Alabama Notary Bond Overview
- Purpose: To protect the public and the state from illegal notary actions
- Who Needs It: Any person applying to become a public notary in Alabama
- Regulating Body: The Alabama Secretary of State
- Bond Amount: $50,000
- Premium Price: $100–$170; based on E&O coverage
What Is an Alabama Notary Bond?
An Alabama notary bond protects clients and the general public if a notary breaks regulations or laws. All notaries public need a $50,000 surety bond.
By filing this surety bond, you agree to perform all notarial duties ethically. The bond protects your clients from financial harm if you fail to do so.
How Much Do AL Notary Bonds Cost?
Alabama notary bonds cost a low, flat rate of $100 for four years of coverage.
Want extra protection? Add on optional errors and omissions (E&O) coverage for just $40–$70 more. Buy your bond in minutes.
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
Bond and E&O Requirements for Alabama Notaries
All notaries in Alabama need $50,000 bond coverage and can choose optional E&O coverage. Here's how they work together:
- Surety Bond: Can reimburse clients for notary malpractice or serious professional mistakes
- E&O Insurance: Protects a notary if a client takes legal action due to accidental errors or omissions
In simpler terms, a notary bond protects your clients while errors and omissions insurance protects you.
How to Get a Notary Bond
You can get your Alabama notary bond in minutes using the form on this page. It only takes three steps:
- Select your E&O coverage option.
- Enter your name and address.
- Provide payment details.
We’ll email you the bond right after you check out. If you don’t see the bond in 5–10 minutes, please check your junk folder. File the bond with your local probate judge.
How Does a Notary Bond Work?
When you file an Alabama notary bond, you enter a legally-binding contract with two other parties.
| Bond Party | Description |
|---|---|
| 1) Principal | You, the bonded notary public |
| 2) Obligee | The Alabama Secretary of State |
| 3) Surety | Us, the issuing surety provider |
If you break the bond terms, anyone harmed can file a claim on the bond. If a claim is valid, the surety reimburses the damages up to the bond amount.
How Do I Renew My Notary Bond?
Alabama notary bonds last for four years. If you renew your notary commission, you’ll also need to renew the surety bond.
We’ll send out helpful reminders during the renewal period. To extend your bond term, just pay the renewal premium. We’ll issue a new bond for you to file with the SOS.
Can I Make Changes to My Bond?
If you need to update information on your bond form like a name or address, contact your surety company. You can reach us at [email protected] with the change request.
When possible, we issue free bond rider forms to amend existing bond forms.
How Do I Become a Notary Public in Alabama?
In Alabama, each county manages its own notary public application process. Contact your county's probate judge for specific notary application appointment and registration details.
Here are the basic eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a U.S citizen or legal permanent resident.
- Reside in the Alabama county where you apply.
- Purchase and file a $50,000 notary bond.
- Buy a notary seal and ink stamp.
Find more information on how to get a Alabama notary public commission in our comprehensive guide.
What Duties Can Notaries Perform?
Once the Secretary of State issues your official Alabama notary commission, you may perform the following official acts:
- Administer oaths and/or affirmations
- Make signers aware of material in the documents they sign
- Take acknowledgments or proofs (conveyances)
- Protests
- Demand acceptance and payment of bills of exchange, promissory notes, and all other writings
- Make certified copies of register entries ONLY
