; if the prior acknowledgment is defective, the correct remedy is a new notarial act performed by the current notary with the signer present.
An Arizona notary is asked to notarize a deed transferring property to a corporation in which the notary holds a 30% ownership stake. What must the notary do?
- A. Notarize after disclosing the interest to both parties
- B. Decline to notarize because of a direct financial interest
- C. Notarize only if a supervising attorney is present
- D. Notarize because the interest is in a corporation, not personal
Answer: B. Decline to notarize because of a direct financial interest
Arizona law prohibits a notary from notarizing a document when the notary has a direct financial or beneficial interest in the transaction.
A signer tells an Arizona notary they cannot physically sign due to a hand injury and asks the notary to sign on their behalf. What should the notary do?
- A. Sign the document on the signer's behalf as requested
- B. Refuse entirely, as notaries can never assist with signatures
- C. Follow Arizona's signature by mark or signature by proxy procedure
- D. Require a power of attorney document before proceeding
Answer: C. Follow Arizona's signature by mark or signature by proxy procedure
Arizona law provides for signature by mark or by a proxy at the direction of the signer when the signer is physically unable to sign.
A notary's employer instructs the notary to notarize a document without the signer being personally present. The notary should:
- A. Comply because employers have authority over notary acts
- B. Refuse, as personal appearance is required regardless of employer instructions
- C. Comply only if the signer is a known customer of the business
- D. Comply if the document is a business record rather than a legal instrument
Answer: B. Refuse, as personal appearance is required regardless of employer instructions
An employer cannot override Arizona's legal requirement that signers appear personally before the notary at the time of notarization.
Take the full AZ Notary - Arizona Notary Exam practice test
Arizona Notary Questions and Answers
Do I need to take a test to become an Arizona notary?
Yes. Since July 1, 2025 Arizona requires every new and renewing notary to pass a proctored competency exam (A.R.S. § 41-270) delivered by Pearson VUE: 45 questions, 60 minutes, 80% to pass, with the reference manual available inside the test. After passing, you submit the application to the Arizona Secretary of State with a $43 fee and a $5,000 surety bond, then buy an official notary seal and journal.
What are the requirements to become a notary in Arizona?
Arizona notary requirements include: be at least 18 years old, be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident who is an Arizona resident for income-tax purposes, be able to read, write and understand English, not have a felony conviction (unless rights have been restored), pass the proctored notary competency exam, and submit a completed application with a $43 fee and $5,000 surety bond to the Arizona Secretary of State. Arizona notary commissions are valid for 4 years.
What does an Arizona notary do?
An Arizona notary public is authorized to perform notarial acts including: taking acknowledgments, administering oaths and affirmations, taking verifications on oath, certifying copies of documents, and performing electronic and remote online notarizations (Arizona's Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts, including RON under ARS 41-263, has been in effect since July 1, 2022). Notaries verify signer identity, witness signatures, and deter fraud.
What ID is acceptable to verify signer identity in Arizona?
For Arizona notarizations, acceptable forms of ID include: current state-issued driver's license or ID card, US passport or passport card, US military ID, or any government-issued photo ID with the signer's signature and physical description. The ID must be current or issued within the past 5 years to be considered valid for notarization purposes.
Is a notary journal required in Arizona?
Yes, Arizona law requires notaries to maintain a chronological journal of all notarial acts. The journal must record: the date and time of each act, the type of notarial act, a description of the document, the signer's name and address, the method used to identify the signer, and the fee charged. Effective September 12, 2026, the signer's right thumbprint must also be recorded in the journal for deeds, deeds of trust, other real-property documents and powers of attorney (A.R.S. § 41-254). Journal records must be kept for at least 5 years after the date of each notarial act (ARS 41-317).
Can Arizona notaries perform remote online notarization?
Yes. Arizona's remote online notarization law (ARS 41-263) has been in effect since July 1, 2022. Arizona RON allows notaries to notarize documents for signers located anywhere via audio-video technology, using electronic signatures and digital certificates. Before the first remote act, a notary must notify the Secretary of State and identify the communication technology and identity-proofing method to be used; each remote notarization must be recorded audio-visually and the recording kept for at least five years.
What does the AZ notary exam practice test on this page include?
The AZ notary exam practice test covers the main AZ Notary exam topics, with practice questions, answer explanations and hints. Work through it once untimed, then again under time pressure.
How should I use the free arizona notary practice test to prepare?
Start with the free arizona notary practice test to find your weak areas, read the explanations for every question you miss, then retake it until you score consistently above the passing mark for the AZ Notary exam.
Official Resources
- Arizona Secretary of State: Notary Public — the official filing page with the $43 application and bond filing fee, the 4-year commission term, the current notary exam notice and links to the Notary Public Reference Manual, new-notary application and renewal.
- Pearson VUE: Arizona Notary exam — where you create your candidate account, obtain the Candidate ID required on the application, and schedule the proctored exam at a test center or online.
- Arizona Secretary of State: Remote & eNotary — requirements, vendor list and the application to add an electronic or remote online notary commission (no extra fee or bond).