Certain documents require notarizations in an effort to deter fraud, to prove authenticity of the signature and to ensure that the signature was made willingly and not under duress. 

An Arizona commissioned Notary needs to take the required steps to authenticate the identity of the signer, the signature and ensure that all notarizations are properly executed according to the laws, rules and regulations for notaries by the State of Arizona.

It is essential that a valid form of identification (as defined in statutes of Arizona law) is presented to the notary at the time of the signing to determine that a signer is who he or she claims to be. For remote notarizations, a third party knowledge based authentication service is used along with credential analysis to ensure the identity of the signer.

At Drake Sign & Seal,  we are commissioned in Arizona, are insured and bonded,  and practice their profession at the highest standards.

Yes, we offer same-day appointments based on availability. Contact us to schedule your appointment.

To schedule a mobile notary service, simply contact us with your location and preferred time. We'll take care of the rest.

We can notarize a variety of documents such as Divorce & Family Law Documents, Acknowledgments, Deeds, and   Affidavits & Sworn Statements, Contracts & Agreements , Power of Attorney , Wills & Trusts. Contact us for specific inquiries.

ompliance:  A notary shall identify the signer of a document.  This is referred to as satisfactory evidence of identity. (A.R.S. 41-311)

Here are the only acceptable evidence of identification accepted (as of January 18, 2024).

1.  Personal knowledge of the individual by the notary:  A notary can use personal knowledge of the signer if the notary has known the individual for a sufficient length of time and the notary is assured that the signer has the identity claimed. The notary does not need to request other forms of identification from the individual.

2.  Driver License or Non-operating Identification License:  Unexpired and issued by a state or territory of the United States.

3.  U.S. Passport:  Unexpired and issued by the United States Department of State. (Currently US Passports are not accepted for Credential Analysis by third party vendors, but may be used for electronic and mobile notarizations.)

4.  Armed Forces Identification Card:  Unexpired and issued by any branch of the United States Armed Forces.

5.  Inmate Identification Card or any form of inmate identification: Inmate must be in custody of State Department of Corrections or County Sheriff's Department and issued by the Arizona Department of Corrections or County Sheriff's Department.

6.  Other Government Issued Identification Cards: unexpired, contains the signer's photograph, signature and physical description including height, weight, eye color and hair color.  The card must be issued by the United States government, a state or U.S. territory, or tribal government.

7. Credible Person/Credible Witness:  If a notary does not know the signer personally and the signer does not have a valid ID, the notary can use a credible person to identify the signer.  A credible person must always be someone who knows the signer personally (also referred to as a credible witness [ARS 41-311(11)(A)(vii) and (viii)])   There are two types of credible persons:

     a.  Someone whom the notary knows and who also knows the signer.  Satisfactory evidence of identity of the credible person is 
          personal knowledge.  The credible person is placed under oath to swear or affirm that the signer has the identity claimed.

     b.  Someone whom the notary does not know personally but who personally knows the signer.  The credible person must
          present the notary with an ID card that meets one of the above requirements.

8.  Certain Foreign ID is acceptable for Real Estate Transfer and Financing. Please discuss this directly with your notary.

Other Questions this FAQ Answers:
What is a Credible Person or Credible Witness?
Does the notary need to know the Credible Person or Credible Witness?
Does the signer need to know the Credible Person or Credible Witness

1. During our initial call, we will need to know:

    a.  How many documents require notarization?
    b.  What is your time frame?
    c.  Have you secured your credible witnesses if required?
    d.  Do you have the proper ID for the notarization process?
    e.  Are you over 18?

2.  To secure and finalize your appointment, you will receive an electronic invoice from us that must be paid in advance to schedule your appointment.

When the Notary Arrives:

1. Provide the notary with the documents to be signed and notarized for review to determine:
           a.  Is there an adjustment due to the invoice (to be paid prior to the start of the notarization process)? Pay the difference via Zelle or Paypal to the Notary.
           b.  Does the notary need to add any state forms for Jurat, Acknowledgment or Certified Copies? You must tell the notary directly which notarial certificate you require - the notary may not answer this question only explain the differences between the certificates.

2.  Provide the notary with the proper identification and sign the Notary Log Book.

3.  Fill in Signatures, Initials, dates and blanks where required on the document, and then the notary will provide the certification and stamp.

We are unable to provide you with legal advice on any legal matter or process.  Our only responsibility is to provide notary services.