The Basic Steps to Become a Notary in Alabama

To become a notary public in Alabama, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of Alabama. You'll need to complete an process through the Alabama Secretary of State's office, pass a written examination, and pay the required fees. The entire process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish.

Alabama does not require you to take a pre-exam course, but many notaries study on their own using the Alabama Notary Public Handbook, which is available free from the Secretary of State's website. The handbook covers the duties, responsibilities, and legal requirements for notaries in the state. Reading it before your exam will help you understand what the job actually involves and prepare you for the test questions.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and an Alabama resident to become a notary public.
  • The Alabama Secretary of State's office handles all notary applications, exams, and commissions.
  • You will take a written exam covering notary duties, document verification, and Alabama law—no pre-exam course is required, but studying the Notary Public Handbook is strongly recommended.
  • Your notary commission lasts four years and must be renewed by reapplying and passing the exam again.
  • You will need to obtain a notary seal and journal, which are not provided by the state and must be purchased separately.

Where to Submit Your process

Applications are submitted directly to the Alabama Secretary of State's office. You can obtain the process form from their website or by contacting the office by phone or mail. The office is located in Montgomery, but you do not need to visit in person—applications are processed by mail or online submission.

When you submit your process, include proof of Alabama residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the past 60 days), a copy of your government-issued photo ID, and the process fee. The current fee is $20 for a four-year commission. Check the Secretary of State's website for the most current fee amount and any changes to the process process, as these details can shift.

Preparing for and Taking the Notary Exam

The written exam covers Alabama notary law, the duties and responsibilities of a notary public, how to verify the identity of signers, proper document handling, and the use of notary seals and journals. The exam is typically 30 questions and you must score at least 70 percent to pass. You have one hour to complete it.

The Alabama Secretary of State's office will notify you by mail once your process is approved and your exam date is scheduled. Exams are administered at the Secretary of State's office in Montgomery. You will need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID to the exam. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you may retake the exam, though you may be required to pay an additional fee.

Study the Alabama Notary Public Handbook thoroughly before your exam date. Pay special attention to sections on verifying signer identity, the proper way to complete notarial certificates, and the rules around what a notary can and cannot do. Many exam questions come directly from the handbook, so familiarity with it is your best preparation.

Getting Your Notary Seal and Journal

Once you pass the exam and receive your commission, you must obtain a notary seal and a notary journal before you can legally perform notarial acts. These are not provided by the state—you must purchase them from a vendor. Many office supply stores, printing companies, and online retailers sell notary seals and journals that meet Alabama's requirements.

Your seal must include your name, the words "Notary Public," the state of Alabama, and your commission expiration date. Your journal is a record book where you document every notarial act you perform, including the date, type of document, signer's name and ID type, and your fee (if any). Alabama law requires you to keep this journal for at least five years and make it available for inspection by the Secretary of State if requested.

Understanding Your Duties and Limitations

As an Alabama notary, your primary duty is to verify the identity of people who sign documents and to witness their signatures. You do this by checking a government-issued photo ID, confirming the person is who they claim to be, and then explore your notary seal and signature to the document. You cannot provide legal information, prepare legal documents, or interpret what a document means for the signer.

You are also prohibited from notarizing a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction, if you are related to the signer, or if the signer is not physically present in front of you. Alabama does not permit remote or electronic notarization, so you must meet the signer in person. Violating these rules can result in your commission being revoked and potential legal liability.

Renewing Your Notary Commission

Your notary commission is valid for four years from the date it is issued. To continue working as a notary after that period ends, you must renew your commission by submitting a new process, paying the renewal fee, and passing the exam again. The renewal process is the same as the initial process process.

The Secretary of State's office will not automatically remind you when your commission is about to expire, so mark your expiration date on your calendar. If your commission expires and you continue to perform notarial acts, you are breaking the law. You can renew your commission up to 90 days before it expires, so plan ahead to avoid any gap in your ability to work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to work for a specific employer to become a notary in Alabama?

No. You can become a notary as an independent person without being employed by any particular business or organization. Many notaries work for banks, law offices, or title companies, but others work independently or maintain notary credentials while working in other fields.

Can I notarize a document for a family member?

No. Alabama law prohibits you from notarizing documents for anyone you are related to by blood or marriage. You also cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction, even if the signer is not a family member.

What happens if I fail the notary exam?

You may retake the exam. The Secretary of State's office will inform you of any fees associated with retaking the test and the process for scheduling your next attempt. There is no limit to the number of times you can retake the exam.

Can I perform notarial acts outside of Alabama?

Your Alabama notary commission is only valid within Alabama. If you move out of state, your commission ends and you cannot legally perform notarial acts. You would need to become a notary in your new state if you wish to continue working as one.

How much can I charge for notarizing a document?

Alabama law does not set a maximum fee for notarial services, so you may charge what you believe is reasonable. However, if you work for a bank or other institution, that employer may set the fee or require you to perform notarizations for free as part of your job duties.