How to Become a Notary in Alabama
Learn about Alabama notary requirements, commission process, fees, and more. Prepare with AI-powered supplementary training, adaptive quizzes, and a 24/7 AI tutor scoped to Alabama law.
Alabama does not mandate a pre-commission notary education course; however, applicants must pass an examination administered by the judge of probate in the applicant's county of residence (Ala. Code § 36-20-30). Notary Mentor is supplementary only and does not replace any state-mandated requirements.
Alabama Notary Requirements at a Glance
Key facts about notary commissions in Alabama.
Remote Online Notarization
Journal Requirements
Alabama does not impose a blanket statutory requirement for notaries to maintain a journal of notarial acts for traditional in-person notarizations. However, best practice strongly recommends keeping ...
Fees & Seals
Alabama notaries may charge up to $5.00 per notarial act for in-person notarizations (Ala. Code § 36-20-74). For RON acts, the fee cap is $25.00 per notarial act. The notary seal must include the nota...
Key Topics Covered for Alabama
Master these essential areas of Alabama notary law with our AI-powered training platform.
Acknowledgments
Under Alabama law (Ala. Code § 35-4-29), a notary taking an acknowledgment must determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence, that the person appearing before the no...
Journals & Records
Alabama does not impose a blanket statutory requirement for notaries to maintain a journal of notarial acts for traditional in-person notarizations. However, best practice strongly...
Identity Verification
For in-person notarizations, a notary in Alabama must identify the signer through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence, which generally means a current government-issued pho...
RON Specifics
Alabama enacted the Alabama Uniform Remote Notarization Act (Ala. Code § 36-20-70 et seq.), effective January 1, 2020. A notary must register with the Secretary of State as a RON n...
Prohibited Acts
Alabama notaries are prohibited from notarizing their own signature, notarizing when the signer is not present (except RON), notarizing a document if the notary has a direct financ...
Fees & Seals
Alabama notaries may charge up to $5.00 per notarial act for in-person notarizations (Ala. Code § 36-20-74). For RON acts, the fee cap is $25.00 per notarial act. The notary seal m...
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Alabama
Mistakes that Alabama notaries frequently make — and how to avoid them.
Failing to verify signer identity with a current, government-issued photo ID and relying solely on a third party's verbal vouching.
Notarizing a document in which the notary has a direct financial or beneficial interest in the underlying transaction.
Performing RON without first registering as a RON notary with the Alabama Secretary of State.
Not retaining audio-visual recordings of RON sessions for the required five-year period.
Using an expired commission seal or failing to update the seal after a name change or recommission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about becoming a notary in Alabama.
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