Arizona’s New Notary-Journal Thumbprint Requirement Begins September 26, 2026

Arizona has enacted a new notarial-journal requirement intended to help deter deed fraud and strengthen the record of certain high-risk signings. Beginning September 26, 2026, a notary handling specified documents must obtain the signer’s fingerprint in the notary journal. The requirement was created by Senate Bill 1479, 57th Legislature, Second Regular Session, Chapter 31 (2026), which amended A.R.S. § 41-254. A.R.S. § 41-254

What documents are covered?

The new requirement applies when a notarized document is:

  • A deed;

  • A quitclaim deed;

  • A deed of trust;

  • Another document that affects real property; or

  • A power of attorney.

For these documents, the signing party must place the party’s right thumbprint in the notary’s journal. A.R.S. § 41-254(C)

If the signer cannot provide a right thumbprint

The statute provides alternatives rather than treating the absence of a right thumbprint as an automatic barrier to notarization:

  • If the signer’s right thumbprint is unavailable, the notary must use the left thumb or another available finger and note that fact in the journal.

  • If the signer is physically unable to provide any thumbprint or fingerprint, the notary must note that inability in the journal and explain the physical condition. A.R.S. § 41-254(C)

Exceptions

The thumbprint requirement does not apply to:

  • A trustee’s deed resulting from a judicial or nonjudicial foreclosure;

  • A deed of release and reconveyance; or

  • A compliant remote notarization, provided the notary journal contains the signer’s identification-credential number and the notary retains the audiovisual recording for at least seven years. A.R.S. § 41-254(D)

Practical takeaways for signers and professionals

If you are signing a covered real-estate document or power of attorney after September 26, plan for the notary to request a journal thumbprint. Notaries should ensure that their journals and procedures accommodate the statutory requirement, including the alternative-fingerprint and physical-inability documentation procedures. Attorneys, title professionals, lenders, and estate-planning professionals should update client instructions and closing or signing checklists accordingly.

This new requirement is part of SB 1479’s broader set of measures addressing real-property recording, identification, and forged documents. SB 1479, Chapter 31 (2026)

This article provides general information about Arizona law and is not legal advice. Requirements can vary based on the document and the manner of notarization.

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