Here are step-by-step instructions for Alabama residents who are interested in becoming a Notary Public:
- Meet Alabama’s Notary qualifications.
- Complete the application form.
- Complete the Notary training course.
- Receive your letter of appointment from the Probate Office.
- Get a $50,000 surety bond.
- Visit the Probate Office to record your bond and present your course completion certificate.
- Receive your Notary commission certificate by mail.
- Buy your Notary seal.
Please note: Check with the probate judge in your county in case they have additional county-specific requests, such as a copy of your voter registration card.
About the Alabama Notary Process
The term of an Alabama Notary commission is four years. Here is more information on the application process for an AL Notary Public commission.
Cost to Become an AL Notary
The cost to become an Alabama Notary Public ranges between $235 to $240, depending on where you purchase your supplies and record your surety bond.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Application fee |
$10 |
| $50,00 surety bond |
$140 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Probate Judge fees |
$55 - $60 |
| Total Cost |
$235 - $240 |
Commission Processing Time
The Alabama Secretary of State recommends allowing four to six weeks for the processing of a Notary Public commission application.
Alabama Notary Public Requirements
Learn how you can qualify to become a Notary in the Yellowhammer State.
Eligibility
A Notary Public applicant in Alabama must meet the following requirements:
- Reside in the Alabama county where you applied
- Must not be going through bankruptcy
- Must not be convicted of a felony or crime of moral turpitude
- Must not be under a current order adjudicating them as incapacitated
A resident of another U.S. state, who works in Alabama, may not apply for an AL Notary commission.
Application
Complete the application form. You’ll need to submit the form with a photocopy of your Alabama driver’s license and $10 fee to your county’s Probate Office.
Notary Training
Applicants must complete a Notary training course prepared by the Alabama Probate Judges Association and the Alabama Law Institute.
The training must be completed within 30 days of submitting your application. At the end of your training, print the course completion certificate.
Letter of Appointment
The Probate Office will send you your letter of appointment.
Surety Bond
Alabama Notaries are required to purchase a $50,000 surety bond from an authorized company to protect signers against financial damages resulting from the Notary's negligence or misconduct.
After securing your surety bond, visit the Probate Office within 40 days of the date on your appointment letter. Bring your bond to be recorded and course completion certificate to the office.
Notary Commission Certificate
The county will send your commission information to the Secretary of State, and they will mail your Notary commission certificate to your home.
Notary Stamp
Alabama Notaries must use a rubber stamp ink seal or an embosser for all notarial acts for paper documents. The seal may be in a square design at 2" by 2" or in a circular design no smaller than 1" in diameter and must include the following information:
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- The words "Notary Public"
- The word "Alabama"
- The words "State at Large"
Alabama Notary Public FAQs
Have more questions about being a Notary in Alabama? Read on below.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Alabama Office of Secretary of State, Administrative Services, located in Montgomery, AL, holds all records of Notaries Public that are available to be viewed by the general public.
However, the county probate judges appoint and commission Notaries.
May I become an Alabama Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to become an Alabama Notary Public. You must, however, be a legal resident of the state and meet all other application requirements.
Do I need to take an exam?
There is no state-proctored exam required in Alabama, though an appointing judge may ask a Notary to pass a test at the judge's discretion.
Does Alabama require Notaries to maintain a journal?
Alabama no longer requires Notaries to maintain a journal, but it’s strongly recommended they record all notarial acts in a permanently bound journal to serve as evidence in case any notarizations are called into question.
Where will I be able to notarize?
An Alabama Notary may perform notarial acts anywhere within the state's borders.
Do Alabama Notaries need insurance?
Who can I notarize for?
Any member of the public, as long as the request meets all statutory requirements for notarization. The law does not prohibit Notaries from notarizing the signature of their relatives or spouse, but it's a best practice to refrain from such transactions to eliminate any conflicts of interest.
What fees can Alabama Notaries charge for their services?
In Alabama, Notaries are authorized to charge $10 per notarial act.
What happens if I move or change my name?
There are no statutory requirements for the county probate judge to amend or issue you a new commission should you change counties or your name. However, you may apply for a new commission to reflect the change in address and/or name.
How do I renew my Alabama Notary commission?
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Alabama?
Effective July 1, 2021, Alabama Notaries may notarize tangible documents for remotely located signers using two-way audio-video communication. Check out this detailed guide on how you can become a remote Notary in Alabama.
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Last updated: Apr 21, 2025