Alabama

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How to become a Notary in Alabama

 

The process for becoming a signing agent varies from state to state. Each state sets its own notarial rules, seal and record book requirements, state-approved educational courses, duties, procedures and length of term.

A potential notary public in Alabama who is seeking to acquire his or her notary commission is initially required to file an application with the Office of the Secretary of State. In order to do this, the applicant for the position of notary public in Alabama must meet a number of specific qualifications set by the state.

Furthermore, an applicant for the position of notary public in Alabama must pay an application or commissioning fee to the commissioning authority and take an oath of office. Depending on the state, the oath of office may be incorporated into the application to be filed with the county clerk or another local official.

Please note that a potential notary public in Alabama who is seeking to attain their notary commission may be required to take additional steps to acquire their commission, such as taking a state-approved educational course, passing an examination or obtaining a notary bond. As mentioned previously, the requirements vary from state to state and are subject to amendments and changes.

Once the Secretary of State has reviewed the application, if all the requirements have been met, the applicant for position of notary public in Alabama is issued his or her notary commission. After this commission is issued it is filed by the county clerk for the state of Alabama.

For constantly-updated information on becoming a notary public in Alabama, please contact the Alabama Office of the Secretary of State. The page of the Secretary of State is a great place to start researching the specific requirements set by the state of Alabama.

Alabama Signing Agent Links

Notary Public in Alabama – Secretary of State

Notary Public in Alabama – National Notary Association

Notary Public in Alabama: Quick Facts

 Term: Four years
 Requirement: Vary by county, however, generally, these state one must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Be a resident of the state
  • Be a resident of the county in which a notary seeks commission
 Classes: Not required
 Exam: Not required
 Bond: $10,000
 Journal: Required
 Seal: Embossing
 Fee: $11.00 to $25.00 depending on county
 Comment: Notaries public are appointed and commissioned by select judges of the counties of that state. Unless appointed to be a notary for the state at large, a notary can only perform his or her appointed duties in the county where he or she lives.