A.R.S. § 33-501 addresses the recognition of notarial acts outside of Arizona when the documents at issue are intended to be used in Arizona. In most cases it will be easy to have a document notarized in another state and that notariztion will be recognized in Arizona. If the document needs be notarized in a foreign country, however, you should be careful to ensure that the requirements of section 33-501 are met. The statute states:
For the purposes of this article, "notarial acts" means acts which the laws and regulations of this state authorize notaries public of this state to perform, including the administering of oaths and affirmations, taking proof of execution and acknowledgments of instruments, and attesting documents. Notarial acts may be performed outside this state for use in this state with the same effect as if performed by a notary public of this state by the following persons authorized pursuant to the laws and regulations of other governments in addition to any other person authorized by the laws and regulations of this state:
1. A notary public authorized to perform notarial acts in the place in which the act is performed.
2. A judge, clerk, or deputy clerk of any court of record in the place in which the notarial act is performed.
3. An officer of the foreign service of the United States, a consular agent, or any other person authorized by regulation of the United States department of state to perform notarial acts in the place in which the act is performed.
4. A commissioned officer in active service with the armed forces of the United States and any other person authorized by regulation of the armed forces to perform notarial acts if the notarial act is performed for one of the following or his dependents: a merchant seaman of the United States, a member of the armed forces of the United States, or any other person serving with or accompanying the armed forces of the United States.
5. Any other person authorized to perform notarial acts in the place in which the act is performed.
If you've got any questions about ensuring the recognition of a document notarized outside of Arizona, or believe that this statute has a bearing on a dispute you are involved with, I encourage you to speak with an Arizona attorney as soon as possible.