In-Person Paper Notarizations
Am I required by law to maintain a notary journal in Alaska?
No, not for in-person paper notarizations. As of January 2021, a notary public commissioned in the State of Alaska is only required to maintain a notary journal for electronic notarizations, pursuant to HB 124. However, it is recommended by the Office of the Lt. Governor of Alaska that all notaries maintain a notary journal for both in-person notarizations as well as electronic notarizations.
Recommended practices for notary journals
We recommend capturing the same information required for electronic notarizations in Alaska, seen below
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Date & time of each notarization
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A description of of the record, if any, and type of notarial act
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The full name and address of each individual for whom the notarial act is performedIf identity of the individual is based on satisfactory evidence, a brief description of the method of identification and the identification credential presented, if any, including the date of issuance and expiration of the identification credential
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If the identity of the individual is based on personal knowledge, a statement to that effect
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The fee, if any, charged by the notary public
Remote Online Notarizations
Is Remote Online Notarization (RON) approved in the State of Alaska?
Yes, notaries in the State of Alaska are authorized to perform remote online notarizations
Do I have to record the Remote Online Notarization session?
Yes
What is the retention period for RON recordings?
10 years
Do I have to log RON sessions in a journal?
Yes
Journal format
Electronic or hardbound journals accepted
"A notary public may create a journal on a tangible medium or in an electronic format. A notary public shall maintain at least one journal in a tangible medium to chronicle all notarial acts described in (a) of this section. A notary public may maintain one or more journals in an electronic format to chronicle all notarial acts described in (a) of this section. If a journal is maintained in an electronic format, the journal must be in a permanent, tamper-evident electronic format complying with the regulations of the lieutenant governor under AS 44.50.072."
Journal entry requirements
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Date & time of each notarization
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A description of of the record, if any, and type of notarial act
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The full name and address of each individual for whom the notarial act is performed
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If identity of the individual is based on satisfactory evidence, a brief description of the method of identification and the identification credential presented, if any, including the date of issuance and expiration of the identification credential
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If the identity of the individual is based on personal knowledge, a statement to that effect
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The fee, if any, charged by the notary public
Reference Links
Helpful resources for Alabama Notaries
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Notary journal requirements from the Office of the Lt. Governor of Alaska
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House Bill 124
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Notary FAQs for Alaska
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“A Notary’s Guide to Completing Journal Entries”
Disclaimer
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