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Arizona · A.R.S. §41-254(C)Arizona notary thumbprint rule: deeds, deeds of trust and powers of attorney

When an Arizona notary notarizes a deed, quitclaim deed, deed of trust, other document affecting real property, or a power of attorney, the notary must have the signer place the right thumbprint in the notary's journal; if it isn't available, the left thumb or another finger, noted in the journal; if the signer physically can't, the notary notes and explains it (A.R.S. §41-254(C)). The rule doesn't apply to a trustee's deed from a foreclosure, a deed of release and reconveyance, or a remote notarization where the journal includes the signer's ID credential number and the recording is kept at least seven years (§41-254(D)). Each journal entry also records the date, document, signer's name and address, the evidence of identity and the fee (§41-319(A)).

The rules

  1. 1. Which documents (§41-254(C))

    Deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, other real property documents, powers of attorney.

  2. 2. Which finger (§41-254(C))

    Right thumb; else left thumb or another finger, noted; inability explained.

  3. 3. Exceptions (§41-254(D))

    Foreclosure trustee's deed; release and reconveyance; qualifying remote act.

  4. 4. Journal entry (§41-319(A))

    Date, document, name and address, ID evidence, fee.

What the TC can do

  • Tell sellers and buyers signing the deed or deed of trust that the notary will take a thumbprint.
  • For a signer who can't give a thumbprint, let the notary know ahead of the signing.
  • For a remote signing, confirm the notary will record the ID number and keep the recording seven years.

Questions about the Arizona notary thumbprint

Does an Arizona mortgage release need the thumbprint?

Not a deed of release and reconveyance, which is listed as an exception (A.R.S. §41-254(D)(2)).

Is the thumbprint required for a power of attorney used at closing?

Yes, a power of attorney document is covered (A.R.S. §41-254(C)).

Related guides

Add the signing appointment as a task in ClosingCode, with an owner and a due date.

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Source: Arizona Revised Statutes §§41-254 and 41-319 (azleg.gov, read October 28, 2026).

General information, not legal advice. ClosingCode is software; it is not a law firm or brokerage. This guide is not a substitute for the advice or services of an attorney.