How Do You Become An Online Notary In Alaska?
Commencing January 1, 2021, Alaskan Notaries are eligible to seek authorization for remote online notarizations (RONs). To embark on the journey of becoming a Remote Notary in Alaska, adhere to the subsequent steps:
- Possess a current commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Engage in a contractual agreement with a RON technology provider that aligns with state stipulations.
- Inform the Lieutenant Governor by submitting a written notice, accompanied by a copy of the signature and seal intended for use in your remote online notarizations.
Once you’re authorized to perform RON in Alaska and approved with your platform, you can start performing Remote Online Notarizations. Be sure to stay current with all your state’s local Online Notary laws!
How to Become a Traditional Notary in Alaska (Get your Notary Commission)
Individuals aspiring to become a Notary in Alaska are required to navigate through the following streamlined process:
- Ensure compliance with all eligibility prerequisites outlined by Alaska (refer to details below).
- Acquire a four-year, $2,500 surety bond.
- Complete the Alaska Notary Commission Application seamlessly through the MyAlaska web portal or via a traditional paper application.
- Forward your bond and duly notarized oath of office to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
- Fulfill the state’s filing requirements by remitting the $40 fee.
- Anticipate the reception of your commission through email and/or mail, typically within a four-week timeframe.
- Procure your Notary seal and, if desired, an optional journal.
- Mitigate financial exposure by obtaining Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance.
- Consider participating in continuing education, an elective but strongly recommended option. Expert Notaries are readily available for additional training or guidance as needed.
Once you have completed all these steps and obtained your commission you are ready to start performing notarial acts as a commissioned notary in Alaska.
What are the requirements to become a Notary in Alaska?
Certain fundamental qualifications must be met by individuals aspiring to become a Notary in Alaska. All applicants are required to:
1. Attain a minimum age of 18.
2. Hold legal U.S. residency status.
3. Reside in Alaska for a minimum of 30 days, demonstrating the intention to remain indefinitely.
4. Not have a felony conviction or incarceration within the 10 years preceding the commencement of their commission.
5. Have no history of commission revocation within the past 10 years, stemming from failure to adhere to the law, incompetence, or malfeasance.
For further details, consult the Alaska Notary Handbook or the Alaska SoS Website.
Are Online Notaries Legal in Alaska?
Certainly, following the enactment of Bill 124, remote online notarization (RON) services now enjoy enduring legal recognition in Alaska. This legislation grants licensed public notaries the authority to engage in online notarization as part of their notary commission.
Alaska Online Notary FAQ’s
Requirements for Becoming a Remote Notary in Alaska
Prior to initiating the registration process for performing Remote Online Notarizations (RONs), it is imperative to fulfill the state’s prerequisite of possessing an active traditional Notary Public commission. Traditional Notaries in Alaska are required to meet specific criteria, including being at least 18 years old, a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States, and a resident or primarily employed in the state.
For a comprehensive overview of the Alaska Notary registration process, including the necessary recent limited criminal history record check through the Alaska State Police, please consult the step-by-step guide.
Training Requirements for Online Notaries
Alaska mandates that applicants complete a state-approved remote Notary education course to qualify as an online Notary Public. This three-hour online course covers remote notarization best practices and technology prerequisites.
Is there an Exam for Alaska Remote Notaries?
Yes, the state-required RON training course includes an exam that must be passed with a score of 80% or higher to receive a certificate of completion. This certificate is a prerequisite during the Secretary of State’s application process for Alaska remote Notaries.
Tools and Technology for Online Notarizations in Alaska:
To perform online notarizations in Alaska, you will need a computer, webcam, microphone, and a secure internet connection. Your computer should support two-way audio and visual communication for conducting RON services. The Secretary of State approves RON technology providers such as BlueNotary.
Alaska remote online Notaries must also possess a digital certificate featuring their signature, an electronic seal, and an electronic journal, all of which can be provided by the chosen remote Notary vendor(s) of your preference.
Is an Additional Surety Bond Required?
No, remote Notaries in Alaska are not obligated to obtain a second surety bond. However, traditional Notaries in the state must hold a $25,000 surety bond to safeguard the public.
E&O Insurance in Alaska
Although Alaska does not mandate errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, it is highly recommended. This insurance policy can provide coverage for unintentional errors made by the Notary. If you already possess an E&O policy, verify whether it covers electronic notarial acts and remote online notarizations.
What to Expect as a Notary?
As in other professions, the amount of work an online notary receives can vary widely. Generally, the busiest time is tax season, when documents such as tax returns need to be signed and notarized. However, there is also a steady demand throughout the year from businesses and individuals in need of authentication services. There are many businesses that need consistent notarizations. Did we mention there are over 1.25 billion notarizations performed annually?
It is important to remember that when working as an online notary, you are responsible for adhering to the regulations set forth by the state. This includes making sure documents are properly notarized and witnessed. Always ensure documents contain all of the necessary information. The most successful online notaries spend some time doing their own client acquisition and sales funneling, especially those who are doing it online.
How Much Can You Expect To Make as a Notary in Alaska?
As you gain more experience and have notarized more documents, you will be able to earn even more by taking on loan signings (where the industry standard is $150 per session) and other creative packages and invoicing clients outside of BlueNotary. You will be able to earn a very decent income – all from the comfort of your home office.
BlueNotary lets you bill your clients at your own rates. This makes your earnings very flexible depending on your ability to build a network.
Why Should You Think about Becoming An Online Notary In Alaska?
Becoming an Online Notary in Alaska is a simple way to offer convenient and secure services to clients from wherever you are. Online Notaries offer faster booking and easier document completion turnaround times! Save clients and yourself time by working from home. What are you waiting for?
How do I Start Notarizing Online in Alaska?
A great place to start is the BlueNotary Free Training Group. There you will find advice from other Alaska notaries who’ve been through the process and can answer your questions.
Becoming an online notary can be a great way to supplement your income and make a positive impact on the community. As an online notary, you get to decide which platform to use for finding clients.
BlueNotary is the best option for super simple onboarding and for an independent notary looking to grow their own business. We even have training videos and a signing simulator to get you comfortable with the process.
Register and get started here: Sign Up.
