Alabama

Notary Bond

How much does the Alabama notary bond cost?

Alabama notary bonds cost $100 for the state-required 4-year term. Packages including errors and omissions insurance coverage are also available. Including an errors and omissions insurance policy with your bond ensures you're not held personally liable for mistakes made while performing a notary public act.

How do you get a notary surety bond in Alabama?

You can buy your Alabama notary bond online 24/7. Simply select the notary package you would like and provide your name and county as they appear on your appointment letter for Alabama Secretary of State filing approval. Once your payment has been processed, your notary surety bond confirmation will be delivered to your email instantly.

How fast can I get an Alabama notary bond?

SuretyBonds.com offers instant Alabama notary surety bond delivery 24/7. Purchase now to receive a copy of your bond delivered in minutes by email. If you're in a rush, choose our overnight shipping option during checkout.

What is an Alabama notary public bond?

Alabama Code Section 36-20-73 requires individuals file a $50,000 surety bond to apply for their Alabama notary commission. By purchasing and filing an Alabama notary bond, notaries agree to faithfully discharge all duties associated with their notary commission. The Alabama Secretary of State advises the commission date line on the middle of the form be left blank because the bond becomes effective the day it's officially filed.

What is the Alabama notary bond amount?

Effective 9/1/2023, Alabama Senate Bill 322 Act #2023-548 increased the Alabama notary surety bond amount from $25,000 to $50,000. If you're filing for a new Alabama notary commission or will renew your notary commission after 9/1/2023, you must purchase and file a $50,000 Alabama notary surety bond amount. 

How does an Alabama notary bond work?

By filing this bond, you agree to faithfully discharge all duties associated with your notary commission. If you fail to do so, your issuing surety company will pay valid claims to the state or harmed individuals up to your full $50,000 bond amount, which you must reimburse. 

Why are Alabama notary bonds required?

Alabama notary bonds protect the state and the public from financial loss resulting from a notary's unlawful actions. As outlined in the Alabama Notary Public Handbook, “A notary's duty is to make sure the signers are aware of the contents of the documents they are signing, that the signer's documents are for their true identity, and that they signed willingly without intimidation or coercion...Notaries are dutifully bound to not act in their personal interest.”

Who regulates Alabama notary commissions?

Notaries are appointed by county probate judges who report to the Alabama Secretary of State. If you have questions about your county's notary application requirements, contact your local probate judge.

How do I update or change my notary public surety bond form?

If your county requires your surety bond form to be updated for any reason, contact your surety company. If you purchased your bond from SuretyBonds.com, email [email protected] to explain the needed change. The most common changes requested are updating your name or county to match your existing notary forms or new notary application.

How do I renew my Alabama notary public bond?

You must renew your Alabama notary bond before its current 4-year term expires. Once you pay your SuretyBonds.com renewal invoice, a new Alabama notary public bond form will be emailed to you instantly. You must file your new bond form for your next Alabama notary commission term. 

What are the requirements to become a notary in Alabama?

Since each county manages its own notary public application process, individuals should contact their county's probate judge for specific notary application appointment and registration details.

All Alabama notary applicants must meet the following requirements.

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a U.S citizen or legal permanent resident
• Reside in the Alabama county where you apply
• Purchase and file a $50,000 Alabama notary surety bond 
• Purchase and maintain an embossing notary seal and ink notary stamp

Notary journals and notary books are not required.  

Learn How to get a Alabama notary public license by reviewing our comprehensive guide.

What duties are notaries authorized to perform in Alabama?

Once the Secretary of State issues your official Alabama notary commission, you may perform the following official acts as a notary public. 

• Administer oaths and/or affirmations
• Make signers aware of material in the documents they sign
• Take acknowledgments or proofs (conveyances)
• Protests
• Demand acceptance and payment of bills of exchange, promissory notes, and all other writings
• Make certified copies of register entries ONLY, when required and upon payment of fee