Alabama Notary Bond

The Alabama Notary Bond is a mandatory requirement for notaries in Alabama. It ensures that notaries perform their duties with integrity and precision. This bond safeguards the public if a notary makes an error, acts negligently, or engages in fraudulent behavior.

To legally operate, Alabama notaries must secure a $50,000 notary bond. If a notary’s misconduct causes financial harm, an affected party can file a claim against the bond for compensation. If a claim is paid, the notary must reimburse the surety company.

While the bond safeguards the public, it does not cover the notary personally. Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is recommended for personal protection. Overseen by Alabama probate judges and reported to the Secretary of State, this requirement promotes trust in notarial services.

In Alabama, notaries are required to obtain a $50,000 surety bond as part of their notary commission process. This bond remains valid for 4 years and serves as a financial safeguard to protect the public from potential fraudulent or negligent acts by the notary.

The Alabama notary bond costs between $35 to $55 (processing fees may apply) and must be obtained from a state-approved surety provider before submitting your notary application. These premiums are one-time payments covering the entire four-year commission term.

In addition to the bond and optional Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, notaries should also budget for other expenses, such as:

• One-time Bond Processing Fee: $100
• Notary Application Fee: $10 (This is a non-refundable fee paid when you submit your application to the Probate Office.).
• Notary Seal or Stamp: Costs range from $20 to $50, depending on the provider.
• Notary Journal: Costs range from $15 to $30 (optional but recommended).

These additional expenses ensure that notaries comply with Alabama’s legal requirements and maintain the necessary tools for their duties.

Easily apply using one of these convenient methods:

1. Apply for Your Bond

Choose one of the following convenient application methods:

• Online Application – Complete a secure online application anytime, 24/7, in just minutes.
• Call Us at (888)-592-6631 – Our bond specialists are available to assist you and answer any questions.

To apply, you’ll need:

• Bond Name: Alabama Notary Public Surety Bond
• Bond Amount: $50,000 (as required by the state)
• Email and Contact Information

2. Receive Your Quote

After submitting your application, you will instantly receive a bond quote. Review the details for accuracy, and if any adjustments are needed, our team is available to assist you.

3. Purchase Your Bond

Once you confirm the quote, finalize your purchase by paying the invoice and signing the required documents online. Your official bond will be emailed to you within minutes, ready to be submitted with your notary application.

The Alabama Notary Bond Renewal is required to maintain an active notary commission for another four-year term. This $50,000 surety bond protects the public from financial losses caused by a notary’s errors or misconduct.

To renew your Alabama notary bond, purchase a new $50,000 bond from a licensed surety provider, submit it with your renewal application to the county probate judge, and pay the $10 application fee. After approval, file the bond with the probate office, complete any county-specific requirements, and receive your renewed notary commission.

To become a Notary Public in Alabama, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria and complete the necessary steps:

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Must be a resident of the Alabama county where applying
• Must not have a felony conviction involving moral turpitude, unless civil rights have been restored

Application Process:

1. Obtain a $50,000 Surety Bond
   • Purchase from a state-approved surety provider
   • Bond must be valid for 4 years
      
2. Complete a Notary Application
   • Submit the notary application to the county probate judge
   • Pay the application fee, which varies by county (typically between $10 and $50).
      
3. Complete Mandatory Notary Training
   • Some counties require completion of a state-approved notary training course within 30 days of application. 
   • Training is provided by the Alabama Probate Judges Association and the Alabama Law Institute.
      
4. Receive Your Notary Commission
   • After approval, file the bond with the probate office within 40 days
   • Receive your notary commission certificate from the Secretary of State
      
5. Obtain a Notary Seal & Journal
   • Purchase a notary stamp or embosser
   • A notary journal is optional but recommended for recordkeeping

Please note that specific procedures and requirements may vary by county. It is advisable to contact your local probate judge's office for county-specific information.

If you want to become a Remote Online Notary (RON) in Alabama, you must follow a series of steps outlined by the Alabama Secretary of State. Below is a step-by-step guide to obtaining your online notary commission.

Step 1: Hold an Active Alabama Notary Commission

Before applying for remote online notarization, you must already be a commissioned notary public in Alabama. If you are unsure about your commission status, visit the Alabama Secretary of State’s website to verify it.

Step 2: Prepare Necessary Technology

Equip yourself with a computer that has a webcam, microphone, and a secure internet connection capable of supporting real-time, two-way audio-video communication.

Step 3: Verify Signer's Identity

Use a process that verifies the identity of the signer through a review of public or private data sources.

Step 4: Record the Notarization Session

Ensure the two-way audio-video communication recording includes:

• The date and time of the notarization.
• A description of the documents involved.
• An attestation by you, the notary, confirming your physical presence in Alabama.
• Details on how the signer's identity was verified.
• Clear images of any government-issued identification presented.
• A clear recording of the signing process as observed by you.

Step 5: Retain Records

Store the recording and related documents securely as part of your notarial records, adhering to Alabama's record retention requirements.

By following these steps, you can effectively perform remote ink notarizations in Alabama, offering clients the convenience of remote services while ensuring compliance with state laws.