New Law: SBill 275 - Remote Notarization - July 1, 2021
How Do i become a notary public in alabama?
How Do I Become A Notary?
How Do I Become A Notary?
How Do I Become A Notary?
There are 67 counties in Alabama and each one has its own requirements. Some counties require that you complete an application form; others do not. Some counties require personal references. Some counties will process your request on a walk-in basis; others take 2-3 weeks.
Notaries for Alabama can help you sort out the details by answering your questions or putting you in touch with your Office of Probate. If you provide us with the name of the county you reside in, we can email you the information we have on file detailing your county's requirements and fees.
Those of you who have lots of questions and would like more assistance, consider registering for this helpful video.
What's A Bond?
How Do I Become A Notary?
How Do I Become A Notary?
Every Notary Public must purchase a Surety Bond, in the amount of $25,000 in order to receive a commission. The Notary Bond is like a tangible promise you make to the residents of Alabama, that you will fulfill the duties and obligations of a notary, in accordance with state law.
If due to past criminal history you don't qualify to be bonded, it could prevent you from becoming a notary. Purchase a Notary Surety Bond from an insurance agent, or you can purchase one here:
Michelle L. Riley
Independent Insurance Agent
Alabama License #0567331
Phone: (256) 503-6595
How Long Is A Commission?
How Do I Become A Notary?
How Long Is A Commission?
As long a you remain an Alabama Resident, and satisfy any other requirements or stipulations outlined by your county, your commission will be effective for four (4) years. At the end of that time period, you can renew the commission with a new application, bond, and renewal fee.
If you relocate to another county, you should notify your Judge of Probate. If you leave the State of Alabama you should also notify your Judge of Probate and discontinue notarizing signatures.
What Supplies do I Need?
Is There a Notary Handbook?
How Long Is A Commission?
You are required to purchase an embosser or stamp with the official Notary Seal. Wait until after your commission has been approved before ordering supplies.
You can purchase an embosser (raised seal) or an ink stamp. Both are acceptable and it really does come down to personal choice. Notaries for Alabama recommends that you also purchase a Notary Journal. Please note that Alabama does not require its notaries to use a journal; however, it is a notary best practice.
If you're wondering where you should purchase your notary supplies, look no further. Alabama Notary Warehouse offers quality supplies at a discount. Just click on the link below. Notaries for Alabama has an affiliate agreement with Alabama Notary Warehouse, and receives a commission from some of the items sold.
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Is There a Notary Handbook?
Is There a Notary Handbook?
Is There a Notary Handbook?
Yes! In 2019, the Alabama Secretary of State office compiled a handbook. A copy of the handbook is listed below with other Important Notary Documents.
Notaries for Alabama put together an informative brochure, "Getting Started as a Notary Public in Alabama". The brochure outlines ten steps to follow in order to obtain a notary commission. You can request a free copy by filling out the Contact Us page below, or sending us an email.
Also, in 2019, Notaries for Alabama created "Let's Get You Trained," a brochure that outlines the various types of notary training available to Alabama notaries You can request a free copy by filling out the Contact Us page below, or sending us an email.
What's the Notary Fee?
Is There a Notary Handbook?
Is There a Notary Handbook?
Effective January 1, 2012, the State of Alabama increased the Notary Fee to $5 per notarial act.
An Alabama Notary Public is able to charge $5 for each signature acknowledged (notarized), and for each act performed.
Notaries who drive to meet with you can charge an additional fee or fees to compensate them for the expense of travel. Alabama does not set limits on what a notary can charge for travel.
notary training and faq's
How Do I Get Trained?
How Do I Get Trained?
How Do I Get Trained?
Generally speaking, Alabama does not require its notaries to undergo training. However, we did hear that there may be a few counties who quiz or test notaries. Nonetheless, notaries are expected to notarize signatures accurately, and in accordance to the state's laws. We recommend training for every commissioned notary. Notary Basics is the best option, in our opinion, because it covers Alabama notary laws.
To view all of our classes and webinars for notaries, visit our training site at www.TrainAlabama.com
In 2019, Notaries for Alabama put together an informative flyer, "Now That You're Commissioned...Let's Get You Trained!" It outlines four (4) types of notary training classes that are available to Alabama Notaries. You can request a free copy by filling out the Contact Us page below, or sending us an email. Be sure to mention which county you reside in.
On-Demand Video
How Do I Get Trained?
How Do I Get Trained?
Congratulations on your decision to become a Commissioned Alabama Notary! Watch, listen and learn as Michelle Riley, Notary Instructor, explains the role of the notary in Alabama, and outlines each step you need to take to be commissioned in Alabama. This video provides you with easy access to forms and information that can help get you commissioned quickly.
On-Demand Video
How Do I Get Trained?
On-Demand Video
Interested in starting your own traveling (mobile) notary business? We can help.
Jump Start Your Mobile Notary Business outlines the steps to take to get your mobile notary business off the ground, and up & running. This video focuses on general notary work; not notary signing agent.
remote ink-signed notarization - signed into law 7/1/2021
Important Information for Alabama Notaries!
On Thursday, July 1, 2021, Alabama will be one step closer to Remote Online Notarization. Governor Ivey approved legislation that will allow notaries to continue using technology to conduct certain types of notarizations.
What is remote ink-signed notarization (RIN)?
RIN is when the document signer is in one location and the notary is in an entirely different location. The two (or more) individuals are connected by video and audio conference technology where they can see and hear each other.
The notary watches the signer(s) use a traditional ink pen to make their signature and date the document. The signer(s) must send the originally signed document to the notary. The notary also uses a traditional ink pen to make his/her signature on the document, apply the official seal, and return to the document back to the signer(s).
Is that it?
No. There are a number of stipulations and requirements that must be met by the signer and notary. Before attempting this type of notarization it's imperative that both the notary and signer understand the new law. Notaries for Alabama is hosting free webinars to help familiarize notaries and other legal professionals with the new requirements. To register, go to TrainAlabama.com. A copy of the signed legislation is available for download (below).
Founder & Owner
Michelle L. Riley
Michelle has been the driving force behind Notaries for Alabama since 2013. She conducts notary classes throughout Alabama (classroom and online). She is best known for "Notary Basics: Training for Alabama's Notaries," - a four-hour class that covers Alabama notary laws and nationally-accepted notary best practice.
In 2017, Michelle started a Facebook Group, Notaries for Alabama Hangout, that gives new and experienced notaries the opportunity to network and learn. Currently, the group has over 900 active members. It's a place where notaries can ask questions and learn from their peers. It's also where many notaries learn about new laws that affect their work (i.e., Alabama's new Marriage Law; and Remote Notarization). Hangout members include not only notaries, but also lawyers, paralegals, legal assistants, court reporters and insurance agents.
Michelle provides guidance to notaries who are interested in starting a business as a traveling notary and/or signing agent.
In 2014, the National Notary Association (NNA) recognized Michelle for her efforts by naming her one of their Notary of Year Honorees. She has been a frequent presenter at the NNA's Annual Notary Conferences since 2015. She is an NNA Notary Ambassador (r).
Would you like Michelle to speak to members of your organization about being a Notary Public? Email Notaries4Alabama@Gmail.com.
