Become a Notary

How to Become a Notary in Arizona — Step-by-Step 2026

Required legal steps vs optional purchases. Pass a practice exam before you shop for a prettier stamp.

Exam and commission requirements

A.R.S. § 41-269(B) is the eligibility list: at least 18, a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, an Arizona resident for income-tax purposes who claims Arizona as the primary residence, able to read, write and understand English, not disqualified under § 41-271, passage of the § 41-270 examination if the Secretary of State requires it, and an SOS-approved manual kept as a reference. The statute does not set the question count or the passing score. The SOS exam notice checked on 2026-10-19 does: 45 questions, 60 minutes, 80%, Pearson, $35 per proctored exam, 3 attempts, then a 30-day wait. This site’s Full 45 copies those counts for practice only.

Before the commission is issued, § 41-269(C) and (D) still require the oath and a $5000 surety bond. The SOS filing page lists a $43 standard application fee. That fee, the $35 exam charge, and the bond amount are three different things. The Secretary of State commissions notaries. Pearson runs the proctored exam in the current notice. A surety company issues the bond. The notice does not name a required third-party training school.

Official source: A.R.S. § 41-269, A.R.S. § 41-270, SOS exam notice, and SOS filing page. Checked 2026-10-19. The filing page still also cites A.R.S. § 41-312(E) in one block; the qualification text used here is the current § 41-269(B).

Try 10 free questions before you buy a stamp. Bond requirements and the practice passing score are separate pages.

Free 10-question test Full 45 practice exam Study Guide Pro question bank

Step 1

Eligibility

Confirm age, residency, English, and character rules in A.R.S. § 41-269(B) on the SOS site before you pay anyone. Working in Arizona alone does not establish the tax-residency test.

Step 2

Apply

Use the official application. This site does not file paperwork for you.

Step 3

Exam

The SOS notice checked on 2026-10-19 requires the exam for new and renewing notaries. It lists 45 questions, 60 minutes, and 80% to pass, administered by Pearson for $35 per proctored exam. A.R.S. § 41-270 does not set those figures. Practice on this site is separate.

Free 10-question test

Step 4

Bond

Submit a $5000 surety-bond assurance to the Secretary of State (A.R.S. § 41-269(D)). The bond protects the public. It is not the same as optional E&O insurance.

Arizona notary bond requirements

Step 5

Oath / filing

Complete the oath and any recording or filing the SOS requires. Missing a filing can stall your commission.

Step 6

Supplies

Seal/stamp matching your commissioned name, a proper journal, and optional E&O. Insurance is recommended for you; it does not replace the bond.

Compare bonds / supplies / insurance

Required vs optional: the statutory bond and a compliant seal/journal are part of acting as a notary. E&O is extra protection for you. Association memberships are optional.

BondPublic protection. Shop sureties; verify penal sum.

Stamp & journalMust match commissioned name and statutory form.

E&OOptional notary-side coverage. Not a bond replacement.

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