An Alaska notary acknowledgment form validates the authenticity of signatures on important papers, such as contracts, deeds, or affidavits, within the state. This form typically includes specific sections where the individual signing the document (known as the signer) acknowledges their signature’s authenticity before a notary public.
Once completed, the document attests that the signature was provided willfully and the signer’s identity was verified by the notary, ensuring legal credibility and authenticity.
Legal Considerations
Statute: Alaska Statutes, Title 9, Chapter 63.
Form of Acknowledgment: According to § 09.63.100, it must include specific sections for various entities, such as individuals, corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, attorneys-in-fact, public officers, trustees, or personal representatives. It must provide relevant details like location, date, name of the signing party, and signature, together with the notary public’s official signature, seal, and commission expiration date.
Notary Term of Commission: Four years (§ 44.50.010).
Notary Handbook: The Notary Handbook defines the role of a notary in the state, outlining their powers, governing laws, and practical application in daily professional practice.
Is Online Notarization Legal in Alaska?
Yes, from January 1, 2021, the passing of House Bill 124 (Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act) authorizes remote notarizations.
A notary public can use communication technology to verify a signer’s identity, mirroring the procedures used in traditional notarizations. They must confirm document integrity and create an audiovisual recording.
According to § 44.50.075, requirements differ for individuals outside the U.S. The notarial certificate must state the use of communication technology, and 10-year retention of audiovisual recordings is mandated. Notaries must notify the lieutenant governor before starting, adhering to defined technology and verification standards.
How to Notarize
Step 1 – Find a Notary
To locate a qualified notary public authorized to perform official notarial acts in the state, you can initiate a search online through reliable websites, local banks or credit unions (Wells Fargo, for example), or UPS Stores and FedEx Offices.
Alaska Statutes don’t specifically regulate notary fees except that if a notary plans to charge for their services, they must present a published fee schedule to the signer before performing the notarization (§ 44.50.062(4)). Additionally, the statute specifies that Limited Governmental Notaries are prohibited from charging fees for notarization services.
Step 2 – Bring Your Document
The document you wish to have notarized must be physically presented to the notary, and all individuals signing it must verify their identities.
Step 3 – Provide Identification
This verification can be achieved through various means, such as presenting a valid photo ID, demonstrating personal recognition, or, in exceptional cases, providing credible witnesses. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver’s license from any U.S. state, a state-issued identity card, a U.S. passport, or an unexpired foreign country-issued passport officially recognized by the U.S.
Step 4 – Sign the Form
The notary will proceed by asking you to either sign your documents in their presence or, if the documents are already signed, to confirm the signature’s authenticity.
Once the verification and signing are completed, all signers must declare they have acted willingly. The notary public will then fill out and stamp the form, marking the conclusion of the notarization process.
How to Verify a Notary
- Access the Notary Directory Search.
- Below the “Search Fields,” fill out the following notary information: Notary type, Status, Name, Commission #, Primary city, Business name, Street address, Languages, Is Mobile Notary?
- If you have the notary’s commission dates, fill in the corresponding empty fields provided. When you’re prepared, click the “Search” button to proceed.
- Upon completion, the search results will be displayed. To access further details about any listed notary, click on the individual’s name of interest.
How to Write (for Notary)
- Download a notary acknowledgment form in PDF or Word format.
- Start by entering the name of the county or municipality where the notarization occurs. Then, below that field, add the date (day, month, year) and provide the name(s) of the signers.
- Complete the remaining sections by providing your signature, title or rank, serial number (if applicable), and commission expiration date in the designated spaces.
