What Alabama Requires to Become a Notary
To become a notary in Alabama, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Alabama, and able to read and write English. You do not need a high school diploma or any prior experience. The state does not require you to pass an exam before you receive your commission, though you will need to submit an process to the Secretary of State's office and pay a fee.
Alabama notaries serve for a four-year term. Once your commission expires, you can renew it by submitting a renewal process and paying the renewal fee. The state does not mandate continuing education, so you do not have to take classes to keep your commission active.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18 years old, an Alabama resident, and able to read and write English to become a notary.
- Submit your process to the Alabama Secretary of State along with the required fee; no exam is required.
- Your notary commission lasts four years, and you can renew it by submitting a renewal process before your term ends.
- Alabama does not require notaries to take training courses, but learning about your duties and limitations protects you from liability.
How to Submit Your process to the Secretary of State
Contact the Alabama Secretary of State's office to request a notary process form. You can reach them by phone or visit their office in Montgomery. The process asks for your full legal name, current address, date of birth, and contact information. You will also declare that you meet the age, residency, and English-language requirements.
Mail or deliver your completed process to the Secretary of State's office along with the process fee. The current fee varies, so confirm the amount when you request the form. Include a check or money order made payable to the State of Alabama. Do not send cash through the mail.
Processing typically takes two to four weeks. The Secretary of State will mail your notary commission certificate to the address you provided on your process. Keep this certificate in a safe place—you will need it to prove your authority when you notarize documents.
Understanding Your Duties as an Alabama Notary
As a notary, you verify the identity of people who sign documents in front of you and confirm that they are signing of their own free will. You do not judge whether a document is fair, legal, or wise. Your job is only to witness the signature and certify that the signer appeared before you and showed valid identification.
You must keep a journal of every notarization you perform. Record the date, the type of document, the signer's name, the signer's address, and the form of identification you reviewed. This journal protects you if someone later disputes whether a notarization actually took place. Alabama law requires you to retain this journal for at least five years.
You cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in it, if you are related to the signer, or if the signer is not present in front of you. You also cannot notarize your own signature. These rules exist to prevent fraud and protect the integrity of notarized documents.
What to Charge for Notarizations
Alabama law sets a maximum fee of $5 per notarization. You may charge less, but you cannot charge more. Some notaries charge a flat rate of $5 per document, while others charge $5 per signature if a single document contains multiple signatures that need notarizing.
If you work for a business, your employer may set the fee or may not charge customers at all. If you work as an independent notary, you decide your fee up to the $5 limit. Post your fee clearly so customers know what to expect before you notarize their documents.
Getting Your Notary Seal and Journal
You will need a notary seal (also called a stamp) and a notary journal before you can perform notarizations. These are not provided by the state—you must purchase them yourself from an office supply store or online retailer. The seal typically costs $15 to $30, and a journal costs $10 to $20.
Your seal must include your name, the words "Notary Public," the state of Alabama, and your commission expiration date. When you order your seal, have your commission certificate available so you can provide the exact expiration date. The seal creates an impression on documents that shows your authority and makes the notarization official.
Your journal is a bound book where you record every notarization. Some notaries use a physical book, while others use a digital journal that prints to a bound volume. Either method is acceptable as long as you can produce the journal if someone requests proof of a notarization.
Renewing Your Notary Commission
Your notary commission expires four years after the date it was issued. The Secretary of State will not send you a reminder, so mark your expiration date on your calendar. If your commission expires, you cannot perform notarizations until you renew it.
To renew, submit a renewal process to the Secretary of State's office before your current commission expires. The renewal process is similar to the original process and asks for your name, address, and confirmation that you still meet the basic requirements. Include the renewal fee with your process.
Processing for renewals typically takes two to four weeks. Your new commission certificate will be mailed to you. If you renew before your current commission expires, your new term begins on the expiration date of your old commission, so there is no gap in your authority.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not notarize a document unless the signer is physically present in front of you. Remote notarization is not permitted in Alabama. If someone asks you to notarize a document they email or mail to you, decline the request.
Do not notarize a document if you have any financial interest in the transaction. For example, if you are selling a house, you cannot notarize the deed even if you are a notary. This conflict of interest invalidates the notarization and can expose you to legal liability.
Do not forget to record the notarization in your journal. Every single notarization must be logged, even if it is for a friend or family member. Failing to keep a complete journal is a violation of Alabama law and can result in the loss of your commission.
Do not charge more than $5 per notarization. Overcharging is illegal and can lead to complaints to the Secretary of State. If you are unsure whether a particular document qualifies as one or two notarizations, ask the customer or contact the Secretary of State's office for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take a notary class before I explore?
No. Alabama does not require a class or exam to become a notary. However, taking a class through a community college or online provider can help you understand your duties and avoid mistakes. Many notaries find that training prevents costly errors.
Can I be a notary if I have a criminal record?
Alabama law does not automatically disqualify people with criminal records from becoming notaries. However, the Secretary of State may deny your process if you have been convicted of a felony involving fraud, forgery, or dishonesty. Contact the Secretary of State's office if you have questions about your specific situation.
What happens if I notarize a document incorrectly?
If you make a mistake, the notarization may be invalid, and the document may not be accepted by banks, courts, or government agencies. In some cases, you could face liability if someone suffers a financial loss because of your error. This is why keeping accurate records and following the rules carefully is essential.
Can I notarize documents for my employer?
Yes, you can notarize documents for your employer as long as you do not have a financial interest in the document and the signer is present in front of you. For example, you can notarize an affidavit signed by a coworker, but you cannot notarize a document related to your own paycheck or benefits.
How do I renew my commission if I move out of Alabama?
If you move out of Alabama, your notary commission becomes invalid because Alabama requires notaries to be state residents. You will need to become a notary in your new state instead. Contact the Secretary of State's office in your new state to learn about their requirements.