Alabama notaries are required to obtain a $25,000 bond. This bond serves as a financial guarantee that the notary will fulfill their duties in compliance with the law and that any losses caused by their actions can be compensated.
A notary who notarizes a document without verifying the identity of the signer can be held personally liable for any resulting damages. This is a fundamental notarial duty, and failure to comply with it could lead to serious legal and financial consequences for the notary.
The bond required for Alabama notaries is meant to protect the public by covering potential damages resulting from the notary’s errors, negligence, or misconduct. It is not intended to protect the notary personally or generate income for the state.
Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is recommended for Alabama notaries to protect themselves against personal liability beyond the bond amount. E&O insurance covers claims related to mistakes or unintentional errors made by the notary while performing their duties.
If an Alabama notary fails to obtain the required bond, their commission may be suspended or revoked by the probate judge. The bond is essential for protecting the public, and without it, a notary cannot lawfully perform their duties.
