Ala. Code § 12-17-261
Any former magistrate who is qualified to become a supernumerary magistrate under any of the provisions of this article may elect to become a supernumerary magistrate of the district court of the county in which said magistrate served as such official at any time within one year from April 28, 1988, by filing a written declaration to that effect with the Administrative Director of Courts at least 30 days prior to the time said former magistrate desires to become a supernumerary official. If the Administrative Director of Courts shall find that such applicant is qualified under any of the provisions of this article, a commission as supernumerary magistrate of the district court for the county in which he has served shall thereupon be issued to such applicant by the Secretary of State.
Ala. Code § 12-17-261 (1975)