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Notary Public
Governing Authority
Commissions are issued by county Probate Judges; Probate Judges report to the Alabama Secretary of State. The SOS does not issue commissions directly.
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
4 years
Commission Term
before renewal
Yes
Education Required
online allowed
No
Exam Required
no exam needed
$50,000
Bond Required
surety bond
You must be a legal resident of Alabama (or maintain a place of business there), be at least 18 years old, and be able to read and write English. You cannot have a disqualifying criminal record.
Since September 1, 2023, both new and renewal applicants must complete a pre-commission training program prepared by the Alabama Probate Judges Association and the Alabama Law Institute within 30 days of submitting the application. Online courses are accepted. Education cost: Free.
Submit your application to the Commissions are issued by county Probate Judges; Probate Judges report to the Alabama Secretary of State. The SOS does not issue commissions directly.. Application fee: $10 (state) + $25 (probate judge commission fee).
Obtain a $50,000 surety bond. $50,000 surety bond payable to the State of Alabama, valid for the entire 4-year commission term. Must be obtained within 40 days from the date of the letter of appointment. Bond cost: $100-$150.
Purchase an official notary stamp or seal that meets Alabama requirements. Typical cost: $20-$40. Total estimated startup cost: $155-$225.
Once approved, you will receive your notary commission, valid for 4 years. You can then begin performing notarial acts in Alabama. Remote online notarization (RON) is also permitted.
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a resident of Alabama.
Citizenship
U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a notary license? Check whether your state requires one.
Education
RequiredSince September 1, 2023, both new and renewal applicants must complete a pre-commission training program prepared by the Alabama Probate Judges Association and the Alabama Law Institute within 30 days of submitting the application.
Online courses: Allowed
Exam
Not RequiredNo state-proctored exam is required. Individual probate judges may request an exam at their discretion.
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Surety Bond
Required$50,000
$50,000 surety bond payable to the State of Alabama, valid for the entire 4-year commission term. Must be obtained within 40 days from the date of the letter of appointment.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredNot required by law. Optional for personal protection.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredRubber stamp ink seal or embosser. Must include notary's name, 'Notary Public', 'Alabama', and 'State at Large'.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $10 (state) + $25 (probate judge commission fee) |
Bond Premium Approximate premium for $50,000 surety bond for 4-year term. Varies by provider. | $100-$150 |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors | $20-$40 |
Education Course Training program provided at no cost by Alabama Probate Judges Association and Alabama Law Institute | Free |
Total Estimated Cost Includes application fee, commission fee, bond premium, and seal | $155-$225 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Meet eligibility requirements (18+, Alabama resident)
Contact your county probate judge for application form
Complete the application and submit with $10 application fee
Complete the mandatory pre-commission training program within 30 days of application
Receive letter of appointment from probate judge
Obtain $50,000 surety bond within 40 days of appointment letter
Present bond to probate office and pay $25 commission fee
Receive commission certificate
Purchase notary seal/stamp
Commission Term
4 years
Renewal Process
Renewal applicants (unless attorneys) must complete the training program and follow the same application process through their county probate judge.
Renewal Fee
$10 (state) + $25 (probate judge) + bond premium
Alabama authorizes remote notarization for tangible documents using two-way audio-video communication, effective July 1, 2021.
Additional Requirements
Must hold an active traditional notary commission; must use two-way audio-video communication technology.
What Makes Alabama Unique
Alabama notaries are appointed by county probate judges rather than the Secretary of State. The $50,000 bond is one of the highest in the nation.
Alabama notaries are appointed by county probate judges, not the Secretary of State.
The $50,000 bond requirement is among the highest in the nation.
Mandatory pre-commission training has been required since September 1, 2023 (Act 2023-548).
Notary requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Alabama
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Notary requirements in Alabama verified against Commissions are issued by county Probate Judges; Probate Judges report to the Alabama Secretary of State. The SOS does not issue commissions directly., April 2026.
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