Mixed Deck — All AK NOTARY Topics Flashcards

For a remote online notarization in Alaska, how must the notary verify the identity of the remote signer?

Answer: Using knowledge-based authentication (KBA) and/or credential analysis of an ID presented via video

Alaska's RON rules require knowledge-based authentication (dynamic KBA quiz) and/or credential analysis technology to verify the remote signer's identity.

A notary performs a notarization for a family member. Is a journal entry required?

Answer: Yes, every notarial act must be recorded regardless of the signer's relationship to the notary

Alaska law requires a journal entry for every notarial act, including those performed for family members.

What does 'personal appearance' mean in the context of an Alaska notarial act?

Answer: The signer must be physically present before the notary at the time of notarization

Personal appearance means the signer must be in the same physical location as the notary during a traditional (non-remote) notarial act.

Can an Alaska notary charge a travel fee in addition to the notarial act fee?

Answer: Yes, a reasonable travel fee may be charged if agreed upon in advance

Alaska notaries may charge a reasonable travel fee in addition to the statutory notarial fee, provided it is disclosed and agreed upon beforehand.

Which of the following documents may an Alaska notary certify as a true copy?

Answer: A private contract or personal letter that the signer owns

Alaska notaries may certify copies of privately held documents like contracts or letters but cannot certify copies of documents that are publicly recorded or issued by government agencies.

An Alaska notary charges $10 per acknowledgment signature when the statutory maximum is $5. This is:

Answer: A violation of Alaska notary law

Charging above the statutory maximum is prohibited regardless of signer agreement.

What is the key procedural difference between a jurat and an acknowledgment?

Answer: In a jurat, the signer must sign in the notary's presence and take an oath; an acknowledgment only requires the signer to appear

A jurat requires the signer to sign the document before the notary and swear or affirm to the truth of its contents, while an acknowledgment only requires appearance and confirmation of voluntary signing.

Which of the following is a requirement to become an Alaska notary public?

Answer: Must be a resident or have a place of employment or practice in Alaska

Applicants must be a resident of Alaska or have a regular place of employment or practice in the state.

Which of the following best describes errors and omissions (E&O) insurance for Alaska notaries?

Answer: It is optional coverage that protects the notary from claims of professional mistakes

E&O insurance is optional in Alaska but provides additional protection against claims arising from innocent mistakes in performing notarial acts.

Does Alaska set a maximum fee that a notary public may charge per notarial act?

Answer: Yes, Alaska law establishes maximum fees per notarial act

Alaska law sets statutory maximum fees that notaries may charge for each notarial act performed.

What should an Alaska notary do if their seal is lost or stolen?

Answer: Immediately notify the Lieutenant Governor's office and obtain a replacement

A notary must promptly report a lost or stolen seal to the Lieutenant Governor's office to prevent misuse.

How should an Alaska notary handle a signer who refuses to pay the fee after a notarization is complete?

Answer: Pursue the fee through appropriate civil channels

Fee disputes are civil matters; the notary may pursue payment through appropriate legal means but cannot void the completed notarization.

Can an Alaska notary be disciplined for repeatedly making innocent mistakes in notarizations?

Answer: Yes, a pattern of negligent errors can result in commission revocation or suspension

Repeated negligence, even without intent, can result in disciplinary action including suspension or revocation of the notary commission.

Can an Alaska notary provide legal advice to a signer about a document's contents?

Answer: No, unless the notary is also a licensed attorney

Providing legal advice constitutes the unauthorized practice of law unless the notary is also a licensed attorney.

A signer presents a passport card as their only identification. Is a U.S. passport card acceptable as satisfactory evidence of identity for Alaska notarizations?

Answer: Yes, a valid U.S. passport card contains a photo and sufficient identifying information to meet the standard

A U.S. passport card is a government-issued photo ID with physical identifiers and satisfies the satisfactory evidence of identity requirement for notarizations.

What is the minimum period for which a notary public in Alaska must keep their notarial journal?

Answer: 3 years

Alaska law mandates that notaries public maintain their notarial journal for a specific period to ensure a record of all notarial acts is available for inspection or legal purposes. The minimum retention period in Alaska is three years, providing accountability and a historical record of official duties performed, which can be crucial in legal disputes.

Can an Alaska notary add their own commentary or opinions to a notarial certificate?

Answer: No, the certificate must follow the statutory form without personal additions

Notarial certificates must conform to statutory requirements and should not contain personal commentary or opinions from the notary.

What must an Alaska notary do if they suspect a signer has mental incapacity?

Answer: Decline to notarize if the signer does not appear to understand the document

A notary should refuse to notarize if the signer does not appear to understand or have capacity to execute the document willingly.

What action may the Lieutenant Governor take against an Alaska notary who commits misconduct?

Answer: Suspend or revoke the notary's commission

Under AS 44.50, the Lieutenant Governor has authority to suspend or revoke a notary's commission for misconduct, neglect of duty, or incompetence.

Under Alaska's electronic notarization framework, which type of electronic signature must be used by the notary?

Answer: A tamper-evident electronic signature that complies with state standards

Alaska requires that the notary's electronic signature be tamper-evident and compliant with state technology standards to ensure document integrity.