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"Helping Alabama residents become successful notaries."
Notaries for Alabama is the leading source of news, legislation, training and information for notaries throughout in the State of Alabama.
Looking for information about Act 2023-548? Scroll up to the top and click the link on the right.
To be added to our mailing list, send us a message (below) and we'll make sure you're included in our member communication.
You can also connect with us on Facebook by joining our free, informative discussion group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NotaryNewbies
Notaries for Alabama
6275 University Drive NW
Suite 37, Box 125
Huntsville, Alabama 35806
Phone: (205) 626-9399
Fax: (515) 724-6009
Email: Notaries4Alabama@Gmail.com
Michelle has been the driving force behind Notaries for Alabama since 2013. She conducts notary classes throughout Alabama (classroom and online). She is best known for "Notary Basics: Training for Alabama's Notaries," - a four-hour class that covers Alabama notary laws and nationally-accepted notary best practice.
In 2017, Michelle started a Facebook Group, Notaries for Alabama Hangout, that gives new and experienced notaries the opportunity to network and learn. Currently, the group has over 1,400 members. It's a place where notaries can ask questions and learn from their peers. It's also where many notaries learn about new laws that affect their work (i.e., Alabama's new Marriage Law; and Remote Notarization). Hangout members include not only notaries, but also lawyers, paralegals, legal assistants, court reporters and insurance agents.
Michelle provides guidance to notaries who are interested in starting a business as a traveling notary and/or signing agent. Book Appointment
In 2014, the National Notary Association (NNA) recognized Michelle for her efforts by naming her one of their Notary of Year Honorees. She has been a frequent presenter at the NNA's Annual Notary Conferences since 2015. She is an NNA Notary Ambassador (r).
Would you like Michelle to speak to members of your organization about being a Notary Public? Email Notaries4Alabama@Gmail.com.
The steps you must take to obtain new or renewal commission changed significantly on Friday, September 1, 2023, due to a new notary law.
New and renewing notaries, in all 67 counties, must complete and submit a Notary Application; undergo a Background Check, complete a Mandatory Training Class, and purchase a $50,000 Bond.
Ready to get started? Go to the Alabama Probate Judge Association. website ( www.ALPJA.org.) or click the video button below.
Every Notary Public must purchase a Surety Bond, in the amount of $50,000 in order to receive a commission. The Notary Bond is like a tangible promise you make to the residents of Alabama, that you will fulfill the duties and obligations of a notary, in accordance with state law. If a claim is filed against you and your bond, you are required to pay back the money to the surety company immediately.
Due to recent changes in Alabama's notary laws, you should wait until you receive a Letter of Appointment before purchasing the Bond.
Purchase a Notary Surety Bond ($70) from an insurance agent, or you can purchase one here:
Michelle L. Riley
Independent Insurance Agent
Alabama License #0567331
Phone: (256) 503-6595
Your commission will be effective for four (4) years. At the end of that time period, you can renew the commission with a new application, new background check, bond, and renewal fee.
If you relocate to another county or state, you should notify your Judge of Probate.
You are required to purchase an embosser or stamp with the official Notary Seal. Wait until after your commission has been approved before ordering supplies.
You can purchase an embosser (raised seal) or an ink stamp. Both are acceptable and it really does come down to personal choice. Notaries for Alabama recommends that you also purchase a Notary Journal. Please note that Alabama does not require its notaries to use a journal; however, it is a notary best practice.
Yes and No. In 2019, the Alabama Secretary of State office compiled a handbook. It was a very helpful and answered a number of frequently asked questions by notaries. However, in light of Alabama's Notary Accountability Act that goes into effect on 9/1/2023, the Notary Handbook is no longer available on the Secretary of State website - as it contains outdated information.
Hopefully a new and updated handbook will be available soon.
Effective September 1, 2023, the State of Alabama increased the Notary Fee to $10 per notarial act.
An Alabama Notary Public is able to charge $10 for each signature acknowledged (notarized), and for each notarial act performed.
Notaries who drive to meet with you can charge an additional fee or fees to compensate them for the expense of travel. Alabama does not set limits on what a notary can charge for travel.
Previously, the notary fee was $5 per notarial act.
Notaries are expected to notarize signatures accurately, and they must do so in a manner that complies with all of Alabama's state laws. Notary Basics is the best option because it includes the 2023 Notary Law changes. Notary Basics is not a substitute for Alabama's new mandatory notary training. Notary Basics teaches notaries how to complete notary certificates, administer oaths, charge fees, and more. In 2024, Notary Basics will return to the classroom and to venues near you. For more information, send the instructor an email at Michelle@NotariesforAlabama.com.
On September 1, 2023, the State of Alabama instituted major changes to its notary laws. Here at Notaries for Alabama, we fondly refer to Act 2023-548 as the Alabama Notary Accountability Act of 2023. After you read the new law, you'll understand why. Downloading a free copy of the legislation is easy. Just scroll down to the bottom of this page and download a copy. Understanding how this affects you or the notaries at your business is something different. In this one-hour video, Michelle reviews the changes and provides important insights - in a way that makes it easy to understand. In addition to video, you'll receive additional handouts and information that pertain to the new requirements.
Interested in starting your own traveling (mobile) notary business? We can help.
Jump Start Your Mobile Notary Business outlines the steps to take to get your mobile notary business off the ground, and up & running. This On-Demand video focuses on general notary work; not notary signing agent.
Hone your notary skills and improve your understanding of Alabama notary laws. We cover the "how-to" during these live Zoom meetings. It's a new topic every month. Bring your lunch and learn with notaries from all over the state.
Alabama notaries play a pivotal role in the marriage process. Notarizing this form correctly the first time is imperative. After attending this class you will become a marriage certificate expert and learn about other wedding-related services you can offer.
With more and more Americans working, living and vacationing in other countries, the demand for Apostilles, Certifications and Authentications is growing quickly. In this live Zoom, notaries will gain an overview and deeper understanding of the role notaries play when documents are needed in foreign countries.
On Thursday, July 1, 2021, Alabama will be one step closer to Remote Online Notarization. Governor Ivey approved legislation that will allow notaries to continue using technology to conduct certain types of notarizations.
What is remote ink-signed notarization (RIN)?
RIN is when the document signer is in one location and the notary is in an entirely different location. The two (or more) individuals are connected by video and audio conference technology where they can see and hear each other.
The notary watches the signer(s) use a traditional ink pen to make their signature and date the document. The signer(s) must send the originally signed document to the notary. The notary also uses a traditional ink pen to make his/her signature on the document, apply the official seal, and return to the document back to the signer(s).
Is that it?
No. There are a number of stipulations and requirements that must be met by the signer and notary. Before attempting this type of notarization it's imperative that both the notary and signer understand the new law. Notaries for Alabama is hosting free webinars to help familiarize notaries and other legal professionals with the new requirements. To register, go to TrainAlabama.com. A copy of the signed legislation is available for download (below).
Help! I need a remote Alabama Notary.
Go to Alabama Remote Notary
Be the first to hear about changes in Alabama's notary law; training classes; notary meet-ups; and special discounts.
We compiled a list of Notary Commission Filing fees, by county. We obtained this information by checking the website of each county's probate office. We will update the list each quarter. Please let us know if your county's information should be updated. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Current as of 4/1/2024.
6275 University Drive, Suite 37, Box 125, Huntsville, AL 35806, US
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