Signing checklist for Arizona

The signing steps in Arizona law, step by step. Pick your documents to see them.

Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.

Short answer

This checklist lists the signing rules in Arizona law. It does not check whether your document is valid.

Sign it Signed or marked by you, or signed in your name by another person in your conscious presence and at your direction.
Law: A.R.S. § 14-5501(D)
Notary or witnesses Sign the power of attorney in front of a notary public and one qualified witness. You acknowledge it and the witness signs a sworn affidavit before the notary, who completes a certificate under seal. The statute gives the wording of this signing certificate. A financial power of attorney needs both the witness and the notary.
Law: A.R.S. § 14-5501(D)
Who cannot witness You need one witness. The witness cannot be your agent, the agent's spouse, the agent's children, or the notary public.
Law: A.R.S. § 14-5501(D)
If it may be used for real estate If the agent signs a recordable document, the agent's affidavit of non-revocation is also recordable. A power of attorney recorded for real estate purposes needs a recorded revocation.

Choose your form Durable Health Care Power of Attorney (Life Care Planning packet; statutory sample at A.R.S. 36-3224). You do not have to use it. Official text
Law: A.R.S. §§ 36-3221, 36-3224
Sign it Dated and signed or marked by you. If you physically cannot sign, the notary or each witness must note on the document that you directly told them the document expresses your wishes.
Law: A.R.S. §§ 36-3221, 36-3222
Notary or witnesses Date and sign the health care power of attorney, then have it either notarized or signed by at least one qualified adult witness who confirms you appeared of sound mind and free from duress. Changes to it must be signed the same way.
Law: A.R.S. §§ 36-3221, 36-3222
Who cannot witness The notary or witness cannot be anyone you name to make medical decisions for you, or anyone directly involved in your health care when you sign. If only one witness signs, that witness cannot be related to you by blood, marriage or adoption and cannot be entitled to any part of your estate.
Law: A.R.S. §§ 36-3221, 36-3222

Registry (optional) Arizona Healthcare Directives Registry (AzHDR), operated by Health Current for the Arizona Department of Health Services. Fee: Free (AzHDR registration agreement). Official text
Law: A.R.S. §§ 36-3291 to 36-3295
Give copies to the right people Keep the signed documents in a safe place and give copies to your health care proxy and your doctors. Some states have registries that store an advance directive for doctors and your proxy.

This checklist lists the signing rules in Arizona law. It does not check whether your document is valid.