A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become an Online Notary in Alaska
Alaska allows commissioned notaries to perform remote online notarizations (RON), giving notaries the ability to meet with signers through secure audio-video technology instead of requiring everyone to be in the same physical location.
If you're interested in becoming an online notary in Alaska, there are several state requirements you need to complete first. This guide walks you through the process, from receiving your traditional Alaska notary commission to obtaining authorization to perform remote online notarizations.
In This Guide
- Alaska online notary requirements
- Qualify for an Alaska notary commission
- Obtain the required $2,500 notary bond
- Apply for your Alaska notary commission
- Choose a compliant RON technology provider
- Set up your electronic notary tools
- Request Alaska RON authorization
- Begin performing online notarizations
- Alaska online notary costs
- Frequently asked questions
Alaska Online Notary Requirements at a Glance
Alaska has permitted commissioned notaries to perform notarizations for remotely located individuals since January 1, 2021. Remote notarization is not a replacement for your regular Alaska notary commission. Instead, it is an additional capability available to commissioned Alaska notaries who satisfy the state's remote notarization requirements.
| Requirement | Alaska Requirement |
|---|---|
| Traditional Alaska Notary Commission | Required |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Alaska Residency | Required |
| Regular Commission Term | 4 years |
| Notary Bond | $2,500 |
| E&O Insurance | Not required by Alaska ($0 required) |
| RON Technology Provider | Required |
| RON Authorization | Required before performing RON |
| Audio-Video Recording Retention | At least 10 years |
Step 1
Qualify for an Alaska Notary Commission
Before you can become an online notary, you must qualify for and hold an Alaska notary public commission.
For a regular Alaska notary commission, an applicant must generally:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be an Alaska resident.
- Reside legally in the United States.
- Meet Alaska's statutory requirements concerning previous felony convictions and notary disciplinary history.
A regular Alaska notary commission is issued for a four-year term.
If you already have an active regular Alaska notary commission, you can move ahead to the remote online notarization steps below.
Step 2
Obtain the Required $2,500 Alaska Notary Bond
Alaska requires applicants for a regular notary commission to obtain a $2,500 notary bond.
The bond protects members of the public who may suffer a financial loss because of a notary's misconduct. It does not function as insurance for the notary.
Alaska permits applicants to satisfy the bond requirement through a commercial bonding company or through an individual third-party surety using the state's notary bond form.
What about E&O insurance?
Alaska does not require E&O insurance as part of the state notary or RON authorization process. Therefore, the state-required E&O coverage amount is $0. The required $2,500 notary bond is a separate requirement.
Step 3
Apply for Your Alaska Notary Commission
Alaska accepts regular notary commission applications online through its notary database or by mail.
When applying online, the general process includes:
- Obtain your required notary bond.
- Use an active myAlaska account to begin the application.
- Select the appropriate commission type.
- Upload your bond documentation.
- Submit the application.
- Print and sign the oath of office.
- Have the oath of office notarized.
- Upload the completed oath as instructed by the state.
- Pay the state's nonrefundable application fee.
The current application fee for a regular Alaska notary commission is $40.
Once your application is approved, Alaska will issue your commission certificate. You can then obtain your required notary supplies and move forward with your RON setup.
Visit the Alaska Notary Public Office for the state's current application instructions.
Step 4
Choose a Compliant Remote Online Notary Platform
Alaska requires an online notary to use communication technology that satisfies the state's standards for remote notarizations.
Among other requirements, the technology must support synchronous audio-video communication so the notary and remotely located signer can see, hear, and communicate with one another in real time.
The system must also provide appropriate identity-proofing and security protections and allow the notary to reasonably confirm that the document being notarized is the same document the remotely located individual signed or made a statement about.
Use Online Notary Center in Alaska
Online Notary Center is currently included on the Alaska Office of the Lieutenant Governor's list of technology vendors for remote online notarization.
Alaska makes clear that its vendor list is provided as a resource and does not constitute a state endorsement. Notaries remain responsible for making sure the technology they select satisfies applicable Alaska requirements.
View Alaska Notary RequirementsStep 5
Set Up Your Electronic Signature, Seal, and Digital Tools
Before requesting authorization from Alaska, you will need to configure the electronic tools you intend to use for online notarizations.
Alaska's RON request requires you to provide a copy of the electronic signature and electronic stamp or seal that you will use on your selected platform.
If you're using Online Notary Center, complete the platform's notary onboarding process and follow the instructions for setting up your electronic signature, seal, and compatible digital certificate.
A digital certificate helps protect an electronically notarized document by allowing alterations made after notarization to be detected.
Step 6
Request Authorization to Perform RON in Alaska
Holding an Alaska notary commission does not automatically authorize you to perform remote online notarizations.
Before performing your first RON, submit a written request to the Alaska Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
Your request should include:
- Your commissioned name exactly as it appears on your notary commission certificate.
- Your Alaska notary commission number.
- A description of the technology vendor or provider you will use for remote online notarial acts.
- A copy of your electronic signature.
- A copy of your electronic notary stamp or seal.
Alaska's official guidance states that the written request may be sent by email to: [email protected].
Do not begin performing remote online notarizations until your RON capability has been approved by the Alaska Notary Public Office.
Step 7
Begin Performing Remote Online Notarizations
Once Alaska has authorized you to perform notarizations for remotely located individuals and your technology is ready, you can begin conducting online notarizations.
During an Alaska RON session, the approved technology must allow you and the signer to communicate in real time using audio and video. The signer's identity must be established in accordance with Alaska law, which may include credential analysis and identity proofing.
Alaska also requires an audiovisual recording of the remote notarial act. That recording must generally be retained for at least 10 years.
The notarial certificate must indicate that communication technology was used to perform the notarial act.
How Much Does It Cost to Become an Online Notary in Alaska?
Your exact startup cost will depend on your technology provider and notary supplies, but Alaska has several specific state requirements and fees to keep in mind.
| Item | State Requirement / Amount |
|---|---|
| Regular Notary Application | $40 |
| Required Notary Bond | $2,500 bond amount |
| Required E&O Insurance | $0 — Not required |
| RON Authorization — New 4-Year Commission | $100 |
| RON Authorization — Existing Commission | $25 per remaining year |
| RON Technology / Digital Tools | Varies by provider |
The $2,500 figure is the required amount of the Alaska notary bond, not necessarily the price you will pay to obtain the bond.
Why Become an Online Notary in Alaska?
Remote online notarization can expand the way an Alaska notary serves clients. Instead of requiring a signer to travel to a physical meeting, an authorized online notary can complete eligible notarizations through secure communication technology.
That can be particularly useful in a state as geographically large as Alaska, where a signer and notary may otherwise be separated by significant distances.
Online notarization can also help you serve clients outside Alaska while you remain physically located in Alaska during the notarial act, subject to applicable Alaska law and any requirements affecting the document itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an Online Notary in Alaska
Does Alaska allow remote online notarization?
Yes. Alaska law allows commissioned Alaska notaries who meet the applicable requirements and receive authorization to perform notarial acts for remotely located individuals using compliant communication technology.
Do I need to already be an Alaska notary?
Yes. You must hold an Alaska notary commission before requesting authorization to perform remote online notarizations.
Does Alaska require E&O insurance for online notaries?
No. Alaska does not require a specific E&O insurance policy or coverage amount. The state-required E&O amount is $0. Alaska does, however, require a $2,500 notary bond for regular notary commissions.
Does Alaska require a special RON training course?
Alaska's current state RON guidance does not list a separate remote online notarization training course as a prerequisite. Notaries are responsible for understanding Alaska's RON laws, regulations, and technology requirements before performing remote notarizations.
How much is Alaska's remote online notary authorization?
Alaska currently lists a $100 fee when the RON capability is requested following approval of a new four-year commission. For a pre-existing commission, the state lists a $25 fee for each remaining year of the commission.
How long must Alaska RON recordings be kept?
The audiovisual recording of an Alaska remote online notarization must generally be retained for at least 10 years after it is created.
Can an Alaska online notary notarize for someone in another state?
Alaska law requires the notary to be physically located in Alaska while performing the remote notarial act. The remotely located signer does not have to be physically present in Alaska. Special requirements apply when the signer is outside the United States.
Can I use Online Notary Center as an Alaska online notary?
Online Notary Center is currently included on the Alaska Office of the Lieutenant Governor's technology-vendor resource list for remote online notarizations. The state notes that inclusion on the list is not an endorsement and that notaries are responsible for using technology that meets Alaska's legal requirements.
Ready to Become an Online Notary in Alaska?
Once you have your Alaska notary commission, Online Notary Center can provide the technology you need to perform remote notarizations and connect with signers online.
View Alaska Requirements Get StartedOfficial Alaska Resources
Because notary laws, fees, and administrative procedures can change, always verify current requirements with the Alaska Office of the Lieutenant Governor before applying or performing a remote notarization.