An Alabama notary can avoid revocation of their commission by performing their duties correctly and staying within the legal limits of their authority. Proper adherence to the rules will help avoid legal issues that could lead to revocation.
A notary’s commission can be revoked for committing fraudulent acts, such as falsifying notarizations or failing to perform their duties honestly. Minor mistakes, such as forgetting to notarize a document, would not typically result in revocation unless part of a larger pattern of negligence.
Notarizing a document in which the notary has a personal financial interest is a conflict of interest and could lead to the suspension or revocation of the notary's commission. Notaries must remain impartial in all their official acts.
In Alabama, the probate judge has the authority to revoke a notary’s commission. The probate judge is responsible for appointing notaries, and they also have the power to revoke or suspend a notary’s commission if necessary.
Notarizing documents for family members is allowed as long as the notary does not have a direct financial interest in the transaction. However, failing to maintain a bond, performing duties while intoxicated, or engaging in the unauthorized practice of law can lead to revocation.
