How to Become a Notary Public in Alaska
Alaska does not require an exam to become a notary public. The application process is straightforward and handled through the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. Alaska was one of the early states to authorize Remote Online Notarization (RON).
Alaska Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Residency | Alaska resident |
| Exam Required | No |
| Education Required | No |
| Surety Bond | $2,500 |
| Commission Term | 4 years |
| Application Fee | $40 |
Why Become an Alaska Notary?
- No exam required - Simple application process
- No mandatory education - Learn as you go
- Low bond requirement - Only $2,500
- Remote Online Notarization - Serve clients anywhere via RON
- No state-set fees - Notaries set their own rates
- Serve unique communities - Essential services in remote areas
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Step-by-Step: How to Become an Alaska Notary
Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
To become an Alaska notary public, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be an Alaska resident (physical residence address required - PO Boxes not accepted)
- Be able to read and write English
- Have no disqualifying criminal history
Step 2: Obtain Your Surety Bond
Before applying, obtain a $2,500 surety bond:
- Bond Amount: $2,500
- Bond Term: 4 years (matches commission term)
- Typical Cost: Approximately $50 for the 4-year term
- Options: Commercial bond (from insurance agency) OR Private bond (from a business, organization, or individual acting as surety)
Limited Governmental Notary Exception: If you're a federal, state, or municipal employee, an employer approval form replaces the bond requirement.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Submit your application to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor:
Required Documents:
- Completed Application Form
- $2,500 surety bond (commercial or State of Alaska form)
- $40 application fee (non-refundable)
- Notarized Oath of Office - Must be the wet signature original (page 2 of Application)
Important: Emailed, scanned, or photocopied oaths are not accepted - you must submit the original.
Submit to: Office of the Lieutenant Governor Notary Public Office PO BOX 110015 Juneau, AK 99811
Or apply online through the myAlaska account system.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
- The Office verifies your Alaska residency
- Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks
- You'll receive your commission certificate once approved
Step 5: Purchase Notary Supplies
After receiving your commission, purchase required supplies:
Official Notary Seal (Required):
- Rubber ink stamp recommended (embossers alone may not be photographically reproducible)
- Circular (max 2" diameter) OR rectangular (max 1" x 2.5")
- Must include: Your name exactly as on commission, "Notary Public," "State of Alaska"
- May include commission number and expiration date (optional on seal, but expiration date required on certificates)
- Cost: $25-$50
Notary Journal (Required):
- At least one journal in tangible (physical) medium is required
- Electronic journals allowed in addition to tangible journal
- Must chronicle all notarial acts
- Retain for 10 years after last entry
- Cost: $15-$30
Alaska Notary Fees
Alaska does not set maximum notary fees by state law. Notaries may set their own rates.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum fee per act | No state limit |
| Fee disclosure | Required before notarization |
| Travel fees | Set by notary |
| Limited Governmental Notaries | Cannot charge fees |
Important: If you intend to charge fees, you must provide a fee schedule to the signer before performing the notarization.
Alaska-Specific Requirements
Seal Requirements
Your Alaska notary seal must:
- Be sharp, legible, and photographically reproducible
- Include your name exactly as on your commission certificate
- Include "Notary Public" and "State of Alaska"
- Be either circular (max 2" diameter) or rectangular (max 1" x 2.5")
Recommendation: Use an inking rubber stamp rather than an embosser alone, as embossers may not be photographically reproducible.
Journal Requirements
Alaska requires notaries to maintain a journal:
Required Journal Entries:
- Date and time of notarial act
- Description of document/act type
- Signer's name and address
- Identification method used
- Fee charged (if any)
- Signer's signature (recommended)
Retention: Keep your journal for 10 years after the last entry.
Security: Keep your journal secure. Report loss or theft to the Notary Office immediately. Failure to produce your journal upon request can lead to commission revocation.
Certificate Requirements
Every notarial certificate must include:
- Your commission expiration date
- Your official seal impression
- Your signature
Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Alaska
Alaska permanently authorized RON effective January 1, 2021 (House Bill 124).
RON Requirements
To perform remote online notarizations in Alaska:
- Submit written request to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor before performing RON
- Review guidance - See "Guidance on Implementing Notarizations for Remotely Located Individuals"
- Use approved technology - Select from the Lt. Governor's list of technology vendors (not state-endorsed)
- Maintain RON journal - Separate journal required for remotely located individuals
- Retain records - Keep RON journal for 10 years
RON Location Requirements
- Notary must be physically in Alaska when performing RON
- Signer can be anywhere in the world
Technology Vendors
The Lt. Governor's office maintains a list of RON technology vendors. However:
- None are officially endorsed by the State
- You're responsible for ensuring your provider meets legal requirements
- You're not limited to providers on the list
Total Cost to Become an Alaska Notary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Surety Bond (4 years) | $50 |
| Application Fee | $40 |
| Notary Seal | $25-$50 |
| Notary Journal | $15-$30 |
| Total Estimated | $130-$170 |
Note: State employees applying for Limited Governmental Notary commissions may have the application fee waived.
Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Obtain bond | Same day (online) |
| Complete application | 1 day |
| Get oath notarized | 1 day |
| Mail application | 1-3 days |
| Processing time | 2-4 weeks |
| Total | 3-5 weeks |
Types of Alaska Notary Commissions
Regular Commission
- For general public notaries
- Requires $2,500 bond
- $40 application fee
- Can perform all notarial acts
Limited Governmental Commission
- For federal, state, or municipal employees
- Employer approval form replaces bond
- Application fee may be waived for state employees
- Cannot charge fees for notarizations
Renewing Your Alaska Commission
Alaska notary commissions do not automatically renew:
- Apply for a new commission before expiration
- Submit new application, bond, and fee
- Applications can be submitted close to expiration date
- There is no grace period - acting as notary with expired commission is prohibited
Start Your Alaska Notary Career Today
Alaska offers one of the simplest paths to becoming a notary public - no exam, no mandatory education, and low bond requirements. With the ability to perform Remote Online Notarization, Alaska notaries can serve clients anywhere.