Notary Public
Alaska
Notary Public Commission Requirements
4 years
Commission Term
before renewal
No
Education Required
no course needed
No
Exam Required
no exam needed
$2,500
Bond Required
surety bond
Application Process
VerifiedEnsure you meet eligibility requirements (age 18+, Alaska resident for 30+ days, no disqualifying criminal history)
Obtain a $2,500 surety bond for a 4-year term (commercial bond or individual surety)
Complete a notarized Oath of Office
Submit the application with $40 non-refundable fee to the Lieutenant Governor's Office
Wait for commission to be processed (state employees applying for Limited Governmental commissions have the fee waived)
Obtain notary seal/stamp from a private vendor
Begin performing notarial acts after commission is issued
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a resident of Alaska for at least 30 days with the intent to remain indefinitely and reside legally in the United States
Citizenship
Must be a legal U.S. resident (citizenship not specifically required, but must reside legally in the U.S.)
Background Check
Not required
Education & Exam Requirements
Education
Not RequiredNo training or education is required to become an Alaska notary public.
Exam
Not RequiredNo exam is required to become an Alaska notary public.
Bond, Insurance & Seal
Surety Bond
Required$2,500
A $2,500 surety bond is mandatory for regular commissions, covering the entire 4-year commission term. The bond protects the public against financial loss caused by notarial misconduct but does not protect the notary. The surety must be a third party (applicants cannot self-surety). Options include commercial bonds from insurance/bonding companies or individual surety using the state's bond form. Limited Governmental commissions do not require bonds.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredE&O insurance is not required but many notaries obtain it voluntarily for legal protection.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredInked stamp or embosser with inker capability. Must include notary's name, 'Notary Public', and 'State of Alaska'. Size limits: circle (max 2 inch diameter), rectangle (max 1 x 2.5 inches), or electronic form.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $40 |
Bond Premium Approximate cost of a $2,500 surety bond from commercial providers | $50 |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors | $30 |
Total Estimated Cost Application fee ($40) + Bond (~$50) + Seal (~$30). No education costs. | $120 |
Commission Term & Renewal
Commission Term
4 years
Renewal Process
A notary whose commission is ending may apply for a new commission by submitting a new application and complying with all requirements including a new bond and fee.
Renewal Fee
$40
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Alaska has permitted remote online notarization since January 1, 2021. Requires a separate application after obtaining a traditional commission.
Additional Requirements
Must pay $100 at time of initial RON request following approval of a 4-year commission, or $25 per remaining year(s) of a pre-existing commission. Separate RON application required.
Important Notes
What Makes Alaska Unique
Alaska is one of the few states where the notary commission is administered by the Lieutenant Governor's Office rather than the Secretary of State. The state offers individual surety bonds (using a state form) as an alternative to commercial bonds, though the surety must be a third party. Alaska also charges a separate fee for RON authorization ($100 for new commissions or $25 per remaining year). The 30-day residency requirement with 'intent to remain indefinitely' is also distinctive.
Alaska is unique in that notary commissions are administered by the Lieutenant Governor's Office, not the Secretary of State
Two types of commissions: Regular (4-year term) and Limited Governmental (tied to government employment)
Both commission types may be held simultaneously
State employees applying for Limited Governmental commissions have the $40 fee waived
Limited Governmental commissions do not require a surety bond
Must have been an Alaska resident for at least 30 days with intent to remain indefinitely
Individual surety (using state's bond form) is an option instead of commercial bonds, but the surety must be a third party
RON has an additional fee of $100 for new commission or $25/remaining year for existing commissions