To qualify for a notary commission in Alabama, applicants must be at least 18 years old. This is a standard age requirement for notaries in most states.
In Alabama, notary applications are submitted to and approved or denied by the probate judge in the applicant’s county of residence. The probate judge has authority over the notary commissioning process.
Alabama law requires notaries to obtain a bond in the amount of $25,000. This bond is meant to protect the public from potential damages caused by the notary’s errors or misconduct.
Alabama does not require notary applicants to pass a written exam. However, applicants must meet the other criteria, such as residency, citizenship, and filing an application with the probate judge.
A notary public in Alabama is commissioned for a term of four years. After this period, the notary must apply for reappointment if they wish to continue serving.