A candidate must fill out an application with the probate judge. The probate judge appoints and commissions all notaries public. 

Each notary public can hold office for a period of 4 years, however, the notary can apply for a renewal after the four year term has expired.

The notary public must vacate the office if they move out of the county from where the commission was granted.

Yes. a $25,000 bond must be obtained and payable to the state of Alabama and conditioned to faithfully perform the duties of notary public. The bond must be executed, approved, filed and recorded in the office of the judge of probate before the notary can assume any duties.

Section 36-20-72

SEAL

For the authentication of his or her official acts, each notary shall provide a seal of office, which shall present, by its impression or stamp, the name, office, and the state for which he or she was appointed.

(Act 2011-295, p. 544, §1.)

Yes. One can apply for appointment with the probate judge for a state wide notary. The notary shall not be limited to any one county, but can perform official acts in any county in the state.

The term of office is the same for a statewide notary as it is for a notary for a specific county, 4 years.

Yes. The statewide notary must give bond approved by the probate judge of the county of residence in the sum of $25,000, payable to the state of Alabama and conditioned to faithfully perform the duties of notary public. The bond must be executed, approved, filed and recorded in the office of the judge of probate of the county of residence before the notary assumes any duties.

Section 36-20-72

Seal

For the authentication of his or her official acts, each notary shall provide a seal of office, which shall present, by its impression or stamp, the name, office, and the state for which he or she was appointed.

(Act 2011-295, p. 544, §1.)

The standard fee collected by the probate judge is $25.00

1. may administer oaths
2. take acknowledgements of or proof of instruments of writing relating to commerce or navigation and certify the same and all other of their official acts under their seal of office
3. demand acceptance and payment of bills of exchange, promissory notes and all other writings which are governed by the commercial law as to day of grace
4. demand and notice of nonpayment and protest the same for non-acceptance or nonpayment
5. give notice thereof as required by law

A notary is entitled to the following fees:

• $1.50 plus postage for all services rendered in connection with the protest of any bill of exchange for acceptance, or of any bill of exchange, promissory note, check or other writing for payment
• $.50 for any oath, certificate of seal taken
• $.50 for giving any other certificate and affixing seal of
• $.20 for every 100 words for giving copies from notary's register
• $.25 for each certificate and seal to the register copy

Yes. Each notary must keep a record of all the notarial acts performed. This register must be given to the judge of probate of the county upon the death, resignation, removal, or expiration of the term.

Upon the death, resignation, removal, or expiration of the notary's commission, the register must be delivered to the probate judge within 30 days.

Any person who, after the death, resignation, removal, or expiration of the term of office of any notary public, has the register kept by the notary, refuses, on demand, to deliver the register to the probate judge shall, on conviction, be fined not less than $100.00.

If any person performs a notarial act without being a notary or after their commission has expired, they are guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to imprisonment for not more that one year.

Yes. A notary may be impeached and removed from office for willful neglect of duty, corruption of office, incompetence, excessive use of liquors or drugs to such an extent in view of the dignity of the office and importance of its duties it makes the notary unfit to perform the duties of the office, or commits any offense involving moral turpitude.