What a notary bond is
Many states require a notary public to have a bond before they're commissioned. It protects the public if the notary makes a mistake or commits misconduct. It doesn't protect the notary: errors and omissions insurance does that.
In Alabama
Alabama notaries must give a $50,000 bond payable to the State of Alabama under Ala. Code § 36-20-71, raised from $25,000 by the 2023 revised notary act. Notaries are commissioned by the county judge of probate for four years.
- The bond is approved, filed and recorded in the probate judge's office.
You need this bond if you're
- Someone applying to become a notary
- A notary renewing a commission
- An employer with staff who notarize documents
What the surety looks at
Basic personal details. Notary bonds usually don't need a detailed review.