Looking to make a difference in your community? Let us guide you on a rewarding journey towards a unique profession.
In this comprehensive guide on how to become a notary in Alaska, we lay out the roadmap to achieving this goal. With easy-to-follow, actionable steps, we’ll help you navigate this intriguing process, turning the complex into simple.
Whether you’re looking to serve your community or generate additional income, this article will offer everything you need to know to get started.
Recommended: Interested in getting started? Have a look at the National Notary Association’s packages, which include all state-required notary supplies, a surety bond, and four years of notary hotline phone support.
Become a Notary in Alaska
In order to become a notary in Alaska, you will need to complete a few simple steps.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
There are a few basic qualifications that you must satisfy in order to become a Notary in Alaska. These include:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a legal U.S. resident
- Be a resident of Alaska for at least 30 days with the intent to remain indefinitely
- Not have been convicted or incarcerated for a felony in the 10 years before your commission takes effect
- Not have had your commission revoked for failure to obey the law, incompetence, or malfeasance in the past 10 years
Step 2: Get a $2,500 Notary Bond
Assuming you meet Alaska’s basic requirements, the next step in the commission process is to obtain a $2,500 surety bond for the duration of your four-year commission.
This protects the public of Alaska in the event that your misconduct as a notary causes someone financial loss.
It is important to note that this notary bond ONLY protects the public from potential financial harm. To ensure you are also protected, it’s a good idea to consider investing in an Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance policy.
This type of insurance provides coverage for any potential mistakes or omissions that you might make as you perform notarial acts. It’s an extra layer of protection that can give you peace of mind while operating for a relatively low opportunity cost.
Note: If you will be using Alaska’s Notary Bond Form, you will need to have the surety’s signature notarized.
Recommended Course
Have a look at the National Notary Association’s packages, which include all state-required notary supplies, a surety bond, and four years of notary hotline phone support.
Step 3: Fill Out the Alaska Notary Commission Application
After you’ve obtained a satisfactory surety bond, you can begin the application process.
In Alaska, this can be done in two ways:
- Online — Applications are completed online using a myAlaska account on the Online Notary Database. You can create a new account using the myAlaska portal
- By mail — You can also complete the paper Application Form and file it by mail to the address listed below
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Notary Public Office
PO BOX 110015
Juneau, AK 99811
Note: If you choose to submit your notary application via mail, you’ll need to include a physical residence address so that your Alaska residency can be verified before your commission is approved.
Step 4: Submit Your Bond and Oath of Office
As with your application, the process for submitting your surety bond and oath of office will differ slightly depending on how you choose to file it:
- Online — You’ll need to scan and upload your State’s notary bond form and signed and notarized oath of office
- By mail — You’ll need to mail payment and original hard copies of your bond and oath of office to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Once the Lieutenant Governor has approved your notary application, you will be notified via email. This email should also contain the Alaska Notary Statutes and your notary commission certificate.
Within two weeks, a physical copy of this certificate will also be mailed to the address you listed on your application — after which, you’ll be able to start performing notarizations. Congratulations!
Step 5: Equip Yourself With the Necessary Supplies
Once your commission is approved, get yourself set up with the Alaska notary supplies. These include a notary stamp or seal and a journal.
The seal is used to authenticate each notarial act, and the journal is for logging all the services you provide.
Step 6: Purchase a Course (Optional)
Even though this last step is not a legal requirement, you should note that several Alaska notary applicants choose to invest in a notary course. This is because it can offer several benefits, such as:
- Understanding the Law: Notary law can be complex and vary from state to state. A course can help ensure that Alaska notaries fully understand relevant laws and how to apply them correctly.
- Professional Development: A course can enhance professional skills, making a notary more effective and competent in their role.
- Reducing Liability: By better understanding the rules and best practices, notaries can reduce the risk of making errors that could result in legal action.
- Increased Confidence: An education course can boost a notary’s confidence by giving them a solid foundation of knowledge and expertise to draw from.
- Staying Updated: Laws and procedures change over time. A course can help notaries stay current with any changes in notary regulations and practices.
So, while it’s not mandatory in Alaska, many aspiring notaries find value in such courses. It’s a personal decision based on individual comfort and professional goals.
Recommended: Interested in getting started? Have a look at the National Notary Association’s packages, which include all state-required notary supplies, a surety bond, and four years of notary hotline phone support.
How to Become a Notary in Alaska FAQ
How much does it cost to be a notary in Alaska?
The cost to become a notary public in Alaska typically includes a $40 application fee, the cost of acquiring a $2,500 commercial notary bond, and notary supplies such as your seal and notary journal. Apart from the application fee, these costs will vary according to the provider you select — so it’s important to shop around.
What is the hardest state to become a notary?
California, New York, and Pennsylvania are known for having more stringent criteria and examinations, which can make the process more challenging compared to other states. To ensure you’re prepared regardless of the state you’re applying in, see our article on How to Become a Notary.
Does Alaska accept online notaries?
Yes, Alaska has allowed notaries public to perform remote online notarization (RON) since January 2021. To become an online notary, current holders of notary public commissions only need to contract with a state-approved RON technology provider and then notify the Lieutenant Governor.
How do I become a notary in Alaska?
After meeting Alaska’s basic eligibility requirements, all applicants will need to obtain a $2,500 notary bond, fill out an application form, and submit these forms to the Lieutenant Governor. For a more detailed look at each of these steps, see our article on How to Become a Notary in Alaska.
How long do notary commissions last in Alaska?
An Alaska notary public commission typically lasts for four years. By submitting a renewal application, paying the necessary fees, and meeting any requirements set forth by the Alaska Division of Corporations, you can continue to work as a notary public after the expiry date of your current commission.
For all related articles, have a look at our How to Become a Notary page.