Changes Take Effect on September 1, 2023
Reported by Mike Hobson
The Alabama legislature recently revised Alabama’s laws relating to the appointment of notaries public and the notary public office. The changes become effective September 1, 2023. All currently serving notaries public are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these changes.
Bibb County Probate Judge Stephanie Kemmer provided information on the changes. “The Alabama Legislature enacted changes to existing law to address the noted problems and shortcomings with the existing law. The comprehensive revision of Alabama’s Notary Public Act brings Alabama in line with a majority of American states that require training of notaries public and specify both civil and criminal penalties, should a notary public act negligently or criminally.”
The Alabama Probate Judges Association (“APJA”) encouraged and endorsed the legislative effort and representatives of the APJA worked closely with the sponsors in formulating the revised notary act.
The new law requires that an application be filed with the Probate office, along with a non-refundable $12 fee. It requires the probate office conduct a background check and confirm that the applicant is a resident of Bibb County. Once the applicant is notified that their application has been approved, they have 40 days to provide the Probate office with a bond in the amount of $50,000 and proof that they have completed the required on-line training that is offered (for free) on the APJA website. At the time the bond is filed, a fee of $55 will be charged.
The new law gives local Probate Judges discretion to accept or deny applications and creates specific grounds to deny an application. The law also establishes criminal charges that could be applied for violations of the new Statute.
For a complete detail of the new law and its provisions visit the Alabama Probate Judge’s Association website at https://alpja.org or visit the Bibb County Probate Office.
