Sec. of State Brewer Announces New Process for Notary Publics

Sec. of State Given New Responsibilities to accept and process Notary Bonds

PHOENIX -- Secretary of State, Jan Brewer today assumed new responsibilities with the passage of Senate Bill 1174, the notary bond bill, which was signed by the Governor and filed on April 28, 2008. Effective immediately, the bill modifies several statutes to transfer all of the powers and duties relating to notaries public, including the receipt of fees, from the Clerk of the Superior Court and county recorders to the Secretary of State.

“This bill will greatly improve customer service for all individuals who desire to receive a commission as a notary public,” stated Secretary Brewer. “The existing process was unnecessarily complicated by requiring the public to deal with two government agencies. With this new law, the process becomes much more efficient by enlisting the Secretary of State as the sole point of contact.”

Previously, individuals interested in being commissioned as a notary public by the Secretary of State ( SOS) were required to apply to the SOS and file an oath and bond with the Clerk of the Superior Court for the county in which the applicant resided. Applicants had to contact the Clerk’s Office in their county after applying first with the Secretary of State.

Also made easier, notary applicants will now only send their payment to become a notary directly to the Sec. of State office. Previously, such application fees were processed at the State, and then the Clerk required fees for bond filing and processing. Consequently, the SOS and all fifteen counties were in constant communication regarding the status of applications and bonds.

“It was very apparent to us that applicants found it difficult to determine which agency to contact at different points during the process, resulting in inefficient customer service and use of resources,” added Secretary Brewer. “With this new law, we have reduced government and made the entire application process more efficient and user friendly.”

Secretary Brewer worked closely with Arizona’s fifteen counties to get this legislation passed, noting, “wise leadership at both the state and county levels can make a positive difference even while operating under fiscal constraints.” Copies of SB 1174 are available from the Secretary of State’s Office. Call 602-542-6187 for more information.

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