Alabama Notary Acknowledgment Overview
A notary acknowledgment in Alabama is a certificate completed by an AL-commissioned notary public confirming that a signer personally appeared before the notary, was positively identified, and acknowledged signing a document voluntarily. Alabama law prescribes specific statutory wording that must be used for acknowledgment certificates to be valid and accepted by recording offices throughout the state. Using incorrect or out-of-state wording can result in document rejection.
Alabama notary acknowledgments are required for real estate deeds, powers of attorney, trust documents, mortgages, and many other legal instruments filed or recorded in the state. The notary does not verify the content or legality of the document — only the identity of the signer and that the signature was made willingly. Alabama notaries must hold an active commission, maintain proper bonding, and follow all AL notarial procedures when performing acknowledgments.
$5
Max fee per act
4 years
Commission term
Yes
RON allowed
Recommended
Journal
Alabama Acknowledgment Wording
Alabama law prescribes specific statutory wording for notary acknowledgment certificates. Using the correct wording is essential for documents that will be recorded with Alabama county recorders or filed with state agencies. Below are the required acknowledgment forms for different signer types.
Alabama Specific Note
The acknowledgment wording below reflects Alabama's statutory requirements. While substantially similar certificates may be accepted, using the exact statutory language ensures your document will not be rejected for recording. Always verify current requirements with your county recorder's office before filing.
Individual Acknowledgment
County of _______________
I, the undersigned notary public, hereby certify that _______________, whose name is signed to the foregoing instrument, and who is known to me, acknowledged before me on this day that, being informed of the contents of the instrument, he/she/they executed the same voluntarily on the day the same bears date.
Given under my hand and official seal this _____ day of _______________, 20_____.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Corporate / Representative Acknowledgment
County of _______________
I, the undersigned notary public, hereby certify that _______________, who is known to me as the _______________ [title] of _______________ [corporation/entity], acknowledged before me on this day that, being informed of the contents of the foregoing instrument, he/she executed the same in the name of and on behalf of said entity, voluntarily, on the day the same bears date.
Given under my hand and official seal this _____ day of _______________, 20_____.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Multiple Signers Acknowledgment
County of _______________
I, the undersigned notary public, hereby certify that _______________ and _______________, whose names are signed to the foregoing instrument, and who are known to me, acknowledged before me on this day that, being informed of the contents of the instrument, they each executed the same voluntarily on the day the same bears date.
Given under my hand and official seal this _____ day of _______________, 20_____.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Alabama Notary Requirements
Alabama has specific requirements for notaries public who perform acknowledgments. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your notarization is valid and your documents will be accepted.
- Commission Term: Alabama notary commissions are valid for 4 years from the date of issuance
- Bond: A $25,000 surety bond is required for Alabama notaries
- Exam: No exam is required to become a notary in Alabama
- Journal: Maintaining a notary journal is recommended but not legally required in Alabama
- Seal/Stamp: Alabama notaries must use an official seal or stamp on all notarial certificates
- Max Fee: $5 per notarial act for in-person notarizations
Remote Online Notarization in Alabama
Alabama does allow remote online notarization (RON), which permits signers to appear before a notary via secure audio-video technology rather than in person. RON sessions require multi-factor identity verification including knowledge-based authentication questions, credential analysis of a government-issued ID, and live video confirmation.
RON notaries in Alabama must use approved technology platforms that meet state requirements for security, recording, and record retention. All RON sessions are recorded and the recordings must be stored for the period specified by AL law. RON fees may differ from in-person notarization fees.
Alabama Notary Fees
Alabama regulates the maximum fees notaries may charge for notarial acts. Below is a breakdown of typical notarization costs in Alabama.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Jurat (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Oath / Affirmation | Up to $5 |
| Mobile Notary Travel Fee | Varies (not regulated in most cases) |
| Remote Online Notarization | $25 (typical, may vary by platform) |
Alabama Identification Requirements
Alabama notaries must verify the identity of each signer before performing an acknowledgment. The following forms of identification are generally accepted in Alabama.
Sample Alabama Acknowledgment Certificate
Below is a preview of our Alabama-specific notary acknowledgment certificate. Your customized document will include the exact AL statutory wording and all required notarial elements.
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF ALABAMA
Individual Acknowledgment
VENUE:
State of Alabama
County of [County]
SIGNER INFORMATION:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
ID Type: [ID Presented]
Date: [Date of Notarization]
NOTARY CERTIFICATION:
Notary Name: [Printed Name]
Commission #: [Number]
Commission Expires: [Date]
Signature:
[NOTARY SEAL / STAMP]
Alabama Notary Acknowledgment FAQ
Answers to common questions about notary acknowledgments in Alabama, including wording requirements, fees, and notarization procedures.
Official Alabama Resources
Use these official resources to verify Alabama notary requirements, find a notary, and access state notary forms and information.
Related Alabama Documents
Documents commonly used alongside notary acknowledgments in Alabama, or that require AL notarization.
Alabama Jurat / Verification
Notarial certificate for sworn statements and affidavits
Alabama Affidavit
Sworn statement requiring notarized jurat
Alabama Power of Attorney
Legal authorization requiring notarized acknowledgment
Alabama Quitclaim Deed
Property transfer deed requiring notarized acknowledgment
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