Key Takeaways
- Free notary services may not be available to everyone. Banks and credit unions often notarize documents for free, but only for account holders; Notary publics at libraries might not be available when you need them.
- A notary public in Arizona can charge up to $10 per signature. This applies to both in-person and online notary services.
- You must bring a valid (not expired) government-issued photo ID to any type of notary appointment.
- Remote online notarization (RON) has been legal in Arizona since 2020.
- Online notary services are fast and convenient, often taking about ten minutes.
Finding an Arizona notary public shouldn’t be that complicated. But if you don’t know where to look, you could spend valuable hours searching. Such a pain! If you need a document notarized, you don’t have time to waste. This guide compares the different types of Arizona notary services, from free walk-ins to online appointments. You’ll learn about each option, and the best one to choose to get your documents notarized quickly.
Need your document notarized right away? Skip the search and book your online notary appointment now.
Online Notarization Legal in Arizona?
Yes, online notarization is legal in Arizona. The state authorized remote online notarization (RON) with Senate Bill 1030, which took effect in 2020. With RON, you can appear before a notary via live video instead of meeting with them in person. For the full rules on online notary publics in Arizona, see the Arizona Secretary of State’s remote and electronic notary page.
Top 10 Places to Find a Notary in Arizona
There are plenty of ways to find a notary public in Arizona. Here’s how each option compares.
Banks and Credit Unions
Major banks offer free notary services to account holders, and credit unions do the same for their members. Not every branch has a notary on staff, however. Hours are limited, and many banks won’t notarize documents that may be seen as risky, such as Wills and Powers of Attorney. Always call ahead to confirm the rules at your local branch.
The UPS Store
Most UPS stores in Arizona offer paid walk-in notary services. Standard documents like deeds and contracts are accepted.
Shipping and Postal Centers
Many independent shipping stores, such as PostalAnnex and Pak Mail, offer in-person notary services. FedEx Office locations offer notary services too, but send you to an online partner instead of an in-person notary. Always contact your local shipping center to make sure they offer notary services before going there.
Law Offices
Many law firms in Arizona have a notary on staff. Some firms charge fees for the service, while others offer notary services as a courtesy to clients.
Real Estate Offices
Many real estate brokerages offer notary services as a way to process paperwork and confirm signer identities. This is typically a free service offered by the real estate office to their clients.
Title Companies
Title companies verify the legal ownership of a property and ensure it is free of liens or undisclosed claims before it is sold. Title companies frequently have dedicated escrow officers on staff who act as notaries for standard transactions.
Public Libraries
Many Arizona libraries offer free or low-cost notary services. Availability varies by branch, so check with your local library before visiting.
Government Offices
Your local courthouse, county clerk office, or State Government office can notarize documents for a fee.
Mobile Notaries
Using a notary that comes directly to you is an option when travel is difficult, however travel fees apply and these fees must be agreed upon before the appointment. Travel fees can vary depending on urgency, which adds to the cost of using a mobile notary.
Online Notary Services
Online notary services are the fastest option of all. You meet with a commissioned notary by secure video, with no travel required and no waiting time. Most sessions take about 10 minutes and can be scheduled for a time that’s convenient for you.
“There are many places to get a document notarized, but most of them involve driving across town and missing work to go to the appointment. Online notary services remove that friction because you can meet at a time that works for you and you don’t even have to leave the house.” — Talia Wang, Notary Public.
How Much Does a Notary Cost in Arizona?
Arizona sets a clear limit on notary fees. A notary may charge up to $10 per signature, not each document. Your total fee will depend on the number of signatures needed. Mobile notary services can also charge a travel fee as long as the client has approved the amount before their appointment.
You can learn more by reading How Much Does a Notary Public Cost?
Online Notary vs In-Person Notary
Both methods are equally valid and carry the same legal weight. Here’s what you need to know about the two options:
In-person Notarization: You sign on paper with ink, and the notary applies a physical seal.
This is what many people have in mind when they think about getting a document notarized. But it’s not a perfect process. In-person appointments mean coordinating your schedule to match the notary’s availability, arranging travel, and taking time out of your day to get to the notary’s office. This may not be easy for everyone, especially if you live in a rural area or have mobility issues.
Online Notarization: You appear by video and sign digitally, and the notary applies a digital seal. Online notary platforms use encrypted video connections to ensure privacy and digital seals that show if there has been any tampering. The session is recorded and a digital audit trail is created for added security. The completed document is returned to you digitally.
Important Note: Online notarization is more convenient than meeting face-to-face because you don’t need to travel and you can book an appointment when it’s most convenient for you. And the enhanced security features ensure your documents are completely safe. For the full breakdown, read What is a Notary Public? In-Person vs Online.
Ready to get started? Book an online notary appointment and complete your documents from wherever you are.
What You’ll Need for Your Appointment
A little preparation will ensure your appointment goes smoothly. Here’s what you need to do, whether you’re meeting in person or online:
Bring Valid Government-Issued Photo ID: A current driver’s license or passport are typically used. Find out what other types of ID you can use if you don’t have a driver’s license or a passport.
Bring the Unsigned Document: Fill out your document but do not sign it ahead of time. The notary must watch you sign.
Have All Signers Present: Everyone who must sign must attend the appointment and have their own valid government-issued photo ID.
Arrange Witnesses If Needed: Each witness must have their own valid government-issued photo ID.
For more information, read our guide on getting your documents ready for a notary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Online Notarization Legal in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona has allowed online notarization since 2020.
Do I Have to Be in Arizona to Use an Online Notary There?
No. You can join from anywhere. Only the notary has to be physically located in Arizona.
Will an Arizona Notarization Work in Other States?
A properly performed Arizona notarization is recognized across the country.
How Much Can an Arizona Notary Charge?
A notary in Arizona may charge up to $10 per signature. Mobile notaries are allowed to add a travel fee if the client approves it before their appointment.
Can a Notary Refuse My Document?
The Arizona Secretary of State outlines specific mandatory and optional grounds for refusal such as:
- The signer is not physically present before the notary at the time of notarization.
- The notary cannot verify the identity of the signer through proper identification or credible identifying witnesses.
- The document is incomplete or contains uncompleted blank spaces (e.g., missing dates, pages, or required information).
- The notary is named as a party in the document, is a signer themselves, or has a direct financial/beneficial interest in the transaction.
Important note: Getting your document notarized is required to make your document valid. Filling out the document is not enough — it must be notarized.
Next Step: Complete Your Document
Online notary appointments are fast and convenient and no travel is required. You can meet with an online notary from your home or office at a time that works best for you.
- Prepare your document and ensure all fields are completed (but leave your signature blank).
- Find your valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID.
- Book your notary appointment — in person, mobile, or online.
- Meet with your notary, sign your document, and receive your completed document with an official seal.
The entire online process can be completed in about 10 minutes — from any device, from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection.
Ready to complete your document? Book an online notary appointment and have your documents commissioned in minutes — no office appointment needed.
Conclusion
There are at least ten ways to find Arizona notary services — selecting a type that meets your needs doesn’t have to slow you down. Free options like public libraries can work if there happens to be a notary available when you need service. And there are plenty of paid options if you don’t mind driving to the office. But only one lets you finish in minutes from your couch or your kitchen table. Book an online notary appointment and can get your documents commissioned in minutes from wherever you are.
