2022 Arizona Revised Statutes
Title 41 - State Government
§ 41-267 - Stamping device; violation; classification

41-267. Stamping device; violation; classification

A. A notary public is responsible for the security of the notary public's stamping device and may not allow another individual to use the device to perform a notarial act. On resignation from, or the revocation or expiration of, the notary public's commission, the notary public shall disable any electronic stamping device by destroying, erasing or securing it against use in a manner that renders it unusable. On the death or adjudication of incompetency of a notary public, the notary public's personal representative or guardian or any other person knowingly in possession of any electronic stamping device shall render it unusable by destroying, erasing or securing it against use in a manner that renders it unusable.

B. A vendor of stamping devices may not provide a stamping device to an individual unless the individual presents a copy of the individual's commission. The vendor must retain the copy for four years.

C. A notary public may possess only one physical stamping device for use with notarial acts performed regarding tangible records. A notary public may possess an embosser in addition to the notary public's physical stamping device. A notary public may use an embosser only in conjunction with the notary public's physical stamping device. An embosser or an impression made by the embosser is not an official seal of office for the purposes of the laws of this state.

D. A person who knowingly violates subsection B of this section is guilty of a class 6 felony. A person who violates subsection C of this section is guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.