Alaska Notary Bond
$2,500 • Increased from $1,000 via HB 124
House Bill 124 was a “triple whammy” for Alaska notaries: it increased the bond from $1,000 to $2,500, authorized Remote Online Notarization, and mandated journal-keeping — all effective January 1, 2021. Your bond is filed with the Lieutenant Governor's Office (not the Secretary of State like most states) per AS 44.50.034. No exam. No education requirement. Alaska also offers a rare private surety option that most states do not. Whether you need a notary bond or a different surety bond, we handle Alaska applicants daily.
Get Your $2,500 Alaska Bond
4-year term • No exam required
Alaska Notary Bond — Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Alaska increase the notary bond from $1,000 to $2,500?
House Bill 124, signed into law during the 31st Alaska Legislature and effective January 1, 2021, increased the bond from $1,000 to $2,500 per AS 44.50.034. The legislature bundled three major changes into one bill: the bond increase, authorization of Remote Online Notarization (RON), and a mandatory journal requirement. The bond increase was designed to provide greater public protection as notarial acts moved into digital environments.
Can I use a private individual as my surety instead of a bonding company?
Yes. Alaska is one of the few states that allows a private surety bond — meaning a business, organization, or individual can act as your surety rather than a licensed surety company. You must use the official State of Alaska Notary Bond Form, and the private surety's signature must be notarized by a separate, disinterested third-party notary. Most applicants choose commercial surety bonds for convenience and speed, but the private option exists under AS 44.50.034.
What is the Limited Governmental commission and do those notaries need bonds?
Alaska offers a Limited Governmental commission for state, municipal, and federal employees who need to notarize documents as part of their official duties. These commissions are open-ended (they expire when employment ends rather than after 4 years), exempt from the $40 application fee, and the employer handles the bond requirement. Limited Governmental notaries can only perform notarial acts within the scope of their government duties — they cannot freelance or notarize personal documents.
How much does RON authorization cost in Alaska?
Remote Online Notarization authorization costs $100 for a full 4-year commission term. If you add RON to an existing commission mid-term, the fee is prorated at $25 per remaining year. To apply, email notary@alaska.gov with your commission number, chosen technology provider information, and samples of your electronic seal and electronic signature. You must maintain audio-video recordings of all RON sessions with a 10-year retention period.
How long does the Lt. Governor retain my notary bond after my commission ends?
Per AS 44.50.034, the Lieutenant Governor's Office retains your original bond for 2 years after your commission term expires. This retention period ensures that anyone who suffered damages from a notarial act performed during your commission can still file a claim against the bond even after your commission has ended. This is why the bond amount matters — it represents the maximum recovery available to harmed parties.
What disqualifies someone from getting an Alaska notary commission?
Under AS 44.50.020, you are disqualified if you have a felony conviction or were incarcerated within the past 10 years, had a notary commission revoked within the past 10 years for specified violations, or are currently prohibited by a disciplinary action from another jurisdiction. Unlike many states, Alaska does not require an exam or education course. If you have a prior issue, contact notary@alaska.gov before applying to determine your eligibility.
Have questions about surety bonds generally? Read what is a surety bond, compare bonds vs. insurance, or see the difference between a bond and a cash deposit. Browse the surety bond learning center for in-depth guides.
HB 124: The “Triple Whammy” That Reshaped Alaska Notarization
Most sites list Alaska's bond amount without explaining why it changed. House Bill 124, passed by the 31st Alaska Legislature, bundled three significant changes into a single law — effective January 1, 2021. Understanding HB 124 matters because it explains why your bond costs more than it did before 2021.
Bond Increase
Surety bond requirement jumped from $1,000 to $2,500 — a 150% increase. The higher bond provides greater consumer protection as notarial acts now include digital transactions.
RON Authorization
Remote Online Notarization became legal in Alaska. Notaries can perform acts via two-way audio-video communication. Separate $100 RON registration fee applies.
Journal Mandate
All notaries must maintain a journal of notarial acts with 10-year retention. Previously, journals were recommended but not required for traditional in-person notarizations.
Source: AS 44.50 (Alaska Notary Statutes) | HB 124, 31st Alaska Legislature
Alaska Notary Bond — HB 124
Bond Requirement Increase
Previous Requirement
$1,000
New Requirement
$2,500
Commercial vs. Private Surety — Alaska Offers Both
Alaska is one of a handful of states that allows you to choose between a commercial surety bond and a private surety arrangement. This is a significant distinction that most notary bond guides overlook. For general pricing information, see our surety bond cost guide.
Commercial Surety Bond
- Purchased through a licensed surety company or agency
- Premium: approximately $35–$50 for the 4-year term
- Instant approval for most applicants
- No credit check required for standard risk profiles
- Surety company backs the full $2,500 bond amount
Use our notary bond calculator to estimate your premium.
Private Surety Bond
- A business, organization, or individual acts as surety
- Must use the official State of Alaska Notary Bond Form
- Private surety's signature must be notarized by a third party
- Surety assumes personal financial liability for the bond
- Less convenient — requires finding a willing individual
Download the form at ltgov.alaska.gov.
Which should you choose?
For 95%+ of applicants, a commercial surety bond is the right choice. It's faster, requires no coordination with a private individual, and the premium ($35–$50) is minimal compared to the inconvenience of finding someone willing to assume $2,500 in personal liability. The private surety option is primarily used by notaries with existing relationships — such as an employer who wants to bond their own employee. Learn more about how notary bonds work.
Official Alaska Requirements
"Each notary public shall execute an official bond in the sum of $2,500, conditioned for the faithful discharge of the duties of the office."Alaska Lt. Governor's Office • AS 44.50.034
How to Get Your Alaska Notary Commission (Step-by-Step)
Alaska processes notary applications through the myAlaska portal and the Lt. Governor's Office. Here is the complete process from bond purchase to active commission. For an overview of how bonds work across all types, see how to get a surety bond.
Purchase your $2,500 surety bond
Get your bond from a licensed surety company (like us). We provide the completed bond form. For a private surety, download the State of Alaska Notary Bond Form from the Lt. Governor's website.
Create a myAlaska account
Go to notaries.alaska.gov and register for a myAlaska account. This is the state's online portal for notary applications, renewals, and commission management.
Submit application + $40 filing fee
Complete the online application through the myAlaska portal. Pay the $40 nonrefundable fee. Upload your signed surety bond. You can also apply by mail to the Lt. Governor's Office in Juneau.
Take the oath of office
After your commission is issued, you must take the oath of office before a qualified officer. The oath is required before you can perform any notarial acts.
Obtain your notary seal
Purchase an official notary seal (stamp). Alaska requires a seal on all notarial acts. Your seal must include your commissioned name, "Notary Public," "State of Alaska," and your commission expiration date.
Begin notarizing (and maintain your journal)
Start performing notarial acts. Since HB 124, all Alaska notaries must maintain a journal of notarial acts with 10-year retention. Set your maximum fee schedule before collecting fees.
Renewal Process
Renewals require a new bond, a new $40 fee, and a new oath of office. Your seal must be updated with the new commission expiration date. There is no grace period after expiration — performing notarial acts with an expired commission is a violation. See our notary bond requirements guide for renewal best practices.
Get Your $2,500 Alaska Notary Bond
No exam, no education, instant approval, no credit check. Commercial surety with Treasury-certified carriers.
Get Your Bond NowWhat You Actually Pay: ~$75–$90
Here is the full breakdown for an Alaska notary commission. No hidden fees. Use our notary bond calculator for a personalized estimate based on your credit profile.
Bond premium depends on your credit profile. Most applicants pay $35–$50 for the full 4-year term on the $2,500 bond. Compare with Washington's $10,000 bond, Hawaii's $1,000 bond, or California's $15,000 bond.
Eligibility, Seal & Commission Types
Eligibility (AS 44.50.020)
- Age 18 or older
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Alaska resident
- Able to read and write English
- No exam or education required
- No felony conviction or incarceration within 10 years
- No commission revoked within 10 years
Non-Resident Applicants
Alaska does not offer reciprocity or non-resident commissions. You must be an Alaska resident to qualify. Compare with states that allow non-resident commissions like Montana.
Seal & Journal Requirements
- • “Notary Public”
- • “State of Alaska”
- • Your exact commissioned name
- • Commission expiration date
- • Mandatory for all notarial acts
- • 10-year retention period
- • Must record date, type of act, signer ID method
- • RON sessions: audio-video recording required
Commission Types
Standard Commission
4-year term, $40 fee, $2,500 bond, open to all eligible Alaska residents. Can perform all authorized notarial acts for anyone.
Limited Governmental Commission
Open-ended term (expires with employment). No $40 fee. Bond handled by employer. Can only notarize within scope of government duties. Available to state, municipal, and federal employees.
Key difference: Limited Governmental notaries cannot notarize personal documents or freelance — their commission is tied to their employment.
Learn more about what a notary bond is, general notary requirements, or browse all surety bonds. Alaska businesses that buy and sell vehicles also need an Alaska auto dealer bond, and contractors working in the state must carry an Alaska contractor license bond.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Alaska
Alaska authorized RON effective January 1, 2021 as part of HB 124. Unlike states that rushed temporary RON authorization during COVID-19, Alaska's RON framework was legislated through HB 124 as a permanent feature. Here is what you need to know.
RON Requirements & Process
How to Register
- Must hold an active standard commission first
- Email notary@alaska.gov with your commission info
- Include your chosen technology provider
- Submit e-seal and e-signature samples
- Pay $100 fee ($25/yr prorated if mid-term)
Ongoing Requirements
- Two-way audio-video communication required
- Record all RON sessions (audio-video)
- 10-year recording retention period
- Mandatory journal for all remote acts
- Same $2,500 bond covers RON acts
Compare RON rules: Texas RON | Florida RON | Nevada RON. See all notary bond states.
Prohibited Acts & When Bond Claims Happen
Your $2,500 surety bond protects the public — not you. If you commit a prohibited act and someone suffers a financial loss, they can file a bond claim against your surety bond. The surety pays the claim (up to $2,500), then you repay the surety. The Lt. Governor retains your bond for 2 years after commission expiration specifically to enable post-commission claims.
Prohibited Acts (AS 44.50)
- • Notarizing your own signature
- • Notarizing when you have a direct financial interest
- • Performing acts outside your commission period
- • Notarizing without the signer personally appearing (unless RON)
- • Using an unauthorized name or seal
- • Failing to maintain required journal
- • Charging fees without a published fee schedule
Bond Retention & Claims Timeline
- • During commission: Bond is active and claimable
- • After expiration: Bond retained by Lt. Governor for 2 additional years
- • Claim filed: Surety investigates, may pay up to $2,500
- • After payout: Surety seeks indemnity from you (the principal)
The 2-year retention is why surety companies may contact you after your commission ends. This is normal — your indemnity obligation survives.
Notary Bond vs. E&O Insurance
Your surety bond protects the public — if you make an error, the surety pays the claim, then seeks reimbursement from you personally. Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance protects you. Most Alaska notaries carry both. See our bond vs. insurance comparison.
Filing Your Bond: Lt. Governor's Office (Not Secretary of State)
Unlike most states where notary bonds are filed with the Secretary of State, Alaska notary bonds are filed with the Lieutenant Governor's Office. This is a common point of confusion, especially for notaries moving from other states. When you purchase your bond through BuySuretyBonds.com, we provide clear filing instructions specific to Alaska.
Online Filing
- • Portal: notaries.alaska.gov (myAlaska)
- • Upload signed bond form digitally
- • Pay $40 fee online
- • Fastest processing method
Mail Filing
- • Lt. Governor's Office, P.O. Box 110015, Juneau, AK 99811-0015
- • Include signed bond form
- • Include check/money order for $40
- • Allow additional processing time
Contact: Phone: 907-465-3509 • Email: notary@alaska.gov
Not sure which type of surety bond you need? See our complete guide to surety bond types.
Official Alaska Sources
Lt. Governor — Notaries
Official portal, forms, FAQs, contact info
AS 44.50 (Notary Statutes)
$2,500 bond, 4-year term, eligibility, prohibited acts
RON Authorization
$100 RON registration, technology provider requirements
Forms & Publications
Bond forms, application forms, private surety form
Overview & Qualifications
Eligibility requirements, fees, commission types
Frequently Asked Questions
Prohibited acts, conflict of interest, fee schedules
Lt. Governor's Office Contact: P.O. Box 110015, Juneau, AK 99811-0015 • Phone: 907-465-3509 • Email: notary@alaska.gov
Related Guides & Resources
Other Alaska Bonds
Additional surety bonds available in Alaska
Last Frontier, Fast Bond
$2,500 Alaska notary bond • No exam • Commercial or private surety • Instant approval • Treasury-certified carriers