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; 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:
- On-Demand Zoom Webinar, "Getting Started as an Alabama Notary".
- Live Zoom Meeting "Getting Started as an Alabama Notary".
Register in Classes/Courses.
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.
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
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.
video conference notarization - state of alabama
Important Information for Alabama Notaries!
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:
- Frank has a form that needs to be notarized but wants to adhere to current social distancing requirements. Frank searches for an Alabama remote notary and schedules an appointment. While scheduling the appointment the remote notary will ask Frank questions about the document and might request that he electronically provide her with a copy of the form and a copy of his ID.
- The remote notary emails/texts a link to the Frank. At the agreed-upon date/time, Frank clicks the link and is connected to the remote notary. Frank can see and hear the notary on her computer. The notary can see and hear Frank on her computer.
- After verifying Frank's identity, the notary would instruct Frank to sign the document while the notary watches through her computer. At this point, Frank would send the form to the notary. If original signatures are required (Frank's and the notary's) then he will have to send it to the notary by mail. If original signatures are not required, Frank could upload the signed document to a secure site; or send it to the notary via fax or email.
- When the remote notary receives the signed document from Frank, she will sign and date the document, and apply her official notary seal/stamp. The notary will then return the notarized form to Frank, or forward it to a designated party.
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.
Founder & Owner
Michelle L. Riley
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.
Proposed legislation: sENATE BILL 275 - REMOTE NOTARIZATION
Additional Information
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