• Notary Public
    • What is a notary public? A notary public is an individual that acts an impartial witness in signing certain documents. The job of the notary public is to verify the identity, willingness, and awareness of any person signing the document in order to help prevent any fraud from occurring. Notary Publics are commissioned by the Probate Judge of Dekalb County and hold office for a term of four years from the date of commission.
    • Can I become a notary public? You can apply for appointment with the Probate Judge of Dekalb County if (1) you are a resident of Dekalb County AND (2) you are capable of posting bond in the required amount. In order to apply, you must first submit an application, which can be found here. The application fee is $10.00. The Probate Judge will deny an application on any of the following grounds:

(a) The applicant is not a resident of Alabama.

(b) The applicant makes the application to a judge who is not the judge of probate of the county of the applicant’s residence.

(c) The applicant has been convicted of a felony or crime of moral turpitude.

(d) The applicant is currently a debtor in a bankruptcy proceeding.

(e) The applicant is under a current order adjudicating him or her incapacitated.

(f) The applicant provides false information on the application.

(g) The applicant is unable or unwilling to successfully complete the required training program within 30 days after submitting his or her application, but this time frame may be extended by the judge of probate upon good cause shown.

  • Steps to become a Notary Public:
    1. Complete application and collect required documentation.
    2. File the application and $10.00 fee with our office.
    3. Await notification of approval from the Probate Judge. (You may go ahead and complete the required online training course at this time.)
    4. Complete the online Notary Public Training course and print the Course Completion Certificate within 30 days of approval letter.
    5. Obtain a surety bond in the amount of $50,000 from any licensed insurance agent. The bond is to be made payable to the State of Alabama.
    6. Bring your bond and training certificate to our office. The fee is $60.00 for a Notary Public Commission.
    7. Once appointed, a notary seal may be obtained from any office supply store.

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  • Additional Information:
    1. Notary Public Information from the Alabama Probate Judges Association website (includes links for the application and the online training course)
    2. General Notary info/FAQ here
    3. Alabama Notary Public Application
    4. Alabama Secretary of State Notary Information
    5. Senate Bill 322 (Notary Law) SB322