RON Authorization in Arizona
Arizona has authorized Remote Online Notarization since 2017 (effective 2018) under ARS §41-331 et seq.. To perform RON in Arizona, a notary must hold a current Arizona commission and obtain separate electronic notarization authorization from the Secretary of State. The standard commission alone does not authorize remote notarizations. The authorization process requires designating the approved RON platform you will use — switching platforms requires updating your authorization.
Arizona RON Quick Facts
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| RON authorized since | 2017 (effective 2018) |
| Governing law | ARS §41-331 et seq. |
| Platform requirement | Must be registered with Arizona Secretary of State |
| KBA identity verification | Yes |
| Credential analysis | Yes |
| Journal + recording retention | 5 years |
| Verify current rules at | azsos.gov |
Arizona's RON Framework in Practice
Arizona was among the earlier states to authorize Remote Online Notarization, doing so through statutory amendments in 2017 that took effect in 2018. The Arizona Secretary of State maintains a list of approved RON platforms, and notaries performing remote notarizations must use only platform providers on that approved list. Using an unapproved platform — even one that produces otherwise valid electronic records — creates a compliance problem that could invalidate the notarization.
Identity Verification for Arizona RON
Arizona requires two methods of identity verification for RON transactions: credential analysis (the signer uploads a photo of their government-issued ID which is analyzed for authenticity) and knowledge-based authentication (KBA), which presents the signer with multiple-choice questions drawn from public records databases. Both must be passed successfully before the notarization proceeds.
KBA has known limitations for signers with thin public records — young borrowers, recent immigrants, or people who have lived off the credit grid. If a signer fails KBA, the RON cannot proceed on that platform. The title company should be notified immediately so they can arrange an in-person alternative.
Arizona RON Record Requirements
Arizona notaries performing RON must maintain:
- A secure electronic journal of each RON notarial act
- An audio-visual recording of each RON session
- Both records retained for a minimum of 5 years from the date of the notarial act
- Records must be accessible for inspection by the Secretary of State upon request
Most approved RON platforms maintain these records automatically. However, it is the notary's — not the platform's — legal responsibility to ensure records are retained. Before committing to a RON platform, verify: (1) what records they retain, (2) for how long, (3) what happens to your records if you switch platforms or if the platform company closes. Get these terms in writing or confirmed in the platform's terms of service.
Lender Acceptance of Arizona RON
State authorization of RON is a necessary but not sufficient condition for using RON on a specific transaction. Individual lenders and title companies set their own policies about which closing methods they accept. Even in Arizona — a state with years of RON history — some lenders require in-person notarization for specific loan types.
Before accepting any RON assignment in Arizona, confirm with the title company that the specific lender on this transaction accepts RON-notarized documents. For FHA and VA loans, government agency overlays sometimes restrict RON even where state law permits it. This confirmation should happen before the appointment is scheduled, not after the signer has logged into the platform.
Right of Rescission in Arizona RON Sessions
The federal 3-day right of rescission applies to RON-executed refinances and HELOCs on primary residences exactly as it applies to in-person closings. In a RON session, the notary must deliver the Notice of Right to Cancel electronically and obtain the signer's acknowledgment of receipt. The rescission period begins on the date of the electronic signing. Lenders have specific requirements about how electronic delivery of the rescission notice is documented — confirm the procedure with the title company before the session.
Arizona Notary Commission and RON Authorization
An Arizona notary who wishes to perform RON must hold a current Arizona notary commission and obtain separate electronic notarization authorization from the Secretary of State. The standard 4-year Arizona commission does not automatically authorize RON. The authorization application requires designation of the technology platform the notary will use. Switching platforms after authorization requires notification to the Secretary of State.
What Is KBA and Why It Sometimes Fails
Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) is a real-time identity verification method that presents signers with multiple-choice questions drawn from public records — prior addresses, vehicles registered in their name, former employers or associates. The signer must answer correctly within a time limit, typically 2–3 minutes for 5 questions.
KBA fails for certain signer profiles: people with thin public records (young adults, recent immigrants, or individuals who have lived off the credit system), people who have recently moved or changed their information significantly, and occasionally people who are simply nervous and second-guess correct answers. When KBA fails, the RON session cannot proceed on most platforms. The title company must be notified immediately so they can arrange an in-person alternative.
This limitation means RON is not a universal solution — it works well for the majority of borrowers but will occasionally require an in-person fallback. Building both RON capability and in-person capacity ensures you can serve any transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Arizona has authorized Remote Online Notarization since 2017 (effective 2018) under ARS §41-331 et seq.. Notaries must obtain separate RON authorization from the Secretary of State, use an approved platform, and maintain electronic journal and audio-visual recording for 5 years.
Yes. A standard Arizona commission does not automatically authorize RON. You must apply for and receive electronic notarization authorization from the Secretary of State separately, designating the approved platform you will use.
State authorization does not guarantee lender acceptance. Individual lenders set their own policies. Always confirm with the title company that the specific lender accepts RON before scheduling a remote session.
RON is conducted through a specialized approved platform — not via a standard video call. You need a computer with a working camera and microphone, a reliable high-speed internet connection, and an active account with a Arizona Secretary of State-approved RON platform. Each platform has its own system requirements.
RON platform fees (typically $25–$35 per session) reduce net income per appointment compared to in-person signings. However, RON eliminates mileage and travel time costs, which can improve effective hourly rate for high-volume agents. Most signing agents treat RON as a supplement to in-person work rather than a replacement. See our income estimator to model your specific situation.