Launching and Running a Notary Business in Alabama
Are you interested in starting your own notary business in Alabama? Being a notary public can be a rewarding and profitable venture. In this article, we will explore the process of launching and running a notary business in Alabama, including the fees that can be charged for various services and additional charges allowed for mobile, loan closing, or remote online notarizations.
1. Getting Started as a Notary Public
The first step to launching your notary business in Alabama is to become a notary public. To become a notary, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a legal resident of Alabama or a resident of a neighboring state who is regularly employed or carries on a business or profession in Alabama
- Have a good moral character
- Not have been convicted of a felony
You will also need to complete an application and pay a filing fee to the Alabama Secretary of State. The application will require you to provide personal information and include an oath of office.
2. Understanding Notary Fees in Alabama
As a notary public, you are authorized to charge certain fees for your services. The fee schedule for notary services in Alabama is determined by state law and can be found in the Alabama Code Section 36-20.
Some of the commonly charged notary fees in Alabama include:
- Taking an acknowledgement or proof of a written instrument: $5.00 per signature
- Taking a verification upon oath or affirmation: $5.00 per signature
- Administering an oath or affirmation without a signature: $5.00
- Taking a deposition: $1.00 per page
- Executing a protest of a negotiable instrument: $5.00
Please note that these fees are subject to change, so it is essential to check the current fee schedule when starting your notary business.
3. Additional Charges for Mobile, Loan Closing, or Remote Online Notarizations
In addition to the standard notary fees, Alabama law allows notaries to charge additional fees for specific services such as mobile notarizations, loan closings, or remote online notarizations.
Mobile Notarizations: When a notary travels to a location other than their primary place of business to notarize documents, they may charge a reasonable travel fee in addition to the standard notary fees. The travel fee compensates the notary for their time and expenses associated with travel.
Loan Closings: Notaries who specialize in loan closings can charge fees based on their expertise and the complexity of the transaction. Loan closings often involve extensive document preparation and require the notary to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the loan documents.
Remote Online Notarizations: Alabama allows remote online notarizations, which enable the notary and the signer to meet virtually through audio-video communication. Notaries conducting remote online notarizations may charge reasonable fees for their services, including authentication and verification processes.
Conclusion
Starting a notary business in Alabama can be a lucrative endeavor, but it requires careful consideration of the legal requirements and fee structures. By understanding the process of becoming a notary public, the standard notary fees, and the additional charges allowed for mobile, loan closing, or remote online notarizations, you can set up and run a successful notary business in Alabama.
If you’re interested in learning more about the notary profession or exploring related topics, feel free to browse our website for more informative articles.
