Notary Public
Alabama
Notary Public Commission Requirements
Governing Authority
Alabama Secretary of State (commissions issued by county Probate Judges)
Official website →4 years
Commission Term
before renewal
Yes
Education Required
online allowed
No
Exam Required
no exam needed
$50,000
Bond Required
surety bond
Application Process
VerifiedMeet eligibility requirements (18+, Alabama resident)
Contact your county probate judge for application form and specific requirements
Complete the application form and submit with $10 application fee and driver's license copy
Complete the mandatory pre-commission training program (within 30 days of application submission)
Receive letter of appointment from probate judge
Obtain $50,000 surety bond from an Alabama licensed producer
Present bond and certificate of appointment to probate office within 40 days of appointment letter
Pay $25 commission fee to probate judge
Receive commission certificate by mail
Purchase notary seal/stamp
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a resident of Alabama. Non-residents do not qualify for an Alabama notary public commission.
Citizenship
U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
Background Check
Not required
Education & Exam Requirements
Education
RequiredSince September 1, 2023, both new and renewal applicants must complete a pre-commission training program prepared by the Alabama Probate Judges Association and the Alabama Law Institute. Training must be completed within 30 days after submitting the application. Accessible on the Alabama Probate Judges Association website.
Online courses: Allowed
Exam
Not RequiredNo state-proctored exam is required. However, individual probate judges may request an exam at their discretion.
Bond, Insurance & Seal
Surety Bond
Required$50,000
$50,000 surety bond payable to the State of Alabama, valid for the entire 4-year commission term. Must be obtained within 40 days from the date of the letter of appointment from a surety provided by an Alabama licensed producer.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredNot required by law. Optional for personal protection.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredRubber stamp ink seal or embosser. May be square (2"x2") or circular (minimum 1" diameter). Must include notary's name, 'Notary Public', 'Alabama', and 'State at Large'.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $10 (state) + $25 (probate judge commission fee) |
Bond Premium Approximate premium cost for $50,000 surety bond for 4-year term. Actual cost varies by surety company. | $140 |
Stamp / Seal Approximate cost; purchased from private vendors or office supply stores | $30 |
Education Course Training program provided by Alabama Probate Judges Association and Alabama Law Institute at no cost | Free |
Total Estimated Cost $10 application + $25 commission + $140 bond + $30 seal + $25-$30 probate filing fees | $235-$240 |
Commission Term & Renewal
Commission Term
4 years
Renewal Process
Renewal applicants must complete the same pre-commission training program. Contact county probate judge to renew. Same application, bond, and fee requirements apply.
Renewal Fee
$10 (state) + $25 (probate judge) + bond premium
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Effective July 1, 2021, Alabama notaries may notarize tangible documents for remotely located signers using two-way audio-video communication.
Additional Requirements
Must hold an active traditional notary commission; must use two-way audio-video communication technology
Important Notes
What Makes Alabama Unique
Alabama notaries are appointed by county probate judges rather than the Secretary of State, making the process county-specific. The $50,000 bond requirement is among the highest in the country. Training became mandatory in 2023 under Act 2023-548.
Alabama is unique in that notaries are appointed and commissioned by county probate judges, not the Secretary of State.
The Secretary of State maintains records of commissions but does not issue them.
The $50,000 surety bond requirement is among the highest in the nation.
Mandatory pre-commission training has been required since September 1, 2023 (Act 2023-548).
Must complete training within 30 days of submitting application.
Must present bond to probate office within 40 days of appointment letter.
Sources
Find Notary Education Courses in Alabama
Alabama requires notary education. Complete your training through an approved provider.
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