Becoming a mobile notary gives you access to a flexible career. You can be your own boss, providing notary services wherever clients require them. You’ll provide a vital service to individuals and organizations in your community. Although becoming a notary is relatively straightforward, it’s important to understand what to expect clearly.

When you partner with the right training and supply partner, you’ll always feel confident that you can get the training you need and the tools you love to complete your work. This blog will outline the steps required to become a mobile notary in Arizona.

What Does an Arizona Notary Public Do?

The duties of a notary public include witnessing signatures on official documents and verifying signers’ identities. The Secretary of State oversees notaries and handles the commissioning of new applicants. Arizona notaries can witness jurats, acknowledgments, oaths and affirmations, and copy certifications.

This is a wide range, and you can also choose a niche that matches your background and interests, such as finance or real estate.

Who Can Become a Notary Public in Arizona?

To become a notary public in Arizona, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be 18 years or older.
  • Be a U.S. citizen/permanent legal resident.
  • Be an Arizona resident for tax purposes.
  • Be fluent in reading and writing English.
  • Be qualified to obtain a commission (see A.R.S. § 41-271).

Steps to Become an Arizona Notary Public

If you decide to become a mobile notary in Arizona and meet the eligibility requirements, here are the steps needed to obtain your goal:

  1. Verify you meet Arizona’s eligibility requirements: The Arizona Secretary of State will evaluate your application to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
  2. Complete the application: Fill out the application for becoming a notary public. You will likely need to provide personal information, such as your name, address, and social security number. Once you complete the application, print it out for submission.
  3. Get a $5,000 surety bond: You’ll need one to protect against unintended errors and omissions. Contact a bonding company to obtain the bond.
  4. Submit your signed Notary Application and Notary Bond form: Once you have your surety bond, you must submit your application, bond form, and filing fee to the Secretary of State. Also, you’ll need to provide original copies.
  5. Check your certificate: When you receive your commission certificate, check your name and other personal information to verify the accuracy so your stamp is correct.
  6. Buy your Notary seal, journal, and other supplies: You can purchase all the supplies you need to succeed from Nationwide Notary Bond. Remember to order a journal to track your notarizations.
  7. Get E&O insurance: Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance isn’t legally required, but you’ll be happy you invested if you ever face a lawsuit based on an unintentional error. You can get your notary insurance and bond in order before or after finishing the training.
  8. Take a notary training course: Notary training courses provide the educational foundation needed to guide you through the notarization process and relevant Arizona laws.

Why Become a Mobile Notary Public?

Here are the top advantages of becoming a mobile notary in Arizona:

  • Make Additional Income: Notaries are public officials that typically have other sources of income. However, you can increase your income significantly while performing a valuable service. As in most other states, Arizona caps how much you can charge for notarial services. The maximum fee is $10 per stamp.
  • Build your resume: If you’re looking for a career in finance, banking, law, medicine, insurance, or related fields, becoming a mobile notary will look great on your resume and may give you a competitive advantage over other applicants for the same job.
  • Move up in the workplace: Some companies value employees with their notary license because many official documents require a notary stamp. If you can save your boss a trip down the hall to the legal department or across town to the local photocopy shop, you may increase your job security or move up the ranks faster.

Is a Flexible Schedule Important to You?

As a notary, you can set your own schedule. You choose which jobs to accept or decline based on your preference and comfort level. If you have another career, want to stay home with your family, or have a small business, this is an ideal way to expand your income without interfering with your primary responsibilities. Do you want to work weekends or evenings? That’s ideal for working customers who can’t come to you during the day. Alternatively, you can specialize in commercial notary services and travel to clients during the day.

Renewing Your Notary Public

The requirements for renewing a notary public license are relatively simple. Make sure that you keep track of the expiration date on your stamp. Apply well in advance to avoid a lapse in your commission. 

It’s important to apply as early as possible to avoid costly penalties. This is also an excellent time to schedule continuing education courses that help you stay updated with the latest laws and best practices pertaining to your commission. Additionally, you should check your notary seal or stamp. Order a new one to ensure you make the right impression on your clients, which is essential to maximize your income.

Where Can You Get the Training and Tools You Need to Succeed?

It’s important to partner with the right company to get your commission and keep it current. Contact Nationwide Notary Bond to learn more about becoming a mobile notary in Arizona. You’ll find all the training, resources, and supplies you need to start and help your business thrive!