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Please read this first We work to keep state commissioning information current, but requirements, fees, and forms can change faster than we can update this page. Confirm every step with the Arizona Secretary of State using the official links below before you apply. This article is a checklist, not legal advice. |
Overview
Arizona requires an active traditional Arizona notary commission first. You then apply separately for E-notary and/or remote online notary privileges through the Secretary of State.
Use this page as a checklist of where to go and what to complete. Follow the Secretary of State’s current instructions if anything here differs from the official site.
For a U.S. overview of remote online notary authorization, see the National Notary Association’s How to Become a Remote Online Notary. Follow the Arizona Secretary of State’s instructions if anything differs.
Who Can Apply
To be commissioned as an Arizona notary public, you must meet all of the following:
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Start Here: Arizona Secretary of State
Use the SOS notary pages for traditional commissioning, then the Remote / E-Notary page and EApplication for online privileges.
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Read the official notary hub Open Notary and New Notary for qualifications, bond rules, and filing. |
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Open the notary application page Use Notary Application for current application and bond-filing amounts and processing time. |
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If you are already an Arizona notary, confirm your commission is active You must hold an active traditional commission before you apply for E-notary or RON. See Remote / E-Notary. |
Part 1: Traditional Arizona Notary Commission
Skip this section if you already hold an unexpired traditional Arizona notary commission. You cannot apply for E-notary or RON until this is in place.
Checklist
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Review the official how-to Notary, New Notary, and the Notary Application page. Standard processing is listed as about four weeks. |
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Complete traditional notary education Pass the Arizona notary exam through Pearson VUE. The Secretary of State lists $35 for the exam. This is paid to the testing vendor, not as a separate SOS education course fee. |
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Obtain a $5,000 surety bond Buy the bond from a licensed surety. The SOS does not sell bonds and does not recommend a company. Submit the original signed, notarized bond with your application. |
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Submit the traditional application File the original signed application, original notarized bond, and the SOS filing fee. The application page lists $25 application + $18 bond filing ($43 total) for standard service. |
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Receive your commission Wait for the Secretary of State to process the filing (about four weeks for standard service). Follow any oath or seal instructions included with your commission. |
Part 2: Online (RON) Commission
Complete this only after your traditional commission is active. Review the administrative rules, then use the EApplication. The SOS emails an E-notary/RON request for you to print, sign, and return.
Have these ready
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Checklist
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Read the official online-notary instructions Review Remote / E-Notary and the related administrative rules before you apply. |
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Complete online notary education Not listed on the official site as a separate SOS RON education course or fee. Complete any training your approved technology provider requires, then follow the SOS application. |
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Start the online commission application Use the SOS Notary Application / EApplication path for E-notary and RON. Watch email for the “E-notary/RON Request” to print, sign, and return. |
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Sign with a digital certificate Complete the signed request the SOS emails. Follow that packet if it asks you to attach certificate or seal evidence. |
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Upload your electronic seal Provide the electronic seal as the SOS request instructs. Processing is listed as about 1–2 weeks after the signed request is returned. |
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Pay and submit Not listed on the official site as a separate RON filing fee on the pages reviewed. Confirm any current E-notary/RON fee on the application or remote/e-notary page before you submit. |
After You Are Commissioned
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Do not let the traditional commission lapse. E-notary and RON privileges depend on an active traditional Arizona commission.
Fees Listed by the Secretary of State
Amounts below are from the official Notary Application page and notary hub. Confirm them there before you pay. Exam fees are paid to Pearson VUE. Bond premiums are paid to the bonding company.
| Item | SOS / listed fee |
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| Notary exam (Pearson VUE) | $35 (paid to the testing vendor) |
| Online / RON education | Not listed on the official site as an SOS course fee |
| Traditional application + bond filing | $25 + $18 = $43 (standard service) |
| E-notary / RON application | Not listed on the official site as a separate SOS amount; confirm on the remote/e-notary or application page |
| Surety bond | $5,000 coverage (premium paid to the bonding company) |
Official Arizona Links
| Resource | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Notary hub | azsos.gov/business/notary |
| New notary | azsos.gov/business/notary-public/new-notary |
| Remote / E-notary | azsos.gov/business/notary-public/remote-enotary |
| Notary application | apps.azsos.gov/apps/notary/application |
Common Questions
Q: Can I apply for the online commission first?
A: No. You must already hold an active traditional Arizona notary commission, then apply for E-notary and/or RON.
Q: Does Arizona approve a list of RON platforms?
A: Follow the Secretary of State’s remote/e-notary page for current technology rules. The office does not recommend a bonding company or certificate vendor in this checklist.
Q: Where can I confirm a fee or form changed?
A: Use Notary Application and Remote / E-Notary.
Last Updated: August 26, 2026 | Author: Customer Success Team | Version: v1.0
