Yes, a notary is required.
Sworn before a notary public: the Pulaski County Clerk's version of the affidavit ends with a notary's jurat.
In the source's wording
"SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me"
From the sources listed below, checked November 2026.
What else the signing needs
- Value limit
- The estate, not counting the homestead and the statutory allowances for the surviving spouse or minor children, can't be more than $100,000. Real estate other than the homestead counts; when there's real estate, notice must be published within 30 days after filing (Nolo's summary).
"one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000)"
- Waiting period
- More than 45 days after the death.
"More than forty-five (45) days have elapsed since decedent's death."
- Where it goes
- The affidavit is filed with the probate court; the clerk certifies a copy, and that certified copy is what banks and others act on.
"upon furnishing a copy of this Affidavit, certified by the clerk, to any person owing any money"
- Official form
- Form 23, Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate by Distributee. The state judiciary's official probate form, with the clerk's certificate on it. Open the official form
- Other simplified route
- Distribution without administration (Form 23). The small estate procedure itself: the affidavit is filed with the probate court, the clerk certifies it, and the holder releases the property on the certified copy.
- Surviving spouse
- The homestead and the statutory allowances for the surviving spouse or minor children are left out of the $100,000.
"the homestead of and statutory allowances for the benefit of the surviving spouse or minor children"
Next step
Sign by video with our New Jersey notary while you're in Arkansas, 7 AM to 9 PM Eastern, seven days a week, by appointment. New Jersey law lets a New Jersey notary notarize for a signer located in another state (N.J.S.A. 52:7-10.10).
Handling an estate from far away? Estate paperwork help near where the estate is.
Ask the bank, holder or court that will receive the affidavit whether it accepts an electronically notarized one.
Notarize it online ($50 per session) Request a mobile notary in Arkansas
Booking sends a request; we confirm the time and the price before you pay.
In person, we look for a notary commissioned in Arkansas near you; you approve the price first.
If a local notary in Arkansas does it: A reasonable fee, disclosed to and agreed by the client before the act, according to the 2025 Handbook; no dollar cap confirmed, under the state's fee rules (Arkansas notary fees).
Get it notarized online today
Online notary: open now until 9 PM ET · sessions by appointment · times confirmed by email
A New Jersey notary can notarize this with you on a video call, wherever you are in the U.S. $50 for the session, $10 for each extra signer. Any other fee shows in the booking form before you confirm. Open 7 am to 9 pm ET, every day, by appointment.
What you need
- A valid government photo ID
- A computer or phone with a camera
- The unsigned document
Our certificate states the act was performed using communication technology, as New Jersey law requires. What it must say
Most U.S. recipients accept a remotely notarized document; check with whoever will receive it. What to ask them · Several signers
Sources
- Arkansas Judiciary official probate form 23: Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate by Distributee (checked November 2026)
- Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Arkansas (Nolo, updated 4/24/2024) (checked November 2026)
- Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate (Pulaski County Circuit/County Clerk, as of January 1, 2019) (checked November 2026)
Sourced from official pages; a few facts from vetted secondary sources, marked "(secondary source)".
We are not lawyers, and this is general information, not legal advice. Checked November 2026. Rules change, and whoever receives the document decides what it accepts; we can't guarantee acceptance.
Common questions
Is a notary required for a Arkansas small estate affidavit?
Yes, a notary is required. Sworn before a notary public: the Pulaski County Clerk's version of the affidavit ends with a notary's jurat.
What is the small estate limit in Arkansas?
The estate, not counting the homestead and the statutory allowances for the surviving spouse or minor children, can't be more than $100,000. Real estate other than the homestead counts; when there's real estate, notice must be published within 30 days after filing (Nolo's summary).
How long after a death can the Arkansas affidavit be used?
More than 45 days after the death.
Is the Arkansas affidavit filed with a court?
The affidavit is filed with the probate court; the clerk certifies a copy, and that certified copy is what banks and others act on.
Can I sign the Arkansas affidavit with an online notary?
Our New Jersey notary can notarize it by video while you're in Arkansas. Ask the bank, holder or court that will receive it whether it accepts an electronically notarized affidavit.
What does a notary charge in Arkansas?
A reasonable fee, disclosed to and agreed by the client before the act, according to the 2025 Handbook; no dollar cap confirmed, under the state's fee rules. A mobile notary may add a travel fee; ask for the total first.
Keep going
- Eligibility checker
- Small estate rules in every state
- A power of attorney in Arkansas
- A will in Arkansas
A small estate affidavit in another state: Arizona · California · every state