Not a government website. We are a private company, not affiliated with any Secretary of State, notary commissioning office or contractor licensing board. Renewal applications are filed directly with your state.
State of Arizona notary renewal in short
The exam is the change to plan around. Since July 1, 2025 all new and renewing notaries pass a 45-question Pearson VUE exam with 80% or better, and you register with Pearson before you start the application. There is no separate course; the manual is built into the exam.[1][5]
The bond has to line up with the commission: its dates must be four years apart, less one day.[1] You swear the oath of office aloud when the bond is notarized, apply online, pay $43 and mail the original bond to the Secretary of State.[1][2][7]
Arizona rules side by side with other states: how to renew a notary commission. Other states: New York notary renewal, Texas notary renewal, Florida notary renewal, Illinois notary renewal, Colorado notary renewal, North Carolina notary renewal, Ohio notary renewal, California notary renewal, New Jersey notary renewal, Missouri notary renewal, Virginia notary renewal, Georgia notary renewal, Michigan notary renewal, Pennsylvania notary renewal.
Arizona notary renewal requirements
This table is what Arizona Secretary of State and A.R.S. §§41-266, 41-269, 41-270, 41-317, 41-319, 41-323 say, read on 2026-11-15. Where they say nothing, the row says so instead of guessing.
| Commission term | 4 years (your bond's dates must be four years apart, less one day).[1] |
|---|---|
| Earliest day to apply | You can renew up to two months before your term expires.[1] |
| State fee | $43 application and bond filing fee, plus $35 for the Pearson VUE exam (an optional $25 expedite fee).[2][1] |
| Bond | A $5,000 surety bond, notarized and mailed in original to the Secretary of State with the application.[7][2] (A.R.S. 41-269) |
| Course to renew | No separate course; the manual is built into the exam.[1] |
| Exam to renew | Yes: since July 1, 2025 every renewing notary passes the Pearson VUE exam (45 questions, 80% to pass, $35).[1][5] (A.R.S. 41-270) |
| Fingerprints or background check | No fingerprint check; a felony conviction makes you ineligible unless your civil rights were restored.[3] |
| Oath | You swear the oath of office aloud when your bond is notarized, and the bond and oath go to the Secretary of State with the application.[1][7] (A.R.S. 41-269) |
| Seal or stamp | Your stamp shows "notary public", your county, your name as commissioned and the expiration date, so a renewal needs a new stamp.[8] (A.R.S. 41-266) |
| Journal | Yes: a paper journal for paper records, kept for at least 5 years after each act.[9] (A.R.S. 41-319) |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Check with the Arizona Secretary of State. |
New stamp, journal and records
Your stamp shows your county, your name and the commission expiration date, so a renewal means a new stamp.[8] Arizona requires a paper journal for paper records, kept at least 5 years.[9] If you do not renew, your journal, stamp and records go to the Secretary of State; leaving them for 3 months costs $50 to $500.[6] An address change goes to the Secretary of State within 30 days by certified mail.[10]
How to renew a Arizona notary commission, step by step
Arizona renewal is 3 steps, in this order.[1][2]
- Register with Pearson VUE and pass the notary exam (80% or better).
- Buy a new $5,000 bond and swear the oath when it is notarized.
- Up to two months before expiration, apply online, pay $43 and mail the original bond.
You apply to Arizona Secretary of State yourself: Arizona notary page. The state decides the application and its timing.
If your Arizona commission already expired
Stop notarizing if the commission expires before the new certificate arrives. If you do not renew, your journal, stamp and records go to the Secretary of State; leaving them for 3 months costs $50 to $500.[1][6]
After a lapse: course check with the Arizona Secretary of State; exam check with the Arizona Secretary of State.
Name or address change during your commission
Tell the Secretary of State within 30 days of an address change, by certified mail.[10] (A.R.S. 41-323)
Electronic and remote online notarization: Electronic and remote online notary commissions are requested from the Secretary of State, with no extra fee or bond.[4]
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to take a test to renew my notary in Arizona?
How early can I renew my Arizona notary?
Up to two months before your term expires.[1]
Sources
- Existing notaries, copy archived Nov 11, 2026
- Notary resources, copy archived Nov 14, 2026
- New notary, copy archived Nov 14, 2026
- Remote and electronic notary, copy archived Nov 14, 2026
- A.R.S. 41-270: Examination of notary public
- A.R.S. 41-317: Delivering seal, journal and records
- A.R.S. 41-269: Commission; assurance
- A.R.S. 41-266: Official stamp
- A.R.S. 41-319: Journal
- A.R.S. 41-323: Change of address