Journal thumbprint for deeds and powers of attorney (SB 1479)
Effective 2026-09-12 · Notaries who notarize deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, other real-property documents, or powers of attorney.
BeforeA.R.S. § 41-254 required personal appearance but did not require a journal thumbprint for those documents.
AfterEffective September 12, 2026, covered acts generally require the signer’s right thumbprint in the journal. If that thumb is unavailable, use the left thumb or another available finger and note it; if physically unable to provide a print, record that fact and the explanation. Exceptions include a trustee’s deed from foreclosure and a deed of release and reconveyance. A compliant remote act under § 41-263 is exempt only if the journal includes the individual’s identification credential number AND the audiovisual recording is retained for at least seven years.
What to do: For covered in-person acts on or after September 12, 2026, collect the statutory journal thumbprint or make the required notation. Do not treat the old ARS compilation page as proof the rule is not in force.
Laws 2026, Chapter 31 (SB 1479) · https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/2r/laws/0031.htm