Posted by tonya/AL on 6/18/09 10:18pm
Msg #292788

Alabama Notary Law Handbook/Info

Can anyone tell me if there is more comprehensive information regarding notary law specific to the state of Alabama? I have looked everywhere and everything refers me back to the Code of Alabama which is very vague in sections. I have visited other states' website regarding their notary laws and the information provided is much more extensive. I have been a notary for many years and I have been in the loan industry for many years but not in the capacity of a signing agent. Any guidance would be much appreciated.

Reply by Jack/AL on 6/18/09 10:32pm
Msg #292791

I share your concerns. Have been a Realtor since 1991, NP since 1995, but started doing signings in July of 2008. Am studying for the NNA designation for Certified Notary Signing Agent. Like you, I've found Alabama's short info in the Code darned near useless, but that is apparently all there is. Not even a handnook to study. It's embarrasing, but Alabama does not require NPs to take any class, course, or course of action to learn, and does not provide auch usefull info, yet by being an NP, each of us is legally required to have an undertanding of the law as it applies to notary services. Recently took the on-line course for Alabamians presented by Notary.net. For $50 or $60 bucks, it provided more than I'd stubled over elsewhere. The instructor does a good job of politely saying that Alabama's Secretary of State has a beautiful office, but apparently does not help the cause of NPs. Don't tell all those folks who aren't reading this, but our fee for a single document notarizing service is set by that 1975 law at $1.50 for each signature obtained. Of course, we can charge more for our services when going to the home of signers and presenting loan docs. I'm in Hartselle/Decatur. 256-227-3259. And you?

Reply by tonya/AL on 6/18/09 10:42pm
Msg #292792

Thank you Jack. Glad to know that I'm not the only one that finds this frustrating.
Maybe I am wrong - but the way I read the statute, we are only allowed to charge $.50 per acknowledgment. Did I read it wrong: http://www.legislature.state.al.us/CodeofAlabama/1975/36-20-6.htm ?

I took the NNA certification and I have their book. That is really all I can go by since our statues don't provide very much info.

I am located in NE St. Clair county-Springville.

Reply by Jack/AL on 6/18/09 11:23pm
Msg #292795

I believe you read it correctly. I'v never paid much attention to those fees, because I've done free services, at least that was the case before starting to do loan signings. In 12 years or so, I did perhaps a dozen notary services for folks who just walked into the real estate office wanting a little something notarized. I also closed some cash sales without title work, for which an attorney did the deed, and I handled the remainder of the closing and of course did not charge myself a notary service fee. Even today, anyone who wallks in and needs a document notarized will get it for free, if they have the document already correctly prepared. Otherwise, I suggest they go next door and speak with an attorney. If anyone arriv with severaldocuments, I'll charge them whatever the law allows. Roll Tide.

Reply by Michelle/AL on 6/19/09 7:51am
Msg #292817

Tonya, you and Jack aren't overlooking anything.

The Code is all we have. When I became an AL notary I called the SOS office just to make sure I wasn't overlooking a more comprehensive document or handbook for notaries. They assured me the Code was all there was. When I have questions that the Code does not answer I email their office. Usually, I get a response. Sometimes I have to call to remind them that I'm still waiting for an answer.

The .50 fee is almost a joke isn't it?

If you're new to Notary/Rotary, welcome. I haven't seen posts from you before.

Reply by tonya/AL on 6/19/09 11:41am
Msg #292864

Re: Tonya, you and Jack aren't overlooking anything.

Thank you, Michelle.
Working for the banks, I've had to call the SOS on a number of occasions for various issues. Never had much luck with help there.

I found this website about 2 months ago and have found that it contains a wealth of information. Since our Code is so ridiculously written, I have to rely on some of the info here posted by others from their experiences.

Reply by Jack/AL on 6/19/09 12:29pm
Msg #292877

Re: Tonya, you and Jack aren't overlooking anything.

Amen to Tonya commentss. I found NotRot earlier this week and it is already proven itself as the best daily source of good info about notary services. Am now going to sign up for Premier membership so I can see the zip code reas serviced by TCs and SSs, so I'll know with which to register.

Reply by bahama on 6/19/09 12:47pm
Msg #292879

Re: Tonya, you and Jack aren't overlooking anything.

I am with Michelle, our laws are ridiculous and so out dated. I am in the Birmingham area.

Reply by MW/VA on 6/19/09 1:20pm
Msg #292887

I would be careful about using the Notary Law Primer that NNA sells for various states.
I know the one I have contained a lot of misformation.

Reply by Jack/AL on 6/19/09 2:35pm
Msg #292898

I've not seen NNA's primer for Alabama notary guidelines. I use its CNSA book to study for the test. The Alabama specific course I took was online from Notary.net. For $50 or $60 bucks, got a good 32-page presentation which took a couple of hours to view. Can view it unlimited times for 30 days. Most of its content is generic, which was helpful since I've not had the info before me, but there are a few topics which are Alabama specific, such as our small fees of 50 cents to $1.50. Ugh. Bruce johnson is the instructor of that Notary.net course, and he's good.

Reply by tonya/AL on 6/19/09 7:29pm
Msg #292932

The book I have is the NNA NSA Certification Book. Generic, but somewhat informative.