How to Become a Notary in Alaska (2026 Guide)
Already a notary? Our self-paced online courses help you expand your services and grow your income. Browse courses →
Key Takeaways
- No exam or training course required
- $2,500 surety bond required (premium costs ~$50)
- Application fee: $40 | Commission term: 4 years
- Processing time: ~1 month
- Notary stamp required (seal embosser or rubber stamp)
- No state fee cap: notary sets fees, must post a fee schedule
- Must be 18+, an AK resident legally residing in the US
- RON available (must file request with Lt. Governor)
Becoming an Alaska notary takes four steps and about $115 to $165: buy a $2,500 surety bond (roughly a $50 premium), complete the application from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, take the oath before a notary, and submit the packet with $40. No exam, no course, and no state fee cap once you are commissioned. Expect about a month of processing time.
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of Alaska, legally residing in the United States
Disqualifying Factors
You cannot become an Alaska notary if you have a felony conviction or were incarcerated for a felony within the previous 10 years, or if you have had a notary commission revoked or been disciplined for notarial misconduct in any state. If the second one applies to you, contact the Office of the Lieutenant Governor before applying; the same standard also grounds revocation once you hold a commission.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Purchase Your $2,500 Surety Bond
Alaska requires a $2,500 surety bond before you apply. The premium costs about $50 from a surety bond or insurance company, and the amount is among the lowest in the country.
Step 2: Complete the Application
Fill out the Alaska Notary Commission Application online or on paper through the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
Step 3: Take the Oath and Submit
Say the oath of office on the application out loud before a notary public. Then deliver the signed, notarized hard copy of your application, the original surety bond, and the $40 fee to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. Processing takes about one month.
Costs to Get Commissioned
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| $2,500 surety bond premium | ~$50 |
| Application fee | $40 |
| Notary stamp (required) | $15-$25 |
| Notary journal (required) | $10-$50 |
| Total | $115-$165 |
Maximum Allowable Fees
Alaska does not set a maximum fee for notarial acts. The notary sets the fee and must post a published fee schedule in a visible location at their business. This includes travel fees for mobile notaries and fees for remote online notarization. All fees must be disclosed before performing the notarization.
Authorized Notarial Acts
- Take acknowledgments
- Administer oaths and affirmations
- Attest documents
- Take verifications on oath and affirmation
- Administer protests
Notary Stamp Requirements
Alaska requires all notaries to have an official seal: either an embosser or a rubber stamp. This is not optional.
Notarizing for Family Members
Alaska does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. However, you should never notarize a document where you have a direct financial or beneficial interest. Notarizing for a spouse or close relative on a transaction where you stand to gain is a conflict of interest, even if not specifically barred by statute.
Errors and Omissions Insurance
Not required, but recommended. E&O insurance protects you from personal liability resulting from your official notarial acts. Compare policies from insurance providers.
Renewal
Alaska notary commissions last 4 years. The Office of the Lieutenant Governor recommends submitting your renewal application 30 days before expiration to keep the same commission date. The Lt. Governor will not process renewals until 30 days before your current commission expires. The renewal process is the same as the initial application.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Alaska allows RON. You must file a request to perform remote online notarization with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. You also need an electronic seal, a way to store electronic records, and communication technology capable of performing notarizations remotely.
Becoming a Signing Agent
After receiving your commission, you can add signing agent work by completing a certification program, registering with signing services, and marketing to Alaska’s title companies. The state’s real estate market and aging population keep demand for mobile notary and signing services steady. See our guide to becoming a signing agent for the training path.
Alaska’s $2,500 bond sits at the low end nationally; compare neighboring Washington’s $10,000 bond or California’s $15,000 (full Washington guide here). The absent fee cap is also unusual, since most states set specific per-act limits, and Alaska is one of the few states where the Lieutenant Governor rather than the Secretary of State runs notaries.
Your Commission Belongs to You
An Alaska commission is personal. If you change jobs, your seal and commission go with you, and no employer can require you to skip proper procedure or limit your services to company business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a notary exam in Alaska?
No. Alaska requires no exam and no training course; the work is the bond, the application, and the oath.
Do I need a surety bond in Alaska?
Yes, a $2,500 surety bond, filed with your application. The premium runs about $50.
How long does an Alaska notary commission last?
4 years. Submit renewal about 30 days before expiration to keep the same commission date; the Lt. Governor’s office will not process renewals earlier than that.
Is a notary stamp required in Alaska?
Yes. Every Alaska notary must hold an official seal, either an embosser or a rubber stamp.
How much can an Alaska notary charge?
Whatever the market bears: Alaska sets no maximum fee. You must post a fee schedule visible at your place of business and disclose fees before the notarization.
Can Alaska notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. File a separate request with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and use an electronic seal, electronic record storage, and approved communication technology.
Updated October 2026. Requirements based on the Alaska Office of the Lieutenant Governor and Alaska Statutes Chapter 44.50.
