Notaries

DUTIES OF A NOTARY PUBLIC

To administer oaths; and

To attest and certify, by his signature and official seal, certain classes of documents, in order to give them credit and authenticity; and

To take acknowledgments of deeds and other conveyances and certify the same; and

To 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.

REQUIREMENTS TO BE APPOINTED A NOTARY PUBLIC IN RUSSELL COUNTY

Must be a resident of Russell County; and

Must be able to prove residency if requested; and

Able to present Valid Identification: and

Ability to pass a background check; and

Must be capable of posting bond in the required amount.

TYPES OF NOTARIES

State-at-Large: may perform duties of the office State-wide;

STEPS TO BE APPOINTED A NOTARY

Complete notary public application;  Notary Public – Alabama Probate Judges Association (alpja.org) 

Submit the completed application and a copy of your ID to our office with a $15 application fee (cash or check only.  You can do the online training course at this time (same website as above).  You have 30 days from your application date to complete the course.

Once we review your application, we will conduct a background check, please allow up to 10 business days for this to be completed.  If your application is approved you will receive a letter approving the application with direction to obtain the surety bond.  You have 40 days from our approval of the application date to obtain your surety bond with an Alabama Insurance company in the amount of $50,000 payable to the State of Alabama;

You must bring the Bond, completed online training course certificate and $58.00 filing fee (cash or check only) to Judge of Probate no later than 4 pm Eastern;

Probate Judge will issue applicant a commission card;

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 Department

Russell County Probate Court

1000 Broad St.

Phenix City, AL 36867