Notary Public Underwriters Blog
Alabama Notary Mistakes That Could Land You in Jail
- Details
- Published: December 29, 2025
As an Alabama notary public, you’re entrusted with serious responsibilities—and the state takes that trust seriously. While many notary mistakes can be resolved with a warning or fine, some violations go far beyond a slap on the wrist.
In fact, certain missteps could cost you your commission—or even your freedom.
Yes, Notaries Can Go to Jail
Violating notary law in Alabama can result in criminal charges, including misdemeanors that carry the possibility of jail time. These offenses may not always seem severe at first glance, but they can lead to significant consequences.
Here are a few notary actions that could land an Alabama notary behind bars:
- Notarizing outside of your commission term
Performing notarial acts before your official commission is fully effective or after it expires is a Class A misdemeanor. - Overcharging for notarial services
Charging more than the maximum fee allowed under Alabama notary law is considered a Class C misdemeanor. - Skipping personal appearance requirements
Notarizing a signature without the signer physically present is another Class C misdemeanor. Yes, even if you know the person, Alabama law requires in-person acknowledgment or oath/affirmation.
Intentional or Not—It Still Counts
In many cases, these violations happen unintentionally. But the law doesn’t excuse ignorance. Even honest mistakes can result in criminal charges, especially if they compromise the integrity of the notarial act.
How to Stay Out of Trouble
- Always confirm your commission is active and valid before notarizing.
- Know the maximum fees you’re allowed to charge.
- Never skip the personal appearance requirement—no exceptions.
- Regularly review the state’s notary laws and administrative rules. It’s your responsibility to know what is—and isn’t—allowed.
The bottom line: your commission is a privilege, and it comes with responsibilities. Protect it by understanding and following Alabama notary law—so you never have to go to “the slammer,” “the clink,” or “the pokey” for notary misdeeds.
Related Article(s)
How to Navigate Notarial Certificates and Documents
How Do I Keep My Current and Filled Journals (Record Books) Secure?
Customer Expectations Versus Notarization Requirements
Fighting Fraud: Why Notaries Should Avoid Using Signature Stamps
Tips to Protect Your Notary Stamp and Journal
How to Get More Notary Business Part 1: Optimize Your Marketing
How to Avoid Common Mistakes During a Notarization
When Can a Notary Use Personal Knowledge to Identify a Signer?
Does a Notary Need to See the Entire Document When Notarizing?
Can a Notary Correct a Mistake on the Notarial Certificate?
Notary FAQs: Essential Answers for Everyday Scenarios
Top Ten Mistakes That Notaries Make
Can a Notary Notarize a Family Member's Signature?