Renewing your notary commission in the state of Arizona is the same process as becoming a notary for the first time. You will need to complete an application form, purchase a notary bond and order a notary seal. If you renew your commission before it expires, you should be able to continue serving as a notary without interruption. If you do not renew your commission before it expires, you will not be able to offer notary services until your commission is renewed.

Renew Notary Commission

Renew your notary commission within 60 days of the expiration date to be able to continue notary duties without interruption. While you can apply for renewal after your commission expires, the renewal process can take several weeks for processing. During this time, you will not be allowed to witness the signing of any documents. If you forget to renew within this time period, you can expedite the process by paying an additional processing fee of $25. Turnaround time for expedited renewal is between 24 and 48 hours depending on staff availability. Write "Expedite" on the envelope containing renewal materials and send to the address listed on the application form.

Application Form

Check the box marked "Reappointment" on the application form when renewing your commission. You can download this form from the Arizona Secretary of State's Office website. Fill out the form completely in order for it to be accepted. You must be at least 18 years of age, a resident of Arizona, a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States, must not have been convicted of a felony and you must not have had your notary commission suspended or revoked within the past 4 years. Enclose a check or money order for $43 for processing fees and notary bond filing fee. The application does not have to be notarized.

Notary Bond

Contact your insurance provider to purchase a new 4-year $5,000 notary bond. Do not purchase a notary bond more than 60 days before renewing your commission as it will not be considered legal by the state of Arizona. Purchase duplicate copies as an original copy is required for acceptance by the Secretary of State's Office. Keep the other copy for your records. The bond should be signed and witnessed by a notary public and include both effective and expiration dates. Send the notary bond with the application form.

Order Notary Seal

Order a new notary seal from your insurance provider, stationery store or online that includes your name (as it appears on the application and notary bond), the name of the county where you are commissioned, commission expiration date, the words "Notary Public" and the Great Seal of Arizona. Old seals can no longer be used once your commission has ended.

Source:

Azos.gov: Arizona Secretary of State

Azos.gov: Notary Public Application Instructions

More Information:

National Notary Association