Alabama Notary Bonds

The state of Alabama requires notary publics to post a surety bond to be eligible to operate in the state. The bonds protect the public from any financial losses resulting from the notary’s negligence or misconduct. They are issued for four-year terms and remain in effect unless canceled by the surety company.

You can apply online for the bond directly through a surety company or agency. After your application is approved, you will receive a surety bond quote with the bond premium. If you accept the quote, you pay the premium and the surety company issues you the bond.

Unlike other types of surety bonds, Alabama notary bonds do not require a credit check as part of the underwriting process. As a result, the bonds are often issued instantly upon completing the application.

All Alabama notary publics must post a $25,000 surety bond. The surety company issuing the bond determines the percentage of the total bond amount you need to pay as a premium. Premiums for Alabama notary public bonds generally cost $45.

To be appointed as an Alabama notary public, you must meet the following requirements set forth by the Alabama Public Service Commission:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Must be a resident of the State of Alabama
• Must be a resident of the county where you are appointed
• Must never have been convicted of a felony

If you meet these requirements, you can receive your notary commission by completing the following steps:

• Obtain your notary application from your probate judge
• Complete the notary application
• Post the $25,000 surety bond
• Purchase notary supplies
• Obtain errors and omissions insurance (optional)

There is a $10 filing fee for the notary application. After you are appointed, the probate judge will report the details of your notary commission to the Alabama Secretary of State. For more details on becoming a notary public in Alabama, you can visit the Public Service Commission website.