Arizona Notary Public BondInstant Approval • No Credit Check

Arizona requires all notaries public to obtain a $5,000 surety bond to protect the public from financial losses caused by notarial errors or misconduct. Starting July 1, 2025, Arizona will implement a new examination requirement for all notary applicants, bringing the state in line with many others. Similar to contractor license bonds and probate bonds, notary bonds provide essential public protection. Visit our home page for all bond types.

The Arizona notary bond must be purchased in duplicate form - the original bond is filed with the Arizona Secretary of State along with your commission application, while you retain the duplicate copy for your records. The bond remains in effect for the entire 4-year commission term and provides financial recourse for individuals harmed by improper notarial acts.

Arizona notaries must also maintain a sequential journal of all notarial acts, which serves as additional protection for both the notary and the public. This comprehensive approach to notary regulation ensures that Arizona residents can trust the authenticity of notarized documents used in real estate transactions, legal proceedings, financial agreements, and other important matters.

Beginning July 1, 2025, Arizona becomes one of the states requiring all new and renewing notaries public to pass a competency examination. This significant change aims to ensure that all Arizona notaries possess comprehensive knowledge of notarial laws, procedures, and best practices before performing notarial acts.

Examination Details

The Arizona notary examination will consist of 45 questions drawn directly from the official 2025 Notary Public Reference Manual published by the Arizona Secretary of State. Applicants must achieve a passing grade of 80% (36 correct answers out of 45) to qualify for commission or renewal.

The examination is open-book, allowing applicants to reference the Notary Public Reference Manual during the test. You will have 60 minutes to complete all 45 questions. The exam is administered by Prometric, a state-approved professional test administration vendor that provides similar testing services for other Arizona state agencies.

Testing Options and Locations

Prometric offers flexible testing options for Arizona notary applicants. You can take the examination at any of Prometric's ten physical testing sites located throughout Arizona, including locations in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and other major cities. Alternatively, if you prefer the convenience of testing from home or office, Prometric offers remote testing with online proctoring.

The examination costs $46.75 per attempt. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you may retake the examination after a mandatory 30-day waiting period. The examination will become available on May 1, 2025, providing a two-month window before the July 1 requirement takes effect. This advance availability allows applicants time to take and, if necessary, retake the examination before the requirement becomes mandatory.

Preparing for the Examination

To prepare for the Arizona notary examination, applicants should thoroughly review the 2025 Notary Public Reference Manual available on the Arizona Secretary of State website. The manual covers essential topics including proper identification procedures, notarial certificate wording, journal requirements, electronic notarization, and prohibited practices.

Since the examination is open-book, familiarity with the manual's organization and content is more important than memorization. Understanding where to find specific information quickly will help you complete the examination within the 60-minute time limit. Focus on understanding the practical application of notary laws rather than just memorizing statutes.

Becoming an Arizona notary public involves several steps completed through the Arizona Secretary of State. The process typically takes 4-6 weeks from application submission to receiving your commission certificate. Starting July 1, 2025, all new and renewing Arizona notaries must pass a competency examination administered by Prometric.

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

Confirm that you meet all Arizona requirements: at least 18 years old, Arizona resident (or employed in Arizona), U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, able to read and write English, no felony convictions unless civil rights restored, and no convictions involving moral turpitude. Background checks are part of the application process.

Step 2: Register for the Notary Examination (Required July 1, 2025)

Beginning July 1, 2025, you must register with Prometric to take the Arizona notary competency examination. The exam consists of 45 questions, requires an 80% passing score, is open-book, and costs $46.75. You can take it at Prometric testing sites throughout Arizona or remotely online. The exam becomes available May 1, 2025. Obtain your Candidate ID Number from Prometric before completing your application.

Step 3: Purchase Your $5,000 Notary Bond

Arizona requires a $5,000 surety bond for a 4-year term. You can get instant approval with no credit check. The bond costs $50-80 for the entire term and must be purchased in duplicate - the original is filed with the Secretary of State and you retain the duplicate copy. The bond form includes your Oath of Office and must be notarized by a current Arizona notary.

Step 4: Complete Your Online Application

Use the Arizona Secretary of State's online portal to complete your notary application. Enter your personal information, Prometric Candidate ID (if exam required), and other required details. The application fee is $43. After completing the online form, print and sign it, then have your bond form notarized.

Step 5: Submit Application Package

Mail your complete package to the Arizona Secretary of State: original signed application, original notarized bond form, and $43 filing fee. Incomplete applications will be returned without processing. The Secretary of State processes applications in the order received, typically within 4-6 weeks.

Step 6: Receive Commission and Purchase Supplies

Once approved, you'll receive your commission certificate by mail. Your 4-year commission begins on the effective date shown on the certificate. Purchase your official notary seal (stamp) and notary journal before performing any notarial acts. Arizona law requires notaries to maintain a sequential journal of all notarial acts.

A notary bond is a type of surety bond that provides financial protection to the public against losses caused by a notary's errors, omissions, or misconduct. Understanding how these bonds work helps explain why they are required and what obligations they create for notaries.

The Three-Party Bond Agreement

Arizona notary bonds involve three parties: the principal (you, the notary), the obligee (the State of Arizona and the public), and the surety (the insurance company issuing the bond). When you purchase a notary bond, the surety company guarantees to the state that you will perform your notarial duties properly and in accordance with Arizona law.

Bond Claims and Financial Responsibility

If someone suffers financial loss due to your improper notarial act, they can file a claim against your notary bond. The surety company investigates the claim and, if found valid, pays the claimant up to the $5,000 bond limit. However, Arizona law requires you to reimburse the surety company for all amounts paid, plus investigation costs and legal fees.

This means the bond protects the public, not you personally. You remain financially responsible for any claims paid. This structure creates a strong incentive for notaries to follow proper procedures and maintain accurate records. Claims against notary bonds can damage your credit and make it difficult or impossible to obtain future notary bonds.

Common Reasons for Bond Claims

Most claims against Arizona notary bonds arise from improper identification of document signers, notarizing documents without the signer's personal appearance, failing to maintain proper journal records, or notarizing documents in which the notary has a beneficial interest. Proper training, careful adherence to procedures, and complete documentation help prevent these issues.

Errors and Omissions Insurance Considerations

Many Arizona notaries wonder whether they should purchase Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance in addition to their required notary bond. While Arizona law does not mandate E&O insurance, it provides important protection that complements your bond in a crucial way.

Your $10,000 notary bond protects the public and the state - not you personally. When someone files a valid claim against your bond, the surety pays the claimant, but Arizona law requires you to reimburse every dollar paid plus investigation costs and legal fees. The bond creates a financial obligation you must repay.

E&O insurance protects you from this personal liability. If you make an unintentional error in your notarial duties, E&O insurance can cover legal defense costs, settlements, and damages without requiring repayment from you. For Arizona notaries performing high volumes of notarizations or working in real estate, legal, or financial services where document errors can have substantial consequences, E&O insurance provides valuable protection at modest cost (typically $40-85 annually for Arizona notaries).