Is Online Notarization Legal in Alaska? Here's What You Need to Know
- Danielle Montoya
- Mar 9
- 5 min read
If you've ever needed a document notarized at 9 PM on a Tuesday, or tried to coordinate signatures while your spouse is deployed overseas, you've probably wondered: Can I just do this online?
Great question. And here in Alaska, the answer might surprise you.
The Short Answer: Yes, Online Notarization Is Legal in Alaska
Remote Online Notarization (RON) became permanently legal in Alaska on January 1, 2021, thanks to House Bill 124 signed in April 2020. That means Alaska-commissioned notaries can now legally notarize documents for clients over a live video call, no in-person meeting required.
This was a game-changer, especially for folks in rural Alaska, military families dealing with PCS orders, or anyone juggling a chaotic schedule. But just because it's legal doesn't mean it works like a free-for-all. There are rules, requirements, and a few quirks you should know about before you hop on a Zoom call and expect your Power of Attorney to be notarized in five minutes.
Let's break it all down.
What Exactly Is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?
Think of RON as the digital version of meeting a notary at a coffee shop, except you're both on camera, the technology verifies your identity, and everything gets recorded.
Here's how it typically works:
You schedule an appointment with a notary who offers RON services (like Arctic Trekking, LLC, more on that in a minute).
You join a secure video call using an approved platform.
The notary verifies your identity using credential analysis software (it scans your government-issued ID) or through personal knowledge.
You electronically sign the document on-screen while the notary watches.
The notary applies their digital seal and signature, and the session is recorded and stored.
The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes, depending on the document.
Requirements for Alaska Notaries Performing RON
Not every notary in Alaska can just flip a switch and start doing online notarizations. There's a specific checklist involved, and it's pretty thorough.
To legally perform RON in Alaska, a notary must:
Already hold a valid Alaska Notary Public commission (you can't skip the traditional notary step)
Partner with an approved RON technology vendor, like BlueNotary, DocuSign, Notarize, or NotaryCam
Notify the Alaska Lieutenant Governor's office with a copy of their electronic signature and seal
Purchase compliant electronic tools: an electronic journal, digital seal, and certificate
Maintain a hardcopy journal that records both in-person and remote notarial acts
Pay a $100 registration fee for the initial RON setup
And while errors and omissions (E&O) insurance isn't technically required, most notaries carry it anyway, because let's be honest, peace of mind is worth it.
Where Do You (and the Notary) Need to Be?
Here's where it gets a little interesting.
The notary must be physically located in Alaska at the time of the notarization. So if your notary is sipping a latte in Anchorage or parked in a camper near Denali, that's fine, as long as they're in-state.
But you, the signer, can be anywhere. Literally. You could be stationed in Germany, visiting family in Florida, or lounging on a beach in Hawaii. As long as the document is related to U.S. matters and you're working with an Alaska-commissioned notary, you're good to go.
The flip side? If you're physically in Alaska, you can also work with a notary from another state that allows RON. Flexibility works both ways.
What Can Be Notarized Online?
Most of the notarial acts you'd do in person can also be done remotely in Alaska. That includes:
Acknowledgments (used for real estate deeds, powers of attorney, etc.)
Oaths and affirmations (common for affidavits and sworn statements)
Jurats (when you need to swear or affirm that the content of a document is true)
However, some documents, especially certain military or federal forms, may have specific rules about whether they accept electronic notarization. Always double-check the requirements for your specific document before booking a RON session.
Important note about Military IDs: If you're using a military ID for identity verification, remember that military IDs cannot be copied for any reason, by federal law. Notaries are aware of this, but it's good to keep in mind if you're coordinating your RON appointment.
Technology and Security: It's More Locked Down Than You Think
One of the biggest concerns people have about online notarization is security. Is this really safe? Can someone fake their identity?
The short answer: RON platforms are actually pretty secure, sometimes more secure than traditional in-person notarization.
Here's why:
Live audio-video feed is required, and it has to be high-resolution and synchronized in real time. The notary needs to clearly see and hear you.
Identity verification uses credential analysis technology that scans your government-issued ID and checks for tampering, holograms, and other security features.
Session recordings are saved and encrypted, creating a permanent record of the notarization.
Multi-factor authentication is often required to access the platform.
Is it foolproof? No system is. But it's a lot harder to fake your identity on a vetted RON platform than it is to show up at a UPS Store with a fake driver's license.
Arctic Trekking, LLC Is Expanding Into RON Services
Here's the exciting part: Arctic Trekking, LLC is in the process of adding Remote Online Notarization to our service lineup.
We've always been committed to making notary services accessible and convenient for folks in Interior Alaska, especially around Delta Junction, Fort Greely, and the surrounding areas. But we know that sometimes "mobile" isn't mobile enough. Maybe you're deployed. Maybe you're working a remote job in Fairbanks and can't break away during business hours. Maybe you just don't want to put on pants.
We get it.
That's why we're working on getting fully set up to offer RON services. Once we're live, you'll be able to book an online notarization appointment with us just as easily as scheduling a mobile visit. Same friendly service, same attention to detail, just with a webcam instead of a driveway.
Want to stay in the loop? Reach out to us at arctictrekking.com and we'll let you know as soon as we're ready to launch.
Tips for Using RON Services
If you're planning to use remote online notarization (whether with us or another provider), here are a few tips to make the process smooth:
Test your tech ahead of time. Make sure your camera, mic, and internet connection are working. A dropped call mid-notarization is a hassle for everyone.
Have your government-issued ID ready. You'll need a valid driver's license, passport, or state ID. (Remember: military IDs are accepted, but they cannot be copied.)
Read the document beforehand. Don't wait until the video call to figure out what you're signing. The notary can't give you legal advice, so come prepared.
Double-check document requirements. Some organizations (banks, courts, etc.) have specific rules about whether they accept RON. Confirm before you book.
Be in a quiet, well-lit space. The notary needs to see and hear you clearly. A dark, noisy room makes everyone's job harder.
Bottom Line: RON Is Legal, Convenient, and Here to Stay
Remote online notarization isn't just a pandemic workaround, it's a permanent, legal option in Alaska that's making life easier for a lot of people. Whether you're a busy professional, a military family navigating a move, or someone who just values convenience, RON opens up new possibilities.
And as Arctic Trekking, LLC expands into this space, we're excited to offer even more flexibility to our clients across Interior Alaska and beyond.
Got questions? Need a notary (online or in-person)? We're here to help. Check out our site or drop us a line.
Disclaimer: I am not an attorney licensed to practice law and may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice. The information in this post is for general informational purposes only. For specific legal questions, please consult a licensed attorney.
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