Before beginning their commissions, new and renewing notaries in Alabama must now file much larger surety bonds than previously required. The change went into effect January 1.

In 2011, Alabama increased the required notary bond amount from $10,000 to $25,000, which is currently the nation’s highest notary bond amount. The reasoning behind the significant increase is to cut down instances of notary misconduct as a part of America’s recent”robo-signing” crisis.

An Alabama notary bond do not protect notaries; rather, they protect consumers from notaries who might commit fraud or other errors. If a notary should make a mistake that’s against the bond’s terms, a claim can be filed against the bond so that consumers have access to financial reparation.

Surety companies have traditionally issued notary bonds quickly and easily without credit checks. With the significant increase in the bond amount, some surety providers review notary bond applicants more closely.