How to Become a Notary in Alabama 2026: Complete AL Notary Guide

How to Become a Notary Public in Alabama

Alabama does not require an exam to become a notary public. However, you must complete a mandatory training course and meet specific eligibility requirements. Applications are processed through your county's Probate Judge office.

Alabama Notary Requirements at a Glance

Why Become an Alabama Notary?

• No exam required - Training course only
• Statewide commission - Serve clients across all 67 Alabama counties
• Growing demand - Real estate, legal, and business needs
• Income potential - Charge up to $10 per notarial act
• Remote notarization - Alabama allows Remote Ink Notarization (RIN)

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Step-by-Step: How to Become an Alabama Notary

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements

To become an Alabama notary public, you must:

• Be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a resident of the Alabama county where you're applying
• Have no felony convictions involving moral turpitude (unless civil rights have been restored)
• Be able to read and write English

Step 2: Complete Mandatory Training

Important: All applicants (except licensed attorneys) must complete a state-approved training program.

• Course Provider: Alabama Law Institute and Alabama Probate Judges Association (APJA)
• Format: Online course hosted on the APJA website
• Timeline: Must be completed within 30 days of submitting your application
• Cost: Varies by provider (typically $30-$50)

Attorneys licensed in Alabama are exempt from the training requirement.

Step 3: Obtain Your Surety Bond

You must obtain a $50,000 surety bond before submitting your application.

• Bond Amount: $50,000 (increased from $25,000 as of September 1, 2023)
• Bond Term: 4 years (matches commission term)
• Typical Cost: $35-$55 for the 4-year term
• Provider: Must be from a state-approved surety company

The bond protects the public from potential errors or misconduct during notarial acts.

Step 4: Submit Application to Probate Judge

Submit your application to the Probate Judge in your county of residence:

1. Complete the Alabama Application for Notary Public Commission
2. Submit your $50,000 surety bond
3. Pay the $10 application fee (non-refundable)
4. Pay the $25 commission issuance fee
5. Provide proof of training completion (non-attorneys)

Note: Some counties may charge additional filing fees. Contact your county Probate Judge for exact costs.

Step 5: Take Oath of Office

Once approved:

• The Probate Judge will administer your Oath of Office
• You'll receive your official Notary Commission Certificate
• Your commission is valid for 4 years

Step 6: Purchase Notary Supplies

After receiving your commission, purchase required supplies:

Official Notary Seal (Required):

• Rubber ink stamp OR embosser
• Circular (max 2 inches diameter) OR rectangular (max 1" x 2.5")
• Must include: Your name, "Notary Public," "State of Alabama"
• Commission expiration date must appear on notarial certificates
• Cost: $20-$50

Notary Journal (Recommended):

• Not legally required for traditional notarizations
• Required if you charge fees for notarial acts
• Required for Remote Online Notarization (RON)
• Strongly recommended by the Secretary of State

Alabama Notary Fees

Important Notes:

• Maximum fee increased from $5 to $10 as of September 1, 2023
• State, county, and municipal employees cannot charge fees for notarial acts performed in their public capacity
• Travel fees are not regulated - notaries set their own rates

Alabama-Specific Requirements

Seal Requirements

Your notary seal must be:

• Clear and photographically reproducible
• Either circular (max 2" diameter) or rectangular (max 1" x 2.5")
• Include your name exactly as on your commission
• Include "Notary Public" and "State of Alabama"

Certificate Requirements

Every notarial certificate must include:

• Your commission expiration date (written or typed)
• Your official seal impression
• Your signature

Record Keeping

While a journal is not required by law for traditional notarizations, you must maintain records if:

• You charge fees for notarial services
• You perform Remote Ink Notarizations (RIN)

Recommended journal entries:

• Date and time of notarization
• Type of document
• Signer's name and identification method
• Fee charged (if any)
• Your signature

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Alabama

Alabama has a unique approach to remote notarization:

Remote Ink Notarization (RIN)

Alabama authorizes Remote Ink Notarization (RIN) - distinct from traditional RON used in other states:

• Notary and signer connect via audio-video technology
• Documents are signed with wet ink (not electronic signatures)
• Must use state-approved technology platforms
• Three methods of identity verification required
• Recording must be retained for 10 years

Becoming an Alabama Remote Notary

To perform RIN in Alabama:

1. Hold a valid Alabama notary commission
2. Complete state-approved remote notarization training
3. Register through the Alabama Secretary of State's website
4. Use a state-approved remote notarization platform

Interstate Recognition

Alabama recognizes properly performed remote notarizations from other states with RON laws when performed in accordance with that state's requirements.

Total Cost to Become an Alabama Notary

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

Start Your Alabama Notary Career Today

Alabama makes it relatively easy to become a notary public with no exam requirement. Complete the training, obtain your bond, and submit your application to your county Probate Judge.

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