There are 67 counties in Alabama and each one has its own requirements.   Yes, you read that correctly.  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; other counties require  2-3 weeks for processing.  

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.

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.  

You can purchase a Notary Surety Bond from an insurance agent, or you can purchase one from the  The Bond Lady.

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.

You are required to purchase a Notary Seal/Stamp.  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 has offers quality supplies at a discount.  Just click on the link above, or here.  There are no special codes to enter.  Please note that Notaries for Alabama has an affiliate agreement with Alabama Notary Warehouse, and receives a commission from some of the items sold.

No.  Effective January 1, 2012, Alabama's Notary Law was revised by SB 54.  A copy of the new law can be found here on this website (scroll down to "Documents").  It can also be found on the Secretary of State website.

In 2018, 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.

Without a Notary Handbook, after obtaining their commission, notaries are sometimes at a loss what to do next. 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. 

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.

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.

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.

You can use Google, or find a list on the Secretary of State website.  Here's a link to a complete list, with contact information.

Judges of Probate.

Most Judges of Probate have an office at the County Courthouse.

The Secretary of State plays a key role in making information available to Alabama's Notaries.  A complete list of notaries can be found here.  This is how the general public verifies that you hold an active notary commission.

The Secretary of State is usually consulted when legislators consider making changes to notary laws.

It depends. We're here to answer a variety of questions that you have but we aren't attorneys so we are unable to offer any legal advice.  We are not government officials so we don't have any official authority.  That being said, we will do our best answer your questions or direct you to someone else who can.

If you have questions about your notary commission, contact your Judge of Probate. If someone is threatening legal action against you because of a notarization you completed, contact an attorney or, if you have E&O insurance, notify the insurance company immediately. Any other questions can be directed to the Secretary of State; or you can call us.

A traveling notary is someone who holds an active commission and agrees to drive to the person who needs their signature notarized.  It may be the signer's residence, hospital room, business or coffee shop.  In these situations, the notary will charge an additional fee for  travel.  Traveling Notaries are not employed by Notaries for Alabama. They pay us a nominal fee to be listed to help pay for the cost of this website.  If you are interested in being listed, contact our office.

To our knowledge, Notaries for Alabama is the only local notary group.  There are a several national notary organizations.  The National Notary Association (NNA) is the largest.