Step 1- Complete and submit a notary application. Make sure you meet all of your state's qualifications (see below).You can find the application to become a notary public online. To complete the application you will need to provide a current resume. The answer generally is "no" — Notary commissions are not transferable between states. 1- Be 18 years of age or older. 2- Be a citizen or a legal permanent resident of the United States. To help ensure your application gets accepted the first time, we've compiled a list of helpful tips to keep in mind while completing the application process. 1- Complete an Alabama notary renewal application. Here, you can learn how to become a notary, how to renew your notary commission, and where to find educational opportunities for notaries public.