Notary Publics are commissioned by the Probate Judge of Madison County and hold office for four years from the date of commission.

Effective September 1^st, 2023 there is a new process to become a Notary Public in the State of Alabama.

Step 1: Complete the Application for Notary Public Commission. This form must be legibly printed. Illegible applications may be returned, and no refunds will be issued.

Step 2: File the Application with your local Probate Office and pay the $10.00 Notary Application Fee.

Step 3: Await notification of approval from the Probate Office.

Step 4: After receiving your letter of approval, complete the online Notary Public Training Course found on the Alabama Probate Judge Association’s website

Step 5: After approval, obtain a surety bond in the amount of $50,000.

Step 6: Present your Training Course Completion Certificate, Bond, and approval letter to the Judge of Probate office with the recording fee of $75.25. These must be brought to the Probate office within 40 days of the date on your approval letter.

The following requirements must be met to qualify to become a notary public in Madison County:

• The applicant must provide proof of residency in Madison County (driver’s license, state issued identification card or official piece of mail to residential address).

• Your notary commission must be in your name as it appears on your driver license or other state issued identification.

• The applicant must legibly complete and submit the Alabama Application for Notary Public Commission. This form can be found here.

• Each person must submit an application for appointment as a Notary Public.

• The filing fee to become a Notary Public in Madison County is $75.25, payable by check, cash or credit card.

• The applicant must submit to the Probate Judge’s Office a notary bond, from an insurance or bonding company, in the amount of $50,000 for a Notary State-at-Large. 

• The bond date must be left blank. If a bond is brought into our office with the incorrect date printed, we will not be able to accept it.

• Upon approval of the notary application and completion of a background check, the Probate Judge may issue certificate of appointment as a Notary Public.

• Once appointed, a notary seal may be obtained from any office supply company.

• The procedures for state employees are different in that they are covered under a State Blanket Bond. The Probate Office requires an original letter from the employee’s supervisor or department head, substantiating the applicant’s status as a state employee, and thereby covered under the State Blanket Bond to include the policy number. Each letter must be submitted on department letterhead, addressed to:

Frank Barger, Probate Judge
Madison County Service Center
1918 North Memorial Parkway
Huntsville, Alabama 35801

Fees

• Notary Application Fee $10.00
• Filing fee: $75.25

Links and Helpful Forms

• Alabama Probate Judges Association
• Alabama Revises Notary Act
• Affidavit of Notary Misconduct 
• Notary Pamphlet
• Notary Application