may elect to become a supernumerary clerk of the circuit court or supernumerary register of the circuit court of the county in which said clerk or register has served as such official by filing a written declaration to that effect with the Administrative Director of Courts at least 30 days prior to the time said clerk or register desires to become a supernumerary official. If the Administrative Director of Courts shall find that such applicant is qualified under any of subdivisions (1) through (5) of this section, a commission as supernumerary clerk of the circuit court or register of such court for the county in which he has served shall thereupon be issued to such applicant by the Secretary of State.
The provisions of this division shall apply only to those persons who are 55 years of age or older and who are in office on October 1, 1976, or who may thereafter become eligible under its provisions.
Ala. Code § 12-17-140 (1975)