AZ Notary Eligibility Requirements 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An Arizona notary applicant holds a current professional license (e.g., real estate agent) but has had that license suspended. Does this affect their notary eligibility?
- No, professional licensing issues are entirely separate from notary eligibility
- Yes, any professional license suspension is an automatic disqualifier
- It may be considered by the Secretary of State as part of a character review (Correct answer)
- Only if the suspension involved financial crimes
Correct answer: It may be considered by the Secretary of State as part of a character review
While not an automatic bar, a professional license suspension can be weighed by the Secretary of State when assessing an applicant's character and fitness.
Question 2: How long is an Arizona notary commission valid once it is granted?
- 2 years
- 5 years
- 4 years (Correct answer)
- 10 years
Correct answer: 4 years
An Arizona notary commission is valid for four years from the date of commissioning.
Question 3: A person with a principal place of business in Arizona but who lives in Nevada wants to become an Arizona notary. Are they eligible?
- No, only Arizona residents may apply
- Yes, having a regular place of business in Arizona satisfies the residency requirement (Correct answer)
- Yes, but their commission is limited to business-related notarizations only
- No, unless they establish legal domicile in Arizona first
Correct answer: 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.
Question 4: Which of the following is NOT a requirement to become an Arizona notary public?
- Being at least 18 years old
- Passing a state-administered notary examination (Correct answer)
- Submitting a completed application to the Secretary of State
- Obtaining a $5,000 surety bond
Correct answer: Passing a state-administered notary examination
Arizona does not require applicants to pass a formal state-administered notary exam as a condition of eligibility.
Question 5: After an Arizona notary is commissioned, within what timeframe must they file their bond and oath of office with the county recorder?
- Within 30 days of commissioning (Correct answer)
- Within 60 days of commissioning
- Within 90 days of commissioning
- Before the commission start date
Correct answer: Within 30 days of commissioning
Arizona notaries must file their bond and oath of office with the county recorder within 30 days of receiving their commission.
Question 6: Can an Arizona notary public also serve as a notary in another state simultaneously?
- No, Arizona law prohibits holding dual notary commissions
- Yes, a person may hold notary commissions in multiple states if they meet each state's requirements (Correct answer)
- Yes, but only in states that share a border with Arizona
- No, unless they maintain separate bonds for each state and register with the federal government
Correct answer: Yes, a person may hold notary commissions in multiple states if they meet each state's requirements
There is no federal or Arizona prohibition on holding notary commissions in more than one state, provided each state's individual requirements are met.
Question 7: What happens to an Arizona notary commission if the notary moves out of Arizona and no longer has a place of business there?
- The commission remains valid for the rest of its term regardless of residency
- The notary must notify the Secretary of State and the commission is automatically terminated (Correct answer)
- The commission is suspended until the notary returns to Arizona
- The notary has 90 days to re-establish Arizona residency or lose the commission
Correct answer: The notary must notify the Secretary of State and the commission is automatically terminated
If a notary no longer meets the residency or place-of-business requirement, they must notify the Secretary of State and the commission is terminated.
AZ Notary Eligibility Requirements 5
An Arizona notary applicant holds a current professional license (e.g., real estate agent) but has had that license suspended.
Does this affect their notary eligibility?