The Importance of Ensuring Your Stamp and Seal are Correct
If you’ve decided to become a notary public for the state of Alaska, you’ve made an important move. Your Alaska notary public stamp and seal is your affirmation that the signatories of any official documents that cross your desk are who they say they are and that they’re competent to sign the document. This is why it’s so important to ensure that your Alaska notary public stamp and seal is proper and correct before you notarize your first document.
If you’re a notary public in Alaska, you’re required by state law to have
either an ink stamp or an embossing seal that will leave a mark that can be easily reproducible in a photograph or a photocopy. In the event that you have an embossing seal that does not leave an easily reproducible mark, you must also provide a stamp in ink on the document, though you have the option of omitting the seal and just stamping the document instead.Requirements for Your Seal
There are additional requirements to the size and shape of your Alaska notary public stamp or seal and what information is provided. Embossing seals must be no larger than 2 inches in diameter if they are round; both seals and stamps may be rectangular provided they don’t exceed 2.5 inches long and 1 inch wide in dimension.
Without fail, your Alaska notary public stamp or seal must have your name as it appears on your commission and the words “State of Alaska” as well; unlike in some other states, it’s not a strict requirement to have your commission number or when your commission expires, but you have the option of adding that information to your Alaska notary public stamp or seal as well if you so wish. That additional information, along with your signature, will be applied to a document’s notary certification separately in addition to your stamp or seal.
Other Information on Your Alaska Notary Public Seal
For more information specific to the state of Alaska, visit the website of the Alaska Notary Public Office.
As a notary public, it is your responsibility to provide your own Alaska notary public stamp or seal in order to notarize documents. Luckily, here at Acorn Sales Company Incorporated we have a large selection of stamps and seals to choose from that will comply with the requirements of your state. Acorn Sales offers a myriad of stamp types in a multitude of sizes including traditional hand stamps and inkpads, self-inking stamps, and slim pre-inked stamps; we also offer desk seals and pocket seals that will leave behind photographically reproducible marks. We even provide deluxe starter kits that contain custom stamps and seals in a handsome leatherette pouch if you’re looking for a gift for the new notary public in your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Alaska notary stamp requirements?
Alaska notaries must use either an ink stamp or an embossing seal that leaves a mark that can be easily reproduced in a photocopy or photograph. If your embossing seal does not reproduce clearly, you must also use an ink stamp on the document.
What information must appear on an Alaska notary public stamp or seal?
Your Alaska notary stamp or seal must include your name exactly as it appears on your commission and the words “State of Alaska.” You may also include your commission number and commission expiration date, but those details are not required.
What is the correct size for an Alaska notary seal?
If your seal is round, it must be no larger than 2 inches in diameter. Rectangular stamps or seals are allowed as long as they do not exceed 2.5 inches long by 1 inch wide.
Can Alaska notaries use either a stamp or an embossing seal?
Yes. Alaska allows notaries to use either a stamp or an embossing seal. If you choose an embossing seal, it must create a mark that can be clearly copied or photographed. If it does not, you’ll need to add an ink stamp as well.
Do Alaska notaries need to provide their own stamp or seal?
Yes. It is the notary’s responsibility to obtain and maintain their own Alaska notary public stamp or seal in order to notarize documents. Make sure your seal meets all state requirements before you begin notarizing.
Where can I buy a compliant Alaska notary stamp or seal?
You can purchase Alaska notary stamps and seals from suppliers that offer state-compliant products, including traditional hand stamps, self-inking stamps, pre-inked stamps, desk seals, and pocket seals. Look for products made to match Alaska’s required name and “State of Alaska” formatting, size limits, and reproducible mark standards.
