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Arizona · A.R.S. §§41-254, 41-263Arizona remote online notarization: identity, the recording and the deed thumbprint exception

A notary located in Arizona may notarize by communication technology – simultaneous sight and sound – for a remotely located signer if the notary knows the signer personally, has a credible witness's oath, or uses at least two different types of identity proofing; can confirm the record is the one the signer signed; and makes an audio-visual recording (A.R.S. §41-263(B)). A signer outside the United States qualifies only if the record involves property in the U.S. or relates to a U.S. matter and the notary has no knowledge the act is prohibited there (§41-263(B)(4)). The certificate must say the act used communication technology (§41-263(C)), and the recording is kept at least five years (§41-263(E)). Before the first remote act the notary notifies the Secretary of State and names the technology (§41-263(F)). For a deed, deed of trust or power of attorney, Arizona requires a thumbprint in the notary's journal, but a remote act is exempt if the journal holds the signer's ID credential number and the recording is kept at least seven years (§41-254(C)–(D)).

The rules

  1. 1. Who and where (§41-263(B))

    Notary in Arizona; signer anywhere, abroad only for U.S. property or matters.

  2. 2. Identity (§41-263(B)(1))

    Personal knowledge, a credible witness, or two types of identity proofing.

  3. 3. Certificate (§41-263(C)–(D))

    States that the act used communication technology.

  4. 4. Recording (§41-263(E))

    Kept at least five years; seven to skip the deed thumbprint (§41-254(D)).

  5. 5. Notice (§41-263(F))

    Notary notifies the Secretary of State before the first remote act.

What the TC can do

  • Ask the title company and lender early whether they'll close with an Arizona remote notary.
  • For a deed or power of attorney signed remotely, confirm the notary records the ID number and keeps the recording seven years.
  • For a signer abroad, confirm the document involves the U.S. property being sold.
  • Schedule the remote session as a task with the signer's ID ready.

Questions about Arizona remote online notarization

Does a remote Arizona notarization of a deed need a thumbprint?

No, if the journal includes the signer's identification credential number and the notary keeps the recording at least seven years (A.R.S. §41-254(D)(3)).

Can a seller abroad sign Arizona closing documents remotely?

Yes, if the record involves property in the United States or a U.S. matter and the notary doesn't know the act is prohibited where the signer is (A.R.S. §41-263(B)(4)).

Will the county recorder accept a paper copy of an electronic deed?

Yes, if the notarial officer certifies the paper copy is an accurate copy of the electronic record (A.R.S. §41-268(C)).

Related guides

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

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Source: Arizona Revised Statutes §§41-254, 41-263, 41-268 and 41-276 (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.