Notary Public Permit Requirements in Phoenix, AZ
Complete permit and license guide for starting a notary public in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .
Federal — start here
1 stopEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you operate as an LLC/corporation or have employees. Sole proprietor notaries with no employees may use their SSN.
Official government sourceFreeImmediate (online)
Free
Immediate (online)
State of Arizona
3 stopsArizona Notary Commission
Apply online through the Arizona Secretary of State to become a notary. Must complete an application, provide a $5,000 surety bond, and pay the filing fee. Commission lasts 4 years.
Official government source$43 (filing fee) + bond cost4–6 weeks
$43 (filing fee) + bond cost
4–6 weeks
Arizona Notary Surety Bond ($5,000)
Required for all Arizona notaries. Must be filed with the Secretary of State before receiving your commission.
Official government source$20–$50 for 4 years1–3 days
$20–$50 for 4 years
1–3 days
Notary Errors & Omissions Insurance (Recommended)
While not required in Arizona, E&O insurance protects notaries from financial losses due to unintentional mistakes. Coverage of $25,000–$100,000 typically costs $40–$80/year. The National Notary Association offers bundled packages.
$40–$80/yearImmediate
$40–$80/year
Immediate
City of Phoenix / Maricopa County
1 stopPhoenix — No General Business License (regulated activities only)
The City of Phoenix does not have or issue a general business license. The Phoenix City Clerk's License Services section licenses only specific regulated activities (amusements, auctions, curb painters, escort bureaus, massage establishments, sexually oriented businesses, and vending). Most businesses need no Phoenix city license at all; if you make taxable sales you must hold an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue ($12 state license per location plus a $50 Phoenix city license fee, both administered by AZDOR).
Official government source$0 — no general business license exists; Arizona TPT license (if making taxable sales): $12 state + $50 Phoenix city license fee via AZDOR1–3 weeks
$0 — no general business license exists; Arizona TPT license (if making taxable sales): $12 state + $50 Phoenix city license fee via AZDOR
1–3 weeks
Terminus
Open for business — est. $75–$350 · 2–4 weeks to complete all steps and receive commission
Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?