How to Become a Notary Public in Alaska
To become a Notary in Alaska, follow these steps:
- Obtain a four-year $2,500 surety bond.
- Fill out the Alaska Notary Commission Application either online via the MyAlaska web portal or using a paper application.
- Send your bond and notarized oath of office to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
- Pay the $40 state filing fee.
- Await your commission, which should arrive via email and/or mail within four weeks.
- Purchase your Notary seal and consider getting an optional journal.
- Consider getting Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance to reduce your financial risks.
- If you want some extra guidance, consider taking Notary education courses from reputable sources like the BlueNotary Academy.
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What are the Requirements to Become a Notary in Alaska?
To qualify as a Notary in Alaska, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a legal U.S. resident.
- Have lived in Alaska for at least 30 days with plans to stay indefinitely.
- Not have been convicted or incarcerated for a felony in the 10 years before their commission starts.
- Not have had a Notary commission revoked due to legal non-compliance, incompetence, or malfeasance in the past 10 years.
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Notary Public in Alaska?
The cost of becoming a Notary in Alaska involves several factors:
- The state application filing fee is $40, except for those applying for a Limited Governmental commission, where the fee is waived.
- The expenses for your bond, seal, and optional journal will vary depending on the vendor you select.
Additionally, the overall cost of commissioning can vary based on whether you are a new or renewing Notary. Prices for supply packages differ among vendors. New Notaries might require additional resources like books, training, and live expert assistance, which are essential for most newcomers.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Notary in Alaska?
It can take up to four weeks to become a commissioned Notary Public in Alaska. Be sure to allow sufficient time to complete the registration process and for the Office of the Lieutenant Governor to process your application.
What Supplies Do Alaska Notaries Need?
As a Notary in Alaska, you will need specific supplies, including:
A Notary seal, which is mandatory. This can be an inked stamp or an embosser equipped with an inker to ensure the seal can be photocopied. The seal must include:
- Your name as it appears on your commission.
- The words “Notary Public.”
- The words “State of Alaska.”
The shape of the seal can be a circle, no larger than 2 inches in diameter, a rectangle no larger than 1 inch by 2.5 inches, or an electronic form as authorized by regulations adopted by the Lieutenant Governor.
How long does a Notary commission last in Alaska?
In Alaska, Notaries are commissioned for a period of four years.
What About Bonds or Insurance for Alaska Notaries?
Unlike some states, Alaska requires both new Notary applicants and those renewing their commissions to purchase a surety bond. The required bond amount is $2,500 and serves to financially protect the public in case a Notary makes a mistake. If a Notary messes up and causes someone financial harm due to a notary error, the bond can be used to compensate the injured party.
Furthermore, while not mandatory, many Alaska Notaries choose to get E&O insurance. This type of insurance can help cover a Notary’s legal fees if they’re sued due to a notary error. It acts as an extra layer of protection for the Notary themselves.
Alaska Notary Public FAQs
Who Oversees Notaries in Alaska?
In Alaska, the Notary Office within the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, located in Juneau, AK, is responsible for issuing Notary Public commissions.
Do I need Training to Become a Notary in Alaska?
Training is not mandatory to become a Notary in Alaska. However, you can find training courses online from places like BlueNotary Academy. Just remember, the state doesn’t run any training and doesn’t recommend any companies. So, be sure to research any training provider before you sign up.
Where will I be able to notarize?
In Alaska, you can notarize documents for any signer who is physically located within the state’s borders at the time of notarization.
Who can I notarize for?
In Alaska, you can notarize documents for anyone except for yourself. You are not allowed to notarize your own signature or any documents in which you are named or from which you would benefit. While Alaska law does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for a spouse, relative, or a spouse’s business, it’s crucial to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. If you are performing notarizations as part of your job, your employer may also set limitations on the notarizations you can perform during work hours.
How much can I charge for my notary services?
In Alaska, Notaries are allowed to charge a reasonable fee for their services. It is recommended that you clearly inform signers of your fees before performing any notarial act to ensure transparency and avoid any misunderstandings.
Is Online Notary Legal in Alaska?
Yes, remote online notarizations (RONs) are legal in Alaska as of January 1, 2021. Notaries in Alaska can apply to perform notarizations remotely after they have obtained their traditional Notary Public Commission. Remote Notaries are required to maintain a journal documenting all notarial acts performed for remotely located signers.
What happens if I move or change my name after becoming a Notary?
If you move or change your name as a Notary in Alaska, you are required to notify the Office of the Lieutenant Governor within 30 days of the change. You should complete the Name and Address Change Form and submit it to their office.
For name changes, you will need to pay a fee to obtain a new certificate of commission. Until you receive your new commission and seal, you must continue to use your former name for all notarial acts.
How do I renew my Alaska Notary Public Commission?
The renewal process for your Notary Public commission in Alaska is the same as your initial application. If you want to keep the same expiration date for your commission, remember to submit your renewal application 30 days before your current one expires. Applications submitted too early will be held until the start of the 30-day window before your commission’s expiration date.
How do I become an Online Notary in Alaska?
We have already explained how to do this in our How to Become an Online Notary in Alaska guide. It is an in-depth guide that gives all you need to become a notary in Alaska for online purposes.
