Notary Public

Function of a Notary Public

A Notary Public is a public officer whose function is to:

1. Administer oaths; and
2. Attend and certify, by signature and official seal, certain classes of documents in order to give them credit and authenticity;
3. Take acknowledgement of deeds and other conveyances and certify the same; and
4. Perform certain official acts, chiefly in commercial matters, such as the protesting of notes and bills, the notice of foreign drafts, and marine protests in cases of damage.

Steps to be Appointed a Notary Public

also found on the Alabama Probate Judges Association website

1. Complete the notary public application;
2. Submit the application along with the non-refundable $10 application fee to: Jefferson County Judge of Probate;
3. Complete the required online notary training course and print the Course Completion Certificate within 30 days of Application;
4. Receive approval or denial letter from Jefferson County Judge of Probate;
5. After approval, obtain a notary public surety bond in the amount of $50,000;
6. Present the Training Course Completion Certificate and Bond to Jefferson County Probate Court to be recorded along with $52 recording fee within 40 days of the date of the letter of approval to receive Notary Public Commission. 

Please Remember!

The office of Notary Public is a serious and responsible public office and should not be taken lightly. Abuse of the office or irresponsibility in the performance of notarial duties can result in grave consequences. If a Notary Public has doubts about the propriety of any action, he or she should seek competent professional advice before he or she acts.

Notary Public Applications may be submitted in person or mailed with the $10 fee and self-addressed stamped envelope to the correct division: