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How To Become a Notary Public
or Loan Signing Agent in
Peoria, Arizona
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Step by Step Instructions for all Notaries in
Peoria, Arizona
How to Become a Notary Public in Arizona
To become an Arizona Notary, you must complete the following steps:
Meet the state's eligibility requirements.
Complete the application online and print it out.
Get a $5,000 surety bond.
Submit your signed application, notarized bond form and filing fee.
Buy your Notary seal, journal and fee schedule.
If you are seeking to become a Notary Loan Signing Agent in Arizona it is strongly advised that you take additional training beyond the National Notary Association.
The National Notary Association helps to prepare Notaries on a very basic level. However, companies like Notary2Pro, NotaryStars, and NotaryAcademy are all very well poised to help Notary Loan Signing Agents learn the meaning of Loan Documents, How to Present Loan Documents, What You as a Notary Can Say About Loan Documents, and How to Execute Loan Documents. Ideally, the highest paid Loan Signing Agents will have taken all three of these courses and more.
Companies like Notary Stars can also help point you in the direction of additional reputable trainers within the industry who can also show you how to perform additional services like Permit Running, Apostille, Document Translations, Estate Planning, and more! These are additional sources of revenue that the National Notary Association does not cover.
About the Arizona Notary Process
An Arizona Notary Public commission lasts for four years. To continue notarizing documents, Notaries must renew their commission.
Cost to Become a Notary in AZ
The cost to become a Notary in Arizona ranges between $155 - $180, depending on where you purchase your Notary supplies.
Commission Processing Time
It can take up to four weeks to get your Notary Public commission in Arizona once you submit your application.
The Arizona Secretary of State offers an expedited service of one to two business days for an additional $25. Write "EXPEDITE" on your envelope to have your application processed promptly.
Any application requiring further review, including a felony conviction, professional license action or past Notary complaint, cannot be expedited.
Arizona Notary Public Requirements
Eligibility
A Notary Public applicant in Arizona must meet the following requirements:
Be at least 18 years old
Be able to read and write English
Be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.
Be a legal resident of Arizona
Not be convicted of a felony unless civil rights have been restored
Application
Complete the application and print it out. Submit the original notarized bond form and filing fee. Tip: When you receive your commission certificate, check your name, county of residence and commission dates to ensure your stamp is made accurately.
Notary Supplies
Notaries in Arizona are required to use a Notary seal stamp, journal and fee schedule. You may not possess more than one official Notary seal at a time (ARS 41-321.B).
The seal can be in any shape no larger than 2.5" x 1.5". Round seals must be no larger than 1.5" in diameter. The following information should be on the seal:
Your name as it appears on your commission
The words "Notary Public"
The name of the county in which you're commissioned
The Great Seal of the State of Arizona
Your commission ID number
Your commission expiration date
In addition to a Notary seal, you must get a Notary journal. The journal must be in a paper format and list the notarial acts in chronological order.
Surety Bond
Arizona Notaries must purchase a $5,000 surety bond to protect signers against financial damages resulting from the Notary's negligence or misconduct.
Which state government office handles Notaries in Arizona?
The Arizona Office of the Secretary of State, Notary Section, located in Phoenix, AZ, holds all records of Notaries Public.
Secretary of State
1700 W. Washington Street, Fl. 7
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2808
May I become an Arizona Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to become an Arizona Notary Public. You must, however, be a legal resident of the state and meet all other application requirements.
Is training required for AZ Notary applicants?
Arizona does not require training prior to getting a Notary commission. The state offers a Notary Public Reference Manual on its website for guidance.
Do I need to take an Arizona Notary exam?
There is no state-proctored exam required to become a Notary Public in Arizona.
Is E&O insurance required?
Notaries can insure themselves against possible legal costs or damages by purchasing a separate, optional errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy. Though not required by law, an E&O policy covers a Notary's legal fees and damages up to the amount of the policy.
Where will I be able to notarize?
An Arizona Notary can perform notarial acts anywhere within the state's borders.
Who can I notarize for?
Any member of the public, as long as the request meets all statutory requirements for notarization. Notaries are prohibited from notarizing their own signatures and for anyone related to them by marriage or adoption.
In addition, you may not notarize a document in which you will receive a direct material benefit.
How much can AZ Notaries charge per notarial act?
In Arizona, Notaries can charge up to $10 per Notary signature. Notaries are not required to charge a fee, but those who choose to do so must use that same fee for each notarization.
You may charge a travel mileage fee if you travel a distance to perform a notarization. The Department of Administration determines the mileage fee through its General Accounting Office.
If you charge a fee for your services, you must post your fee schedule in a specific format and in a conspicuous location.
What happens if I change my address or name?
You must notify the Secretary of State of any address or name change by submitting a completed Notary Public Address/Name Change Notification form or reporting the change on the AZ SOS website. Failure to do so may result in a $25 civil penalty.
To avoid paying the penalty for an address change, update all of your addresses in the form and notify the Secretary within 30 days of the change. For a name change, include legal documentation (marriage license, divorce decree, etc.) with your form.
What is the process for renewing my commission as an Arizona Notary?
The process to renew an Arizona Notary Public commission is the same as the new Notary application process.
You must continue to meet the qualifications listed above. The earliest you may renew your commission is 60 days before your current commission expires.
How do I become an electronic Notary in Arizona?
Electronic notarizations differ from traditional notarizations in that they involve digital documents and electronic signatures. The notarial act is still performed in person with the signer personally appearing before the Notary.
To become an eNotary in Arizona, you must first hold an active commission as a traditional Notary Public. Then, you’re required to read the Electronic Notary Rules. Next, contract with a technology provider from the state’s list of approved vendors. Complete the application and indicate the vendor you intend to use.
How can I become a remote online Notary in Arizona?
To apply for your remote authorization, you must first have a traditional Notary Public commission. This step-by-step guide will help you become an AZ remote Notary.
Learn More About Notary Stars For Notaries and Signing Agents in:
Peoria, Arizona
Meet Our Notary & Loan Signing Agent Instructors
Kirsten Bly,
New Notary Liason
Beth Hathoot,
Lead Signing Agent Instructor
Ronnie Mickle,
Founder & Owner
Manuel Puga,
Bilingual Notary Instructor
Amy Seitz,
Lead RON Instructor
Common Misconceptions About Becoming a Notary Signing Agent In:
Peoria, Arizona
Myth 1: All Notaries Earn Over Six Figures
A widespread belief suggests that notaries consistently earn six-figure incomes. While it's true that some notaries achieve substantial earnings, this is not the norm for everyone. Such claims are often exaggerated to promote notary courses. In reality, income varies based on factors like location, experience, and the effort invested in building the business. It's crucial to approach such claims with caution and conduct thorough research before committing to any training program. Check out this Article from the NNA.
Myth 2: Being a Notary is Easy
The notion that being a notary is a simple task is misleading. The role demands meticulous attention to detail, a deep understanding of legal documents, and strict adherence to state laws and regulations. Notaries must ensure the authenticity of signatures, prevent fraud, and maintain accurate records. This level of responsibility requires comprehensive training and a commitment to ongoing education. While the work is fulfilling, it is far from effortless.
Myth 3: Marketing as a Notary Signing Agent is Unnecessary
Some believe that merely obtaining a notary commission will lead to a steady stream of clients. However, like any business, building a successful notary practice requires proactive marketing. Relying solely on a notary commission without marketing efforts is unlikely to attract clients. Organizations like Notary Stars specialize in providing training and resources to help notaries effectively market their services, navigate industry challenges, and establish a thriving business.
Myth 4: Notaries Can Provide Legal Advice
A common misconception is that notaries can offer legal advice or assist in drafting documents. In reality, notaries are prohibited from providing legal counsel unless they are also licensed attorneys. Their primary role is to witness signatures and verify the identity of signers, ensuring that documents are signed willingly and knowingly. Offering legal advice without proper qualifications can lead to legal repercussions and undermine the notary's credibility.
Myth 5: Notarization Guarantees the Legality of a Document
Many assume that a notarized document is automatically legal and enforceable. However, notarization only confirms the authenticity of signatures and the voluntary nature of the signing. It does not validate the content or legality of the document itself. Ensuring a document's legality requires proper drafting and, in many cases, legal review by a qualified attorney.
Myth 6: Notaries Must Notarize Every Document Presented to Them
It's a common belief that notaries are obligated to notarize any document upon request. However, notaries have the authority to refuse notarization under certain circumstances, such as:
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Inability to verify the signer's identity
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Suspected coercion or unwillingness of the signer
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Incomplete or altered documents
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Requests for unauthorized acts, like certifying copies of official records
Notaries must adhere to their state's laws and exercise judgment to maintain the integrity of the notarization process.