How to Become a Notary Public in Alabama
Alabama has simplified its Notary application process to ensure consistency across all counties. However, it’s essential to verify with your county’s probate judge for any specific requirements they may have, such as requesting a copy of your voter registration card. Here are clear, step-by-step instructions for Alabama residents interested in becoming a Notary Public:
- Ensure you meet all the state’s qualifications (see below).
- Complete the application form.
- Make a photocopy of your Alabama Driver’s License.
- Submit both the application and the copy of your license to your county’s Probate Office, accompanied by the $10 fee.
- Within 30 days, finish the Notary training course and obtain the Course Completion Certificate.
- Keep a close eye on your mailbox for the letter of appointment from the Probate Office, and make note of the date on it.
- Secure a $50,000 surety bond.
- Register your bond with the Probate Office within 40 days from the appointment letter’s date.
- Present your Course Completion Certificate to the Probate Office.
- The county will transmit your commission details to the Secretary of State.
- Expect to receive your Notary commission certificate by mail.
- Purchase your Notary seal, which can be an inking stamp or an embosser.
- Consider obtaining a Notary journal and E&O (Errors and Omissions) insurance (optional but highly recommended).
Once you have completed all these steps and obtained your commission you are ready to start performing notarial acts as a commissioned notary in Alabama.
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Alabama Public Requirements
To become a Notary Public in Alabama, applicants must adhere to the following eligibility criteria:
1. Reside in the Alabama county where the application is submitted.
2. Not be undergoing bankruptcy proceedings.
3. Have no prior convictions for felonies or crimes of moral turpitude.
4. Must not be under a current adjudication of incapacity.
5. Note that individuals residing in another U.S. state and working in Alabama are not eligible to apply for an Alabama Notary Commission.
For further details, consult the Alabama Notary Public Guide or the Alabama SoS Website.
How much does it cost to become a Notary in Alabama?
Applying for an Alabama Notary Public commission comes with a $10 fee, but be prepared for additional expenses. Costs for bonds, Notary supplies, and education vary by vendor, and county fees apply for bond, signature, and commission filings. Prices differ for new versus renewing Notaries, with new Notaries often requiring more resources and support. Be aware of package deals from vendors, which might include hidden fees.
How long does it take to become a notary in Alabama?
The Alabama Department of State suggests a 4-6 week wait for Notary Public commission processing. Expedited services are not mentioned, but application thoroughness can impact timing.
How long does a commission last?
An Alabama Notary commission is valid for four years.
Requirements to be a Notary in Alabama:
Applicants must be county residents, not bankrupt, and free of felony or moral turpitude convictions. While Alabama residents can apply, those living out of state but working in Alabama cannot. Notary training, while not mandated, is provided by the Alabama Probate Judges Association and the Alabama Law Institute. There’s no state exam, but an appointing judge may require testing.
What supplies are needed?
A rubber stamp ink seal or embosser is mandatory, including specific information like your name, Notary Public designation, and commission details. Quality varies among vendors, and while a journal isn’t required by law, it’s recommended for record-keeping.
What about a surety bond?
A $50,000 surety bond is required, protecting signers from Notary errors. This bond doesn’t protect the Notary, who may also consider optional errors and omissions (E&O) insurance for personal legal protection.
Alabama Notary Public FAQs
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Alabama Secretary of State’s Administrative Services Division in Montgomery manages Notary records accessible to the public, while county probate judges appoint and commission Notaries.
Can non-U.S. citizens become Notaries in Alabama?
Yes, if they are legal state residents and meet all application criteria.
Where can I notarize?
Notarizations can be performed anywhere within Alabama.
Who can I notarize for?
You can notarize for any member of the public, following all legal requirements. Notarizing for relatives or your spouse isn’t prohibited, but avoiding such acts is advisable to prevent conflicts of interest.
What if I move or change my name?
While there’s no mandate to update your commission for a new county or name change, you can apply for a new commission to reflect these changes.
How do I renew my commission?
Renewal processes vary by county; consult your county probate judge. Note: Notaries with an existing bond and commission as of 9/1/23 will need a new $50,000 bond upon renewal.
Is Online Notary legal in Alabama?
Yes, with the enactment of Senate Bill 275 on July 1, 2021 in Alabama, notaries are now empowered to conduct remote acknowledgments, provided they are physically present within the state during the notarial act. This is
A detailed Alabama RON guide is available for those interested in remote Notarization.
This legal framework allows individuals in Alabama to avail themselves of online notary services, granting them the convenience and advantages of remote notarization. Essentially, any document or form that qualifies for notarization through a traditional notary can also be notarized by a remote online notary. However, it is crucial to thoroughly review the specific requirements of your document to ensure a smooth notarization process. By doing so, you can work closely with a notary public who will guide you through the proper and secure notarization of your important documents.
Why Should You Think about Becoming An Online Notary In Alabama?
Becoming an Online Notary in Alabama is a simple way to offer convenient services and secure services to clients from wherever you are. Online Notaries offer faster booking and easier document completion turnaround times! Save clients and yourself time by working from home. What are you waiting for?
How Do You Become An Online Notary In Alabama?
Commencing July 1, 2021, Alabama Notaries have the authority to conduct remote notarizations specifically for acknowledgments. Here are the essential steps to guide you in becoming a remote Notary in Alabama:
- First, you must already hold a valid commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Next, carefully choose videoconferencing technology that aligns with the state’s prescribed requirements.
Once you’re authorized to perform RON in Alabama and approved and familiar with your platform, you can start performing Remote Online Notarizations. Be sure to stay current with all your state-local Online Notary laws!
Alabama Online Notary FAQ’s
Requirements for Becoming a Remote Notary in Alabama:
Before you can offer your Notary services remotely, you must first meet Alabama’s prerequisites, which include holding a traditional Notary Public Commission. To qualify, Notaries must meet the legal requirements for serving as an officer in the state, reside in the county where they apply, and must not have been convicted of a felony unless their civil and political rights have been restored.
It’s important to note that residents of another U.S. state who work in Alabama are not eligible to obtain an Alabama Notary Public Commission.
Is Training or an Exam Required for Remote Notaries in Alabama?
No, neither training nor an exam is mandatory for conducting remote notarizations in Alabama.
What Tools and Technology Are Necessary for Remote Notarizations?
To perform a remote notarization in Alabama, you will require a computer equipped with a webcam, microphone, and a secure internet connection. Your computer should be capable of supporting real-time two-way audio-video communication.
Since remote notarizations in Alabama still require Notaries to affix a wet ink signature on the document, digital tools such as a digital certificate or electronic signature are not a requirement.
Do I Need an Additional Surety Bond?
No, Alabama Notaries are not obliged to obtain a second surety bond specifically for remote notarizations. However, it’s advisable to consult with your bond provider to confirm whether remote notarizations are covered under your existing bond.
Is an Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance Policy Necessary?
Although an Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance policy is not obligatory, it is highly recommended. Having E&O insurance provides essential protection in the event of unintentional or intentional errors during notarizations, safeguarding you from potential legal fees or damages.
What to Expect as a Notary?
As in other professions, the amount of work an online notary receives can vary widely. Generally, the busiest time is tax season, when documents such as tax returns need to be signed and notarized. However, there is also a steady demand throughout the year from businesses and individuals in need of authentication services. There are many businesses that need consistent notarizations. Did we mention there are over 1.25 billion notarizations performed annually?
It is important to remember that when working as an online notary, you are responsible for adhering to the regulations set forth by the state. This includes making sure documents are properly notarized and witnessed. Always ensure documents contain all of the necessary information. The most successful online notaries spend some time doing their own client acquisition and sales funneling, especially those who are doing it online.
How do I Start Notarizing Online in Alabama?
A great place to start is the BlueNotary Free Notary Training Group. There you will find advice from other Alabama notaries who’ve been through the process and can answer your questions.
Becoming an online notary can be a great way to supplement your income and make a positive impact on the community. As an online notary, you get to decide which platform to use for finding clients.
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