For Notaries · Alabama
How to Become a Notary in Alabama
To become a notary in Alabama, you must be at least 18, an Alabama resident, and a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. Complete the free state pre-commission training within 30 days, file a $50,000 surety bond, and apply through your county probate judge. Commissions run four years.
Last updated: July 9, 2026 · By Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC — CEO & Founder, USA Notary
Alabama is one of the few states where you don't apply to the Secretary of State — your local Judge of Probate appoints and commissions notaries for the county where you live. The headline requirement is Alabama's $50,000 surety bond, raised from $25,000 by Act 2023-548 in 2023 and now among the highest notary bonds in the country. Since September 1, 2023, both new and renewing applicants must also finish a free, state-prepared pre-commission training course within 30 days of applying. There is no proctored state exam, and every commission runs four years. Below we break down eligibility, the exact steps, real costs, and how Alabama's remote-notarization rules actually work.
Alabama Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Eligibility | At least 18 years old, an Alabama resident, and a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. You must be able to read and write English, pass a background check, and have no disqualifying criminal record. You apply in the county where you reside. |
|---|---|
| Surety bond | $50,000 surety bond payable to the State of Alabama. The amount was raised from $25,000 to $50,000 by Act 2023-548, effective September 1, 2023, and is among the highest notary bonds in the nation. Buy it from an Alabama-licensed insurer and file it with your county probate office (typically within about 40 days of your appointment). |
| State filing fee | Statutory fees are a $10 state application fee plus a $25 commission fee under Ala. Code § 36-20-70. Actual totals collected at the county probate office vary — some counties charge roughly $70 or more combined. |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Notary education | Required. New and renewal applicants must complete a free pre-commission training program prepared by the Alabama Probate Judges Association and the Alabama Law Institute, finished within 30 days of submitting the application (effective September 1, 2023). |
| Exam | No proctored state exam is required. An individual probate judge may request additional screening at their discretion, but Alabama does not mandate a state notary exam. |
Alabama raised its notary surety bond from $25,000 to $50,000 under Act 2023-548, effective September 1, 2023 — among the highest notary bond requirements in the nation. — Alabama Act 2023-548 (Alabama Secretary of State)
How to Become a Notary in Alabama: Step by Step
- 1
Confirm you're eligible
You must be at least 18, an Alabama resident, and a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident who can read and write English, with no disqualifying criminal record. You apply in your county of residence and must be able to pass a background check.
- 2
Complete the free state training
Finish the pre-commission training program prepared by the Alabama Probate Judges Association and the Alabama Law Institute. It is free and required of new and renewal applicants, and must be completed within 30 days of submitting your application.
- 3
Obtain your $50,000 surety bond
Purchase a $50,000 notary surety bond, payable to the State of Alabama, from an insurer licensed in Alabama. The bond protects the public, not you, so consider separate errors-and-omissions coverage for your own protection.
- 4
Apply through your county probate judge
Submit your notary application to the Judge of Probate in your county and pay the fees (a $10 state fee plus a $25 commission fee by statute; county totals vary). File proof of your bond with the probate office within the county's deadline (commonly about 40 days of appointment).
- 5
Receive your 4-year commission
Once approved, the probate judge issues your commission and commission card for a four-year term. Order your notary seal or stamp and a record journal, then you're ready to notarize across Alabama.
Remote Online Notarization in Alabama (Limited)
Alabama does not permit fully electronic remote online notarization (RON). Under Ala. Code § 36-20-73.1 (SB 275, effective July 1, 2021), notaries may perform remote ink-signed notarizations (RIN): the signer appears by live audio-video conference, but the document stays a physical wet-ink paper that is mailed to the notary, who then signs and seals it by hand. Electronic seals and electronic signatures are prohibited, three identity-verification methods are required, and the audio-video session must be recorded and retained for at least seven years.
Online / remote notary application fee: No separate state fee to perform remote ink-signed notarizations; you use your standard notary commission.
Remote ink-signed notarization authorized July 1, 2021 (SB 275); fully electronic RON is not currently available in Alabama.
Walk through the Alabama remote online notarization process →
Traditional Notary vs. Remote Online Notary in Alabama
Alabama permits only a limited form of remote notarization, so most work is done as a traditional notary. Here's how the two differ.
| Traditional (in-person) notary | Remote online notary (RON) | |
|---|---|---|
| How the signer appears | In person, in the same room | Over a live, recorded audio-video call |
| Available in Alabama? | Yes | Limited — restrictions apply (see above) |
| What you need | Seal and journal | An approved RON platform, identity-proofing, and a digital certificate |
| Where the work comes from | Local, walk-in and mobile appointments | Nationwide — e.g. assigned online signings through USA Notary |
What Does It Cost to Become a Notary in Alabama?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| State application fee | $10 (statutory) |
| Probate commission fee | $25 statutory; county totals vary |
| $50,000 surety bond | ~$35-$150 for the 4-year term (varies by insurer) |
| Pre-commission training | Free (state-provided) |
| Seal/stamp & journal | Varies by supplier |
See costs and fees on USA Notary for platform-side details.
Turn Your Alabama Commission Into Income
Getting commissioned is step one. USA Notary connects commissioned notaries with paid signing work — and the moment Alabama makes remote online notarization available to you, you can add assigned, paid remote signings through the platform. Learn how Alabama notaries earn, check the platform requirements for Alabama notaries, and browse become-a-notary guides for other states.
Join USA Notary as a notaryFrequently Asked Questions
Becoming a Notary in Other States
Requirements differ by state — here are nearby East South Central guides and other popular states. See the full 50-state directory.
About the author
Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC
CEO & Founder, USA Notary Services LLC
Andrew Ray Yon is the founder and CEO of USA Notary Services LLC and the architect of the SharpNote remote online notarization platform. A Certified Notary Signing Agent since 2005, he has handled mortgage and title loan signings for two decades and holds an MBA and the ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) designation. Based in Virginia’s Greater Richmond region, he leads the company’s strategy, compliance, and platform development.
Connect on LinkedInOfficial sources
- Alabama Secretary of State — Notaries Public
- Alabama Act 2023-548 ($50,000 notary bond law)
- Russell County Probate Judge — Notaries (commissioning authority, fees & training)
- Proof — Alabama Remote Notarization Status (RON/RIN cross-check)
This guide summarizes public requirements from Alabama's notary authority and is for general information, not legal advice. Requirements and fees can change — always confirm current details with your state before applying.