How to Become a Notary in Alabama (2026)
Step-by-step guide to getting your Alabama notary commission — fees, bond, exam, and timeline. All data from official Alabama state sources.
A state-by-state reference covering notary fee caps, remote online notarization (RON) availability, and step-by-step instructions for getting documents notarized from home. Know your rights and the legal maximums before you pay a notary.
See exactly what you get- All 50 states — fee caps for acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and RON
- RON status for every state — which states allow remote online notarization in 2026
- Step-by-step guide to getting documents notarized via video call
- Mobile notary tips — what to ask upfront, how to avoid overcharging
- Instant download — open in any browser, print to PDF
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How to Become a Notary in Alabama — Step by Step
Meet the eligibility requirements
To become a notary in Alabama, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal U.S. resident, and either a resident of Alabama or regularly employed there. You cannot have felony convictions (in most states) unless your civil rights have been restored.
Complete the required education course
Alabama requires you to complete a state-approved notary education course before applying. Courses are available from approved providers and can typically be completed online. Course prices are set by the provider.
Obtain your $50,000 surety bond
Alabama requires a $50,000 surety bond before you can be commissioned. Purchase the bond from a licensed insurance or surety company; the bond company sets the premium. The bond protects the public from errors you may make as a notary; it does not protect you personally.
Submit your application to the Probate Judge of County
File your completed notary application with the Probate Judge of County and pay the $35 application fee. Include proof of your surety bond with the application. Include your certificate of course completion. Most states now accept online applications.
Receive your commission and take your oath of office
After your application is approved, you'll receive your notary commission certificate. You must then take an official oath of office — typically before a notary public, judge, or court clerk — by the deadline in your commission letter.
Purchase your notary supplies
Order your official Alabama notary seal or stamp and a notary journal/record book. Most states require a specific seal format — check the Probate Judge of County requirements for approved shapes, ink colors, and required text.
Start notarizing — and consider signing agent training
Once commissioned, you can begin performing notarizations in Alabama. Traditional notary fees in Alabama: up to $10 per act (state-capped). Alabama also allows Remote Online Notarization (RON), capped at $10 per act — a growing income opportunity. For higher earnings, consider training as a notary signing agent (see below).
Get Your Alabama Notary Training Materials
NotaryPublicCentral has state-specific study guides and training for Alabama. Use code LEGALCOSTCALC for $10 off.
Alabama Notary Commission — Cost Summary
| State application fee | $35 |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Surety bond | $50,000 face value (premium set by the bond company) |
| Exam | Not required |
| Education course | Required |
| Filing office | Probate Judge of County |
| RON available | Yes |
| Fees charged by the state (application + exam) | $35 |
Filed with the county Probate Judge, not the Secretary of State. Bond of $50,000 is one of the highest in the country (increased from $25,000 in 2023). Pre-commission training required.
Source: Probate Judge of County — Official Alabama Notary Page ↗
What Can an Alabama Notary Charge?
Alabama caps notary fees at $10 per notarial act. Remote online notarizations are capped at $10. $10 per act. RON limited to paper documents only. Travel fees are not capped but must be disclosed.
Source: Alabama Notary Fee Authority ↗
Earn $75–$200 Per Signing as an Alabama Notary Signing Agent
Once you have your Alabama notary commission, you can earn serious income as a signing agent at real estate loan closings. Loan Signing System teaches you how to find clients and run a full signing business.