How to Become a Remote Online Notary in Alabama (2026)

Overview

Alabama Code Section 36-20-73.1 added authority for notaries to perform acknowledgments remotely using audio-visual technology under specific conditions. It did not create a broad RON program with a vendor registry, exam, or statewide registration. Alabama notaries must work within those limits and confirm document eligibility before accepting any remote signing request.

Alabama Code Section 36-20-73.1: What It Actually Allows

The specific authority under Alabama’s remote acknowledgment statute includes:

• Acknowledgments performed remotely using audio-visual communication technology
• The notary and signer must be able to communicate in real-time via audio and video
• Identity verification using the methods specified in the statute
• Recordkeeping of the remote session as required

What the statute does NOT cover:

• Voting-related documents are expressly excluded – Alabama law explicitly prohibits using remote notarization for absentee ballot applications, absentee ballot affidavits, or other voting-related purposes
• Not every notarial act type is covered – the authority is for acknowledgments specifically; other act types (jurats, oaths, etc.) performed remotely require separate legal analysis
• Alabama does not have a statewide RON vendor registry, exam, or full RON commission process

Alabama’s County Probate Judge Commission System

Alabama notaries are appointed by the county probate judge in the county where the applicant resides or has a principal place of business – not by a statewide office. This county-level structure means:

• The application process and fees vary by county
• You must apply to your county probate judge, not the Secretary of State
• Commissions are typically 4-year terms
• Training requirements set by the state apply regardless of county

Training is required for both new applicants and renewal applicants in Alabama – this is more rigorous than many states where only initial applicants must train. Confirm the current approved training provider with your county probate office or the Secretary of State.

The $50,000 Bond Requirement

Alabama requires a $50,000 surety bond for notary commissions – one of the highest bond requirements in the country. Annual premiums for a $50,000 bond typically run $50-$100/year through NNA, Notary Rotary, or similar providers. The bond must be filed before the commission is issued. This high bond amount reflects Alabama’s conservative approach to notary authorization and is the same whether or not you plan to perform remote acknowledgments.

Verifying Document Eligibility Before a Remote Acknowledgment

Before accepting any remote signing request, Alabama notaries must confirm:

• The act type is an acknowledgment (not a jurat, oath, or other act not covered by Section 36-20-73.1)
• The document is not a voting-related document (absentee ballot applications, affidavits, or any form related to election participation)
• The receiving party (title company, court, lender) will accept a remote acknowledgment from an Alabama notary
• The audio-visual technology being used meets Alabama’s identification requirements

When in doubt about document eligibility, consult the requesting attorney or document recipient before the session.

Technology for Alabama Remote Acknowledgments

Alabama does not maintain an approved vendor registry for its remote acknowledgment authority. The statute requires real-time audio-visual communication and identity verification, but leaves technology selection to the notary. Platforms widely used for Alabama remote acknowledgments include Notarize (Proof) and NotaryLive – confirm the platform’s current Alabama compliance documentation before use.

What Alabama Notaries Can Do in Practice

Within the limits of Section 36-20-73.1, Alabama notaries can provide remote acknowledgment services for eligible documents:

• Real estate documents – deeds, mortgages, and related documents requiring acknowledgment (confirm title company acceptance)
• Legal documents – powers of attorney, agreements requiring acknowledgment
• Business documents – corporate and entity documents requiring notarized acknowledgments

Common Mistakes Alabama Notaries Make

• Advertising full RON services when Alabama only authorizes remote acknowledgments under Section 36-20-73.1
• Attempting to notarize voting-related documents remotely – this is expressly prohibited
• Not confirming document eligibility and act type before the session
• Not completing the required training for commission renewal
• Applying to the wrong office – Alabama commissions go through the county probate judge, not the SoS

Before You Start

Alabama’s remote notarization authority is narrow – acknowledgments only, voting documents excluded, county commission structure. Confirm your commission is current, your training is complete, the act type and document are eligible under Section 36-20-73.1, and the receiving party will accept the remote acknowledgment before proceeding. Official reference: Alabama Secretary of State – Notaries Public.

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