Ala. Code § 15-13-134
A conditional forfeiture notice may be served by any law enforcement officer, at the law enforcement office in the same manner as a summons in a civil action, except that service may not be by publication. At the law enforcement officer's discretion and expense, the notice may be served by certified mail, requiring a signed receipt or some equivalent thereof. In the event the notice is served by certified mail, return of the receipt properly signed shall be prima facie evidence of service. A surety may sign for the forfeiture with the clerk of the court. The notice required by this subsection shall be returned by the individual serving it, with his or her proper return endorsed thereon, within 30 days of the date of issuance or within five days of service, whichever period of time is shorter.
Ala. Code § 15-13-134 (1975)