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"Helping Alabama Residents become Alabama Notaries."
Notaries for Alabama, the state's only widely-recognized support group for notaries, offers guidance, training and mentoring, surety bonds & insurance, and notary supplies, everything necessary to fulfill the important role of being a Commissioned Alabama Notary Public.
Looking for a notary? Click on the "Notary Near Me" button below to locate one.
To be added to our mailing list, send us a message (below) and we'll make sure you're included in our member communication.
You can also connect with us on Facebook by joining our free, informative discussion group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NotaryNewbies
Notaries for Alabama
6275 University Drive NW
Suite 37, Box 125
Huntsville, Alabama 35806
Phone: (205) 626-9399
Fax: (515) 724-6009
Email: Notaries4Alabama@Gmail.com
Related Websites:
Alabama Notary and Process Server
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; 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.
We also offer:
Register in Classes/Courses.
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 here:
Michelle L. Riley
Independent Insurance Agent
Alabama License #0567331
Phone: (256) 503-6595
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 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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Effective Friday, April 3, 2020, a Proclamation issued by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, allows Alabama Notaries to conduct notarizations remotely. This action taken by Governor Ivey makes it safer for everyone when conducting notarizations during the COVID-19 Pandemic, especially with "social distancing" requirements.
What is remote notarization?
A remote notarization 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 Proclamation requires that the notary record the transaction.
Remote notarization sounds complicated. Exactly how would this work?
It may help you to read a the Governor's exact words. A copy of the Proclamation can be found on this website, below, under "Important Documents for Notaries". To help you visualize how this transaction could take place, here's one example:
As you can see, the entire notarization could take anywhere from thirty minutes to several days. There are also a number of variables that could affect cost. The Notary Fee is still $5 per notarial act; however, some notaries may find it necessary to charge an administrative fee to cover additional costs such as video conference equipment, storage of recordings, postage, etc.
Since the notarization could take longer than one day to complete, what would be official notarization date?
According to Governor Ivey's Proclamation, the effective date of the notarization would be the date and time the notary witnesses the signature during the video conference session.
If you have additional questions about remote notarization, send us an email or complete the contact us form below.
Michelle has been the driving force behind Notaries for Alabama since 2013. In 2014, the National Notary Association (NNA) recognized Michelle for her work in Alabama by naming her one of their Notary of Year Honorees. She has been a frequent presenter at the NNA's Annual Conferences since 2015. In addition to to being the Trainer of Notary Basics, she speaks throughout the State of Alabama at various conferences where there is an interest in the role and responsibilities of notaries public.
Would you like Michelle to speak to members of your organization about being a Notary Public? Email Notaries4Alabama@Gmail.com.
Today, February 25, 2021, it came to our attention that SB275 is being discussed by our state legislators. It is being referred to as a Remote Notarization bill. You'll find a copy of SB275 above with the other Important Documents.
If you are a commissioned Alabama Notary, we encourage you to review SB275 and make your thoughts and opinions known to the elected officials who represent you and your district. It is too early for Notaries for Alabama to comment publicly because we are still reviewing the content ourselves.
Feel free to email our office with your questions and feedback - Michelle@NotariesforAlabama.com
Michelle L. Riley, Founder of Notaries for Alabama
Proposed Legislation - July 1, 2021
Beginning April 3, 2020, commissioned notaries in Alabama are able to use video conference technology to conduct remote notarizations. Listen as Michelle Riley, Founder of Notaries for Alabama, and 20+ commissioned notaries discuss how they might implement these changes.
6275 University Drive, Suite 37, Box 125, Huntsville, AL 35806, US
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