USA MADE IN THE USA

ALL ORDERS SHIP NEXT BUSINESS DAY

CONTACT US

Notary Requirements for Alaska: 2025 Updated

by Ben Camerota
White Pass and Yukon Route train winding through the scenic mountains near Skagway, Alaska, with snow-capped peaks and lush evergreen forest.

This guide outlines requirements for obtaining and maintaining an Alaska Notary Public commission as of May 2025, covering eligibility, application, renewals, tools, remote notarization, and FAQs, based on official state sources.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for an Alaska Notary Public commission, you must:

  • Age: Be at least 18 years old.

  • Residency: Be a legal resident of Alaska and lawfully present in the United States.

  • Criminal History: Not have been convicted of a felony or served incarceration for a felony within ten years prior to the commission’s effective date. Prior notary commission revocation or discipline should be discussed with the Alaska Notary Office before applying.

  • Understanding of Duties: No mandatory state training/exam for traditional commission, but familiarity with Alaska’s notary laws expected.

Commission Types: Alaska offers Regular (unlimited) and Limited Governmental commissions (for federal, state, municipal employees for official duties; can be held concurrently with Regular).

Alaska Notary Stamp and Seal - Prostamps

Get a notary stamp that meets Alaska’s official requirements, available in multiple formats and shipped within one business day.

Order Alaska Notary Stamp

Application Process for New Notary Commission

Apply online or by mail to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.

Applying Online:

  1. Obtain Bond/Employer Approval: Secure a $2,500 notary bond (Regular commission) OR an Employer Approval Form (Limited Governmental commission).

  2. Complete Online Application: Log in with myAlaska account to Online Notary Database. Enter personal info, select commission type, upload bond/employer approval.

  3. Submit Application and Oath: System emails customized Oath of Office form (PDF). Print, sign before a current notary (get notarized), upload signed/notarized oath via portal link.

  4. Pay Fee: $40.00 non-refundable application fee via electronic payment link after oath submission. (State of Alaska employees exempt for Limited Governmental commission).

Applying by Mail:

  1. Obtain Forms and Bond/Approval: Download/complete Alaska Notary Commission Application Form. Obtain $2,500 bond or Employer Approval Form. Provide physical residence address (no P.O. Box for residence).

  2. Prepare Fee: $40.00 (check/money order to "State of Alaska," or credit card form).

  3. Submit Originals: Mail completed application, original bond/employer approval, payment, and original notarized Oath of Office to Lt. Governor’s Notary Public Office, PO Box 110015, Juneau, AK 99811.

  4. Approval & Commission Issuance: For both methods, upon approval (after document/oath/payment receipt), Notary Office emails digital commission certificate; physical certificate also mailed (~2 weeks). Obtain seal/journal before notarizing.

Surety Bond Requirements

A $2,500 surety bond is mandatory for regular commissions, covering the 4-year term.

  • Purpose: Protects public from financial loss due to notary misconduct/negligence (up to $2.5k). Notary may reimburse surety for paid claims.

  • Options:

    • Commercial Bond: From licensed insurance/surety company.

    • Private (Individual) Bond: Use State of Alaska Notary Bond Form; surety signs, signature notarized. Notaries cannot be their own surety.

  • Filing: Submit original bond (or private bond form) with application.

  • Limited Governmental: Employer Approval Form in lieu of bond.

Notary Seal and Journal Requirements

Notary Seal (Stamp): Mandatory. Use an official seal to authenticate notarizations.

  • Content (AS 44.50.064): Notary’s name (exactly as on commission), “Notary Public,” “State of Alaska.”

  • Format: Circular (max 2" diameter) OR rectangular (max 1" x 2.5").

  • Type: Inking rubber stamp recommended (not embosser alone, for reproducibility).

  • Security: Notary's personal property. Keep secure. Report loss/theft to Notary Office.

Notary Journal:

  • Mandatory for RON: For remote/online notarizations, journal and 10-year retention required.

  • Strongly Recommended (In-Person): Highly encouraged for all traditional acts for notary's protection.

  • Format: Tangible (hardcopy, bound, pre-numbered pages recommended) or compliant electronic format. At least one tangible journal required by regulation.

  • Entries: Date/time, document/act description, signer name/address, ID method (ID details or personal knowledge), fee (if any). Signer's signature in a journal is good practice.

  • Retention: If ceasing as notary, retain 10 years post-last act; inform state of location. Failure to produce a journal on request can lead to revocation.

Oath of Office and Recording the Commission

Oath executed (signed/notarized) as part of application. Submitted to Lt. Governor’s Office. No separate county recording; Lt. Governor’s office maintains a central registry. Commission certificate (electronic/mailed) is proof.

Commission Term and Expiration

  • Regular Commission: Four (4) years from issuance. Expiration date on certificate and noted on notarial acts.

  • Limited Governmental Commission: Expires “with office” (when government employment ends).

  • Status: Maintain eligibility (e.g., AK residency) throughout the term.

Commission Renewal Process

Reapply from scratch (new application, bond, oath, $40 fee).

  • Timing: Recommended ~1 month before current expiration. Lt. Governor's Office may hold a new application until ~30 days pre-expiration to ensure continuity.

  • Process: New $2,500 bond, new application, new notarized Oath, $40 fee. New commission certificate/number issued. Update seal if old one had expiration date.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Alaska

Authorized since Jan 1, 2021 (HB 124). Requires separate authorization.

  • Authorization & Fee: Active commission needed. Email request to Notary Office, including commission info, chosen RON tech provider, e-seal/e-signature samples. $100 fee for 4-year RON term (prorated if adding to existing commission).

  • Technology: Use state-compliant RON platform (real-time two-way audio-video, ID verification).

  • Procedure:

    • Notary must be physically in Alaska.

    • Verify remote signer ID (credential analysis + KBA, or personal knowledge/credible witness).

    • Electronic document signing, notary applies e-seal and e-signature.

    • Certificate notes remote act.

  • Journal & Recording: Mandatory journal for RON (10-yr retention). Audio-visual recording of session (retention details to be confirmed with state rules, but best practice implies long-term).

Official Resources

  • Alaska Lt. Governor’s Notary Public Office: ltgov.alaska.gov (applications, laws, info).

  • Alaska Statutes: Title 44, Ch. 50 (“Notaries Public”); Title 09, Ch. 63.

  • Alaska Online Notary Database: Via myAlaska (applications, public lookup).

  • Contact Notary Office: PO Box 110015, Juneau, AK 99811. Email/phone on Lt. Gov. website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is a notary public?

A: State-appointed official serving as impartial witness to document signings, administering oaths, verifying identity to deter fraud.

Q: What is a “surety” or notary bond and why is it required?

A: $2,500 bond (guaranteed by surety) protects the public from financial loss due to notary error/misconduct. Notary reimburses surety for claims. Required for regular commissions.

Q: Am I required to keep a notary journal?

A: Mandatory for remote notarizations (10-yr retention). Strongly recommended for all in-person acts. At least one tangible (hardcopy) journal required.

Q: How long does an Alaska notary commission last, and how do I renew my commission?

A:

  • Regular commission: 4 years.
  • Limited Gov't: expires with office.
  • Renew by reapplying (new application, bond, oath, $40 fee) ~1 month pre-expiration.

Q: Can I perform remote online notarizations (RON) in Alaska?

A: Yes, with separate authorization from Lt. Governor’s Office ($100 fee for 4-yr term). Use a compliant RON platform, follow specific ID/recording rules.

Q: May I notarize my own signature or the signatures of my relatives?

A: Cannot notarize own signature. Law doesn't forbid for relatives if there is no direct benefit/not a party. Best to avoid close family to ensure impartiality.

Q: Can I charge a fee for notarizing documents, and how much?

A: Yes, reasonable fee allowed (no state-set max for regular notaries). Must provide a fee schedule to signers beforehand. Limited Gov't notaries cannot charge.

Q: Can I notarize documents outside the State of Alaska?

A: No. Authority valid only within Alaska borders. (For RON, the notary must be in AK).

Q: What should I do if I change my name or address during my commission?

A: Submit Notary Name/Address Change form.

  • Name change: $5 fee, notarized signature, new seal needed (inform bond co.).
  • Address change: form only (no fee).

Q: Is the personal appearance of the document signer required for notarization?

A: Yes. Signer must physically appear OR appear via authorized live two-way audio-video for RON. No notarizing in absentia.

Always refer to official Alaska Lt. Governor’s Office resources for the most current notary information.

Back to News