Alabama Remote Online Notarization Laws and Recognition
Alabama does not permit Remote Online Notarization (RON) for its commissioned notaries, requiring wet-ink signatures on notarized documents, but it recognizes out-of-state online notarizations conducted according to those states' laws, although Alabama's remote notarization procedures do not meet Proof's onboarding standards.
Alabama RON Laws
Laws
Alabama does not permit Remote Online Notarization (RON). Alabama law requires notaries to apply a wet-ink signature to notarized documents, even when the signer appears remotely.
Remote Online Notarization in Alabama
Remote Online Notarization is not permitted for Alabama-commissioned notaries. Alabama notaries must use a wet-ink signature on notarized documents.
Recognition of Out-of-State Online Notarizations
Alabama recognizes notarizations performed by notaries of other states in accordance with those states’ laws. Ala. Code §§ 35-4-26 & 35-4-27
Businesses
Alabama’s remote notarization procedures do not meet Proof’s standards, so notaries in Alabama are not onboarded. However, Alabama recognizes notarizations performed by out-of-state notaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does remote online notarization (RON) work?
A notary and signer(s) meet in a real-time audio-visual session to execute the notarial act. The session includes identity verification that complies with the requirements of the notary's commissioning state. All parties have the tools necessary to complete the document on the Proof platform. Once the notary completes the notarial act, the document is locked with a tamper-seal as a security measure, and an audit trail provides a record of user actions taken during the transaction.
Are remotely notarized documents legally valid?
Yes. Remote notarizations involve the same notarial acts executed in person and are as legally valid as paper-based notarizations. The difference lies in the use of technology and process requirements outlined by each state to ensure that a remote notarization is properly executed.
Can Alabama notaries perform online notarization?
No. Alabama does not authorize remote online notarization (RON) for Alabama-commissioned notaries. Alabama notaries are required to use a wet-ink signature on notarized documents.
Where must the signer and notary be located to conduct a transaction?
An Alabama notary must be located in Alabama at the time of executing a remote-ink notarization and must apply a wet-ink signature on the document. The notary can conduct the session with a signer located in any state, or potentially abroad if the document is intended for US-related matters and the signer’s jurisdiction does not prohibit the act. A signer located in Alabama can complete a transaction with a notary located in any other state that commissions RON notaries.
Does Alabama recognize notarizations properly performed by commissioned RON notaries in other states?
Yes. Notarial acts properly performed by notaries commissioned in other states (including RON where authorized) are valid in Alabama under interstate recognition under Ala. Code §§ 35-4-26 & 35-4-27.
Will my RON document be accepted in Alabama?
Proof cannot guarantee acceptance of documents. Signers should verify that recipients will accept RON-executed documents.
Related
Arkansas Remote Online Notarization Laws and FAQ
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The guide details the step-by-step process for In-House Notaries to create a Proof platform account, including obtaining state authorization for online notarizations, submitting required documents like a paper commission and digital certificate, completing training and assessments, and following account setup procedures such as receiving organizational invitations and enabling multi-factor authentication.
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The article advises real estate professionals frustrated by early, poorly executed remote online notarization (RON) platforms—often marked by confusing workflows and inadequate support—not to abandon RON but to switch to newer, well-designed providers that offer user-friendly interfaces for all parties and robust support, ensuring smooth, efficient closings without disruption.