Under Alabama law, notarization primarily serves to verify the identity of the signer and to confirm that the signer appeared before the notary and acknowledged the document voluntarily. Notarization does not validate the content of the document or the legality of specific clauses within it.

If a notarized document contains disputed or unauthorized clauses, the notarization itself does not make those clauses valid or enforceable. The notary’s role is limited to certifying the authenticity of the signature and, in some cases, the identity of the signer. Disputes over the content, including unauthorized or contested clauses, are matters for the courts to resolve based on contract law, statutory requirements, and the facts of the case.

If a notary is alleged to have acted improperly—such as by notarizing a document with knowledge of fraud, coercion, or unauthorized signatures—Alabama law provides a process for filing complaints. Any party to a transaction requiring a notarial certificate, or an attorney involved in such a transaction, may file an affidavit of notary misconduct with the Secretary of State or the judge of probate who issued the notary’s commission. The affidavit must specify the alleged violations, which could include notarizing a document with unauthorized or fraudulent content.

In summary, Alabama law treats notarized documents with disputed or unauthorized clauses as follows:

• Notarization does not validate disputed or unauthorized clauses. The notary’s certification is limited to the authenticity of the signature and the signer’s identity.
• Disputes over content are resolved by the courts. The validity and enforceability of specific clauses are determined by contract law and judicial review, not by the act of notarization.
• Allegations of notary misconduct can be filed. If a notary is accused of improper conduct related to notarizing documents with unauthorized or fraudulent clauses, a formal complaint process is available.