How to Become a Notary in Alabama

A notary public is an official of the state who witnesses the signing of important documents and verifies the identity of the signer(s). If you’re interested in becoming a notary public in Alabama, here’s what you need to do.

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Introduction

The first step to becoming a notary in Alabama is to meet the state’s requirements. According to the Alabama Notary Handbook, you must be:
-18 years of age or older
-A legal resident of Alabama or a resident of a neighboring state who works in Alabama
-Able to read and write English
-Not have been convicted of a felony

If you meet all of these requirements, you can begin the process of becoming a notary by contacting the probate judge in the county where you live or work. The judge will provide you with an application, which you must complete and return along with the required fee.

After your application has been processed, you will be scheduled for an oath ceremony during which you will take the oath of office and receive your notary commission. Once you have received your commission, you can begin performing notarial acts.

What is a Notary Public?

A notary public is an official of the state who witnesses the signing of important documents and verifies the identity of the person or persons who sign them. Notaries public also take acknowledgments of deeds, administer oaths and affirmations, and certify copies of certain documents.

The powers and duties of notaries public vary from state to state. In Alabama, notaries are appointed by the probate judge in each county in which they choose to serve. The probate judge may remove a notary from office for cause.

To become a notary in Alabama, you must:
-Be at least 18 years old
-Be a resident of Alabama or employed in Alabama
-Be able to read and write English
-Not have been convicted of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude

The Appointment and Qualifications Process

To become a notary public in Alabama, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal resident of the state, and able to read and write English. You must also have no felony convictions.

You must complete an application form provided by the Alabama Secretary of State’s office, which you can find online or pick up in person. The form must be notarized and accompanied by a $36 filing fee. Once your application is processed, you will be scheduled for an appointment with a Notary Commissioning Specialist.

At your appointment, you will take an oath of office and pay a $66 commission fee. You will then be given your official seal and certificate of commission. You are now ready to begin notarizing documents!

The Notary Public Commission

To become a Notary Public in Alabama, you must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of Alabama or employed in Alabama. You must also complete an approved Notary public education course and pass a written examination within one year prior to making application to the Secretary of State’s office.

Applications may be obtained from the Secretary of State’s office or by visiting our website at alabamasecretaryofstate.gov. The Notary public education courses currently approved by the Secretary of State’s office can be found on our website.

Notary Public Duties

A notary public is a person appointed by the state to serve the public as an impartial witness in the taking of acknowledgments, depositions, oaths and affirmations, and in witnessing or attesting signatures on documents. A notary’s primary duty is to prevent fraud by making sure that the person signing a document is who they say they are.

In order to be appointed as a notary public in Alabama, you must:

-Be at least 18 years old
-Be a legal resident of Alabama
-Be able to read and write English
-Have no criminal record
-Take a notary public course approved by the Secretary of State’s office
-Pass a written examination administered by the Secretary of State’s office
-Submit a bond in the amount of $7,500

Notary Public Fees

Notary publics in Alabama must charge a fees for performing notarial acts, which are set by state law. The maximum allowable fees are as follows:

-For taking an acknowledgment or proof of a deed, instrument, or writing: $2
-For certifying a copy of any record or file in the office of any public officer: $1
-For administering an oath or affirmation: $1
-For protesting a note: $2
-For all other services rendered: $2

Notarizing Documents

In order to notarize a document, the notary must witness the signing of the document by the person who isinstrumental in executing the transaction. The notary must also administer an oath or affirmation tothe signer regarding the truthfulness of the statements made in the document, if such is required by law.After witnessing the signing of the document and, if required, administering an oath or affirmation tothe signer, the notary public must then complete and sign his or her official journal entry.

Notary Public Journals

All notaries public in Alabama are required to maintain a Notary Public Journal in which the notary shall enter the following information for each official act:
-The date and time of the notarial act.
-The type of notarial act performed.
-The printed name, signature, and address of each person requesting the notarial act.
-The capacity in which each person requesting the notarial act appeared. For example: as principal, attesting witness, agent, etc.
-The fees charged for each notarial act, if any.

Notary Public Record Books

Notaries public in Alabama are required to maintain a record book (also called a journal). The record book must:

-Be bound
-Have lined pages
-Be numbered consecutively

The following information must be entered into the record book for each notarization:

-The type of notarization performed
-The date of the notarization
-The signer’s name and address
-The capacity in which the signer appeared, if applicable
-A brief description of the document being notarized, if applicable
-The fee charged, if any
-A statement indicating whether the notary administered an oath or affirmation

Notary Public Official Stamps and Seals

All Notaries in Alabama must have an embossing seal of their office. The Notary’s name, county of residence, and the words “Notary Public” must appear on the seal. Stamps may be purchased from any number of vendors, but remember that you are responsible for its accuracy and for any errors that may appear on documents you notarize.

Notary Public Errors and Omissions Insurance

If you are commissioned as a notary public in Alabama, you are required to maintain a $10,000 errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy. This insurance protects you against any damages that may result from any mistakes or omissions that you make while performing your duties as a notary.

Notary Public Renewals

Each notary public’s 4-year appointment expires on December 31 of the 4th year of the appointment. The Alabama Secretary of State will mail each notary a Renewal Notice approximately 60 days prior to the expiration date. The notice will be sent to the address of record for the notary.

If you need to update your address, please complete the Address Change Form and return it to our office. You may also update your address by logging into your Notary Public Profile.

Notaries public who fail to renew their commission prior to its expiration date may not perform any further notarial acts and are subject to a $25 late fee if they submit a late renewal application within 60 days after their commission expires.