Alaska Notary Bond Requirements

Is a notary bond required in Alaska?

Yes, for a regular commission. Alaska Statutes Sec. 44.50.034 provides that a person applying for a commission as a notary public without limitation must execute an official bond of $2,500 and submit the bond with the application. The statute specifies that the bond must be for a term of four years from the date of commission — matching the length of a regular commission.

The bond exists to protect the public. If someone is harmed by a notary’s improper act, they can bring a claim against the bond. The Lieutenant Governor keeps a submitted bond for two years after the end of the commission term for which it was issued; the statute also makes clear that disposing of the bond after the commission ends does not affect the time for commencing an action on it.

Alaska notaries are commissioned by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, not a Secretary of State. Alaska recognizes two types of commissions that may be held concurrently: a regular commission and a Limited Governmental Notary commission. The $2,500 bond described above attaches to the regular commission.

How to become a notary in Alaska

1. Confirm eligibility. You must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Alaska who is legally present in the United States. You may not, within the 10 years before the commission takes effect, have been convicted of a felony or incarcerated for a felony conviction.
2. Choose your commission type — a regular commission, a Limited Governmental Notary commission, or both.
3. For a regular commission, obtain a $2,500 official bond with a four-year term from the date of commission.
4. Complete the application through the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and submit the bond with it.
5. Once your commission is issued, note the specific expiration date; it must be included on every notarial certificate you complete.

If you have ever had a notary commission revoked or been disciplined for notarial misconduct in Alaska or any other jurisdiction, the Lieutenant Governor’s office asks that you contact them before applying.

Bond vs. E&O insurance in Alaska

The $2,500 bond is a statutory requirement and protects members of the public who are harmed by a notary’s act. It is not coverage for the notary. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and works the other way around: it can help a notary pay for legal defense and settlements arising from unintentional mistakes. Alaska does not require E&O insurance, so carrying it is a personal decision.

Renewing your Alaska commission

A regular commission runs for four years and carries a specific expiration date. Because the bond term is tied to the four-year commission, renewing applicants should plan to have a current $2,500 bond in place for the new term. Renew through the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and confirm the current forms and deadlines on the agency’s notary pages.

Remote online notarization in Alaska

Alaska authorizes notaries to perform notarial acts using audio-visual communication technology for remotely located individuals, subject to statutory and agency requirements. Because Alaska’s notary program is administered by the Lieutenant Governor, check that office’s notary pages for the current registration steps, approved technology, and recordkeeping obligations before offering remote services.

Non-resident notaries in Alaska

Alaska requires notaries to be residents of the state. Applicants must be Alaska residents who are legally in the United States, so a non-resident cannot hold a regular Alaska commission.