How to become a notary in Alabama

Get everything you need with a full Alabama Notary Package.

The term of an Alabama Notary commission is four years. Here is more information on the application process for an AL Notary Public commission.

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.

The Alabama Secretary of State recommends allowing four to six weeks for the processing of a Notary Public commission application.

Learn how you can qualify to become a Notary in the Yellowhammer State.

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.

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.

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.

The Probate Office will send you your letter of appointment.

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.

The county will send your commission information to the Secretary of State, and they will mail your Notary commission certificate to your home.

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"

Have more questions about being a Notary in Alabama? Read on below.

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Last updated: Apr 21, 2025

Get everything you need with a full Alabama Notary Package.