Alabama Notary Bond Requirements

Is a notary bond required in Alabama?

Yes. Alabama law requires every person appointed a notary public to file a surety bond before exercising the office. Under the Notary Public Act as revised by Act 2023-548, the bond amount is $50,000 — an increase from the previous $25,000. The bond is executed to the judge of probate of the county where the notary resides, is payable to the State of Alabama, and is conditioned on the notary faithfully discharging the duties of the office.

The bond is a form of financial protection for the public, not insurance for the notary. If a member of the public is harmed by a notary’s improper or negligent act, they may make a claim against the bond up to the $50,000 penal sum. The surety that pays a claim can then seek reimbursement from the notary, so the notary remains personally responsible for their conduct.

Alabama is unusual in that notaries are appointed and commissioned by county probate judges rather than directly by the Secretary of State. You apply to the probate judge of your county of residence, and the probate judge has sole discretion to accept or deny the application. The Secretary of State maintains the statewide record — probate judges report the name, county of residence, and commission dates for each notary.

How to become a notary in Alabama

1. Confirm you meet eligibility rules. You must be a resident of Alabama, and you apply to the probate judge of the county where you reside. Applications can be denied for a felony conviction, a crime of moral turpitude, a current bankruptcy, adjudicated incapacity, or providing false information.
2. Complete the required pre-commission training program prepared by the Alabama Probate Judges Association and the Alabama Law Institute. Licensed attorneys are exempt. Applicants must complete training within 30 days of submitting the application, unless the probate judge extends the deadline for good cause.
3. Submit the uniform statewide application form to your county probate judge and pay the $10 application fee set by the Act.
4. Obtain and file your $50,000 surety bond with the probate judge.
5. Take the oath of office and pay the commission issuance fee, which the Act set at $25.
6. Once commissioned, obtain your notary seal and begin acting within your four-year term.

Bond vs. E&O insurance in Alabama

The $50,000 surety bond is mandatory and protects the public. It does not protect the notary — a paid bond claim can be recovered from the notary personally. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is different: it is optional coverage a notary can purchase to help pay for legal defense and claims arising from unintentional mistakes. Alabama does not require E&O insurance, but many notaries choose to carry it because the bond alone leaves them exposed to reimbursement demands.

Renewing your Alabama commission

Renewal is handled the same way as an initial appointment — through the probate judge of your county of residence. The term of office remains four years, and both new and renewing applicants must complete the required training program (attorneys excepted). Because the bond runs with the commission, plan to have a current $50,000 bond in place for the new term when you renew. A period of restriction, suspension, or revocation does not extend the expiration date of a commission.

Remote online notarization in Alabama

Alabama law maintains a process for electronic and remote notarization. Remote notarization uses two-way audio-video communication technology so that the notary and a remotely located signatory can see and hear each other simultaneously; the notary must be physically located in Alabama and the session must be recorded. Alabama law also specifies that remote notarization may not be used for absentee-ballot applications, absentee-ballot affidavits, or any purpose relating to voting. Confirm the current registration and technology requirements with your probate judge and the Secretary of State before performing remote acts.

Non-resident notaries in Alabama

Alabama does not commission non-residents. Under the revised Notary Public Act, an application may be denied if the applicant is not a resident of Alabama or applies to a probate judge in a county other than the one where the applicant resides.