how to become a notary in alabama

To become a notary in Alabama, one must follow these key steps:

1. Meet eligibility requirements: be at least 18 years old, be a resident of the county where applying, have no felony conviction unless pardoned, not be in bankruptcy, and not be incapacitated by court order.
2. Complete an application form and submit it with a $10 fee and a copy of your driver's license to your local Probate Judge.
3. Complete a notary training course within 30 days of submitting your application and print the course completion certificate.
4. Wait for an approval letter from the Probate Judge.
5. Purchase a $50,000 surety bond after approval.
6. Present the bond and training certificate to the Probate Office within 40 days of the appointment letter and pay applicable fees (around $43 to $60).
7. Receive the notary commission certificate and order notary supplies (seal and stamp).

The entire process includes an application fee, bond purchase, and recording fees totaling roughly $235 to $240 and takes about 4 to 6 weeks for processing. The notary commission lasts for four years. Each county's Probate Judge can have some additional requirements, so it is recommended to check with them for any local specifics.