Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions. MyAnswers. Nevermore Worries.

Not sure what to expect from a notarization? You're not alone. Here are some of the questions I hear most often.

What does an Arizona Notary Actually Do?

A notary public is an impartial public officer who helps protect the integrity of documents by verifying a signer's identity, witnessing signatures or acknowledgments, administering oaths and affirmations, and performing authorized notarial acts.

A notary does not determine whether your document is legally appropriate for your situation or provide legal advice.

Do All Notarizations have to be in person?

Yes, for a traditional notarization.

Arizona law generally requires the individual making a statement or signing a record to personally appear before the notary.

Arizona also permits Remote Online Notarization (RON) for properly commissioned remote notaries, where the signer appears before the notary using approved audio-visual technology.

Can you notarize an electronic document?

Yes, depending on the type of notarization and the notary's commission.

Arizona recognizes electronic notarization, where an electronic document is notarized in person, as well as Remote Online Notarization for notaries who hold the appropriate commission.

Remote notarization uses audio-visual technology to allow the signer to appear before the notary remotely.

Can you notarize a document for someone who is in another state?

For a traditional Arizona notarization, the notary must be physically located in Arizona when performing the notarial act.

For Remote Online Notarization, an Arizona remote notary may notarize for a signer who is physically outside Arizona, including someone in another country, provided the notary is physically located in Arizona and all applicable requirements are satisfied.

What do I need for my identification?

Your notary must establish your identity through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence of identity.

Common forms of identification include an unexpired U.S. passport or a state-issued driver's license or identification license. Arizona law also provides for certain other forms of government-issued identification and specific exceptions.

If you're unsure whether your identification will work, ask before your appointment.

Can A Notary Refuse to Notarize My Document?

Absolutely- Under these grounds-

Arizona law permits a notarial officer to refuse a notarial act

  • is not satisfied that the individual has the capacity or competence to execute the record

  • The signer is not physically present (unless the Notary is performing a remote online notarization)

  • or that the signature is being made unknowingly and involuntarily. Other legal requirements may also require or permit a refusal.

  • The notary believes the signer is disoriented, heavily intoxicated, coerced, or does not understand what they are

  • The document contains blank spaces, missing pages, or lacks a notarial certificate and the signer cannot instruct the notary on what is needed

  • The signer cannot provide acceptable, government-issued photo identification or be properly identified by the notary.

  • The notary is a signer, a party to the transaction, or has a direct financial or beneficial interest in the outcome

  • The signer does not speak the same language as the Notary, unless the Notary's state authorizes the use of translators or interpreters

  • The signer is unwilling to swear or affirm the contents of the document for notarizations that require an oath or affirmation

  • The document does not contain a notarial certificate, and the signer either cannot or will not instruct the Notary which type of notarial certificate is required

  • The signer is unable or unwilling to pay the required fee

  • The act being requested is not an authorized notarial act

  • The request is made outside of regular office hours

A refusal does not necessarily mean there is something wrong with your document.

It may mean that a requirement for the notarial act has not been met.

Sources:

https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2015/07/when--no-and-when-refusing-not-allowed

https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/summary/S.1226COM_ASPASSEDCOW.DOCX.htm

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How Much Does A Notarization Cost In Arizona?

Short Answer- $10.

Arizona law and rules limit a notary's fee for a notarial act to no more than $10 per notary public signature, although a notary may charge less or no fee.

Additional mileage charges may be permitted when a notary travels to perform a notarization. At Nevermore Notary, I charge the required 62.5 cents per mile. There is a standard fee added as well for the cost of business operations. These fees are separate from the $10 fee and the 62.5 cents per mile varies per client appointment per visit required.

* If you have any further questions on Nevermore Notary’s fees, please contact nicoletta@nevermorenotary.com. *

Do I sign my document before I see the notary?

It depends on the type of notarization.

For an acknowledgment, a document may already be signed when you appear before the notary. You acknowledge that the signature is yours.

For a jurat, you sign the document in the notary's presence after taking an oath or affirmation.

When you're unsure, leave the document unsigned and ask your notary before signing.

Can My Notary Tell Me If My Document Is Legally Correct?

Can an Arizona Notary be A Witness To My Document?

Sometimes, but not automatically.

Witness requirements come from the document or the underlying transaction. A notary’s role as a notary is separate from serving as a witness.

if your document requires witnesses, confirm those requirements with any courts, lawyer, or attorney.

Why is a raven like a writing desk?

Well, a raven is like a writing desk because the desk caws and carries creativity. It is host to the wildest ideas, but also the most complex problems. A raven is like a writing desk because even though it seems inanimate it can be host to the most animated minds- such as that of a mad hatters.

Absolutely Not.

A notary verifies the information required for the notarial act. The notary does not review the legal sufficiency, accuracy, or effect of your document.

Questions about the meaning or legal consequences of a document should be directed to an attorney or other appropriate professional.

Can an Arizona Notary Tell Me What Document I Need for What I Am Doing?

Short Answer- NO.

A notary can perform an authorized notarial act on a document you present, but a notary cannot choose a legal document for you, prepare your legal document, or advise you about which document is appropriate for your situation.

If you aren't sure what document you need, speak with an attorney or lawyer.

Still Have Questions?

That's what I’m here for.

If you're unsure whether your document requires notarization, what to bring to your appointment, or how to prepare for your visit, contact Nicoletta before your appointment.

NEVERMORE WORRIES.

JUST NOTARIZED.

Nevermore Notary, LLC
Serving Arizona

Nevermore Notary provides notarial services and does not provide legal advice or prepare legal documents.

******This resource is provided for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Arizona notarial requirements may change. For the most current requirements, consult the Arizona Secretary of State and applicable Arizona law.*******