Today, we’re spotlighting Alabama and some unique aspects of its notarial process.
🔹 Commissioning Authority
Notaries in Alabama are commissioned at the county level by the local probate judge, not the Secretary of State.
🔹 Term Length
An Alabama notary commission lasts four years, unless revoked sooner.
🔹 Bond Requirement
Notaries must secure a $25,000 surety bond (effective since September 2023) to protect the public from errors or misconduct.
🔹 Electronic Notarization
Alabama permits electronic notarizations, but remote online notarization (RON) is not currently authorized. The signer must still be physically present.
🔹 Authorized Acts
Alabama notaries can take acknowledgments, administer oaths/affirmations, and notarize affidavits and other legal documents — but they cannot give legal advice or prepare legal documents unless licensed to practice law.
🔹 Interesting Fact
The fee for a notarial act in Alabama is capped at $10 per notarization, though notaries may charge additional travel fees if agreed upon beforehand.
Whether you’re a notary in Alabama or just curious about how states differ, it’s fascinating to see how each jurisdiction adds its own twist to the notarial process.
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