The Alabama Notary process Process

To become a notary public in Alabama, you submit an process to the Secretary of State's office, pass a background check, and take the notary oath. The Secretary of State does not require you to pass a written exam or complete a training course before you explore. You will need to be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and an Alabama resident. The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from the time you submit your process.

Alabama notaries serve four-year terms. Once your process is approved and you have taken the oath, you can perform notarial acts—witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and certifying documents—anywhere in the state. You do not need to work for a specific employer or business to become a notary; you can be self-employed or work for a company that uses notary services.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and an Alabama resident to explore.
  • The Secretary of State's office does not require a written exam or formal training course before you explore.
  • Your process will be reviewed and you will undergo a background check; the process takes roughly four to six weeks.
  • Once approved, you take the notary oath and receive your commission, which is valid for four years.
  • You can perform notarial acts anywhere in Alabama without being tied to a specific employer or location.

Gathering Required Documents and Information

Before you contact the Secretary of State's office, collect the documents and information you will need. Have your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID number, and current address ready. You will also need the names and addresses of two character references—people who know you personally and can vouch for your honesty and integrity. These references do not need to be notaries themselves, but they should be people who have known you for at least one year.

The Secretary of State's office will conduct a background check as part of the review process. This check looks at criminal history and any prior disciplinary action related to notary work. If you have a felony conviction or have been removed from office as a notary in another state, you will likely be denied. Be honest about your background when you complete your process; misrepresenting information is grounds for rejection.

Submitting Your process to the Secretary of State

Contact the Alabama Secretary of State's office directly to request the notary process form. You can reach them by phone at (334) 242-7200 or visit their office in Montgomery. The office can mail you the process or provide it electronically. Fill out the form completely, including your personal information, the names of your two character references, and any prior notary experience you have had in Alabama or another state.

Submit your completed process along with a check or money order for the process fee. The fee amount varies and should be confirmed with the Secretary of State's office when you request the form. Mail your process to the address provided by the office, or ask whether you can submit it in person. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Understanding the Background Check and Approval Timeline

Once the Secretary of State's office receives your process, they will run a background check through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). This check typically takes two to four weeks. The office will also contact your character references to verify that they know you and can speak to your character. During this time, you should not expect frequent updates; the office will contact you only if they need additional information or when your process has been approved.

If your background check raises questions or if the office needs clarification on any part of your process, they will send you a letter requesting more information. Respond promptly and provide whatever documentation they ask for. If your process is denied, the office will explain the reason in writing. Common reasons for denial include felony convictions, prior removal from notary office, or misrepresentation on the process.

Taking the Notary Oath

Once your process is approved, the Secretary of State's office will notify you and provide instructions for taking the notary oath. In Alabama, you can take the oath before a judge, a clerk of court, a notary public, or any officer authorized to administer oaths. You do not have to travel to Montgomery; you can take the oath in your county or at any location in the state where an authorized officer is available.

Contact the clerk of court in your county to find out where and when you can take the oath. Many clerks' offices have regular times set aside for oath-taking and can schedule you within a few days. Bring your approval letter from the Secretary of State's office and a valid photo ID. The oath itself is brief and formal; the officer will administer it and then sign and date a certificate confirming that you have taken it. Send this certificate back to the Secretary of State's office as proof that you have completed this step.

Receiving Your Commission and Understanding Your Duties

After the Secretary of State's office receives your oath certificate, they will issue your notary commission. You will receive a commission certificate in the mail, which serves as your official authorization to perform notarial acts. Keep this certificate in a safe place; you may need to show it to clients or employers. Your commission is valid for four years from the date it is issued. You do not need to renew it unless you want to continue serving as a notary after the four-year term ends.

As a notary public, you are responsible for knowing Alabama's notary laws and following them carefully. You must verify the identity of anyone whose signature you witness, may support that the person is signing of their own free will, and keep a record of each notarial act you perform. You cannot notarize a document for yourself or a close family member, and you cannot charge more than the fee set by Alabama law. Violating these rules can result in removal from office and potential legal liability.

Maintaining Your Notary Commission

During your four-year term, you are required to keep your contact information current with the Secretary of State's office. If you move or change your phone number, notify the office in writing. You should also maintain a notary journal—a record of every notarial act you perform, including the date, the type of document, the names of the people involved, and the fee you charged. This journal protects you if a document you notarized is later questioned.

You do not need to renew your commission before the four-year term ends unless you want to continue serving. If you do want to renew, contact the Secretary of State's office about three months before your commission expires. The renewal process is simpler than the initial process and does not require a new background check if you have had no disciplinary issues. If you do not renew, your commission will expire automatically and you will no longer be authorized to perform notarial acts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a notary class or pass a test before I explore?

No. Alabama does not require a written exam or formal training course before you explore to become a notary. However, many people choose to take a notary class through a community college or online provider to learn the rules and best practices. This is optional but can be helpful if you have never worked as a notary before.

Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the type and age of the conviction. Felony convictions typically disqualify you. Misdemeanors may or may not, depending on the specific offense and how long ago it occurred. Contact the Secretary of State's office to discuss your situation before you explore; they can tell you whether your record will prevent you from being commissioned.

How much can I charge for notary services in Alabama?

Alabama law sets a maximum fee of $5 per notarial act. You can charge less, but you cannot charge more. If you perform multiple notarial acts on the same document, you can charge $5 for each act. Keep records of all fees you collect.

What if I move out of Alabama after I become a notary?

Your Alabama notary commission is valid only in Alabama. If you move to another state, your commission will expire and you will no longer be authorized to perform notarial acts in Alabama. You would need to explore to become a notary in your new state if you want to continue working as a notary.

How do I renew my notary commission when it expires?

Contact the Secretary of State's office about three months before your four-year term ends. The renewal process is simpler than the initial process and typically does not require a new background check if you have had no disciplinary issues. You will need to pay a renewal fee and may need to take the oath again, depending on current state requirements.