How to Become a Notary in Alaska (2026 Guide)

Published February 24, 2023 · Updated May 21, 2026

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)

Alaska has one of the lowest bond requirements in the country ($2,500) and no exam. The trade-off: you apply through the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, not the Secretary of State, and there’s no state fee cap for notarial acts. Here’s how the process works.

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 have been incarcerated for a felony in the previous 10 years
Have had a notary commission revoked or been disciplined for notarial misconduct in Alaska or any other state: contact the Office of the Lieutenant Governor before applying if this applies to you

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. Alaska’s bond requirement is one of 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.

How Much Does It Cost?

Item	Cost
$2,500 surety bond premium	~$50
Application fee	$40
Notary stamp (required)	$15-$25
Notary journal (required)	$10-$50
Total	$115-$165

How Much Can You Charge?

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.

What Notarial Acts Can an Alaska Notary Perform?

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.

Can You Notarize 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.

Penalties for Notary Misconduct

Having your commission revoked or being disciplined for notarial misconduct in any state will disqualify you from obtaining an Alaska commission. The 10-year felony bar also applies, the state takes integrity seriously.

Do You Need E&O 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 in Alaska

After receiving your notary commission, you can become a signing agent by completing a signing agent certification program. Alaska’s real estate market and aging population create growing demand for notary signing agents. Get certified and register with signing service companies to start receiving assignments.

Alaska’s $2,500 bond is one of the lowest in the country: compare that to neighboring Washington’s $10,000 bond or California’s $15,000. The lack of a state fee cap is unusual; most states set specific per-act limits. Alaska is also one of the few states where you apply through the Lieutenant Governor rather than the Secretary of State.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a notary exam in Alaska?

No. Alaska does not require a notary exam or training course.

Do I need a surety bond in Alaska?

Yes. Alaska requires a $2,500 surety bond. The premium costs about $50.

How long does an Alaska notary commission last?

4 years. Submit your renewal application 30 days before expiration to keep the same commission date.

Is a notary stamp required in Alaska?

Yes. All Alaska notaries must have an official seal: either an embosser or a rubber stamp.

How much can an Alaska notary charge?

Alaska does not set a maximum fee. You set your own fees but must post a visible fee schedule at your business.

Can Alaska notaries perform remote online notarizations?

Yes. File a request with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and obtain an electronic seal and communication technology.

Employer Obligations

Your notary commission is personal. It does not belong to your employer
If you leave your job, your stamp and commission go with you
Your employer cannot require you to skip proper notarization procedures
An employer who pressures you into misconduct may share legal liability

How to Become a Notary in Alaska (2026 Guide)

Key Takeaways

Requirements

Disqualifying Factors