How to become a notary in Alabama
Notaries in Alabama are commissioned by the County judge of probate (county of residence); Secretary of State keeps the statewide record. Here is who can apply, what it takes and what it costs, from the state's own rules, checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a notary in Alabama?
- Alabama resident; apply to the probate judge of your county of residence
- No felony or crime of moral turpitude conviction
- Not currently a debtor in bankruptcy
- Not under a current order of incapacity
- Complete the required training within 30 days of applying (attorneys exempt)
What are the Alabama notary requirements?
| Commissioned by | County judge of probate (county of residence); Secretary of State keeps the statewide record |
|---|---|
| Training required | Yes. New and renewal applicants must complete a training program prepared by the Alabama Probate Judges Association and the Alabama Law Institute before commissioning (Ala. Code 36-20-70(e), Act 2023-548). Attorneys are exempt. |
| Exam required | No separate exam is named; the law requires 'successfully' completing the training program. Ask your probate office. |
| Surety bond | $50,000 |
| Application fee | $10 application fee plus $25 commission fee, paid to the probate judge (Ala. Code 36-20-70) |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Remote online notarization | Yes: Ala. Code 36-20-73.1 allows remote notarization by two-way audio-video with the notary physically in Alabama and the recording kept 7 years; Act 2026-536 added signer-location (U.S.), consent and refusal rules effective October 1, 2026, and it may not be used for voting-related documents. |
Steps to become a notary in Alabama
- Find your county probate judge's office (SOS city/county lookup)
- Submit the notary application and $10 fee to the probate judge of your county of residence
- Complete the Probate Judges Association / Law Institute training within 30 days (unless you are an attorney)
- Get a $50,000 bond from an Alabama-licensed bond producer and have it approved and recorded by the probate judge
- Pay the $25 commission fee and receive your 4-year commission
- The probate judge reports your commission to the Secretary of State
How do you find a notary in Alabama?
- Banks, credit unions, shipping stores and law offices often have a notary on staff. Call ahead, because not every branch does.
- A mobile notary travels to you for a travel fee on top of the state's notarization fee.
- Bring a current government photo ID and the unsigned document. Don't sign it until the notary watches you.
- A notary checks your identity and witnesses your signature. They can't give legal advice or tell you what a document means unless they are also a lawyer.
- Check that a notary is commissioned on the official Alabama notary lookup.