Alaska ranks 50th out of 51 (the 50 states and D.C.) for how easy, fast and affordable it is to get certified birth, marriage, divorce and death records.
Cost#49 (tie)of 51
Speed#47of 51
Ease of ordering#39 (tie)of 51
Birth certificates #50 of 51
Cost
$30 first copy, $25 each extra copy
Processing time
Online: at least 2–3 weeks; mail: 2–3 months (the state says orders are currently taking 1–2 months); in person: walk-in offices in Anchorage and Juneau; wait time not published
Time until the copy is in hand
About 2–3 months by mail (estimate)
Where to order
State vital records office
Order online
Yes, through the state’s approved vendor, for an extra fee
Records available
State records from the 1890s; many events before 1930 were never registered
Marriage records #50 of 51
Cost
$30 first copy, $25 each extra copy
Processing time
Online: at least 2–3 weeks; mail: 2–3 months (the state says orders are currently taking 1–2 months); in person: walk-in offices in Anchorage and Juneau; wait time not published
Time until the copy is in hand
About 2–3 months by mail (estimate)
Where to order
State vital records office
Order online
Yes, through the state’s approved vendor, for an extra fee
Records available
State records from the 1890s
Divorce records #25 of 51
Cost
$30 first copy, $25 each extra copy
Processing time
Online: at least 2–3 weeks; mail: 2–3 months (the state says orders are currently taking 1–2 months); in person: walk-in offices in Anchorage and Juneau; wait time not published
Time until the copy is in hand
About 2–3 months by mail (estimate)
Where to order
State vital records office
Order online
Yes, through the state’s approved vendor, for an extra fee
Records available
State divorce certificates from 1950; full decrees from the Alaska Court System
Death certificates #50 of 51
Cost
$30 first copy, $25 each extra copy
Processing time
Online: at least 2–3 weeks; mail: 2–3 months (the state says orders are currently taking 1–2 months); in person: walk-in offices in Anchorage and Juneau; wait time not published
Time until the copy is in hand
About 2–3 months by mail (estimate)
Where to order
State vital records office
Order online
Yes, through the state’s approved vendor, for an extra fee
Records available
State records from the 1890s
Note: These rankings were done on . Prices, processing times and ordering rules may have changed since then, so check with the issuing office before you order. Times marked “estimate” add typical mail delivery to the office’s posted processing time. “Not published” means the office does not post that detail.
How to order Alaska birth, death, marriage and divorce records
How do I get an Alaska birth certificate?
A certified Alaska birth certificate costs $30 for the first copy and $25 for each extra copy ordered at the same time from the Alaska Health Analytics and Vital Records Section. Order online through VitalChek, by mail or fax, or in person in Anchorage or Juneau. Processing is currently taking 1–2 months, according to the state.
Alaska birth records: ordering details
Who can order
The person named on the certificate (14 or older; a current school ID is accepted), a parent listed on the current certificate, or a legal guardian with certified guardianship papers. Anyone else needs a notarized letter of consent from the person named or their guardian. Attorneys and government agencies need a letter on letterhead plus supporting documents. Birth records become public 100 years after the birth.
Fee
$30 for the first certified copy, $25 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Extras: return shipping by regular mail is included; USPS Priority Mail with tracking is $13, or $18 with signature on delivery. VitalChek adds its own fees, and expedited service is only available through VitalChek. A record more than 100 years old can be ordered as a $15 public-record “white copy.” Returned checks cost $30. Duplicate orders aren’t refunded. Heirloom (display) birth certificate: $55, $50 for each extra copy (includes $25 to the Children’s Trust Fund).
How to order
Online:VitalChek, the only online vendor Alaska Vital Records works with (orders placed through other sites may not be filled). By mail or fax:Birth certificate request form with a copy of your ID and payment, to Health Analytics and Vital Records, P.O. Box 110675, Juneau, AK 99811-0675, or fax (907) 465-3618. Pay by check or money order to “Alaska Vital Records Office” or by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express on the form. In person: 3901 Old Seward Hwy., Suite 101, Anchorage, or 5441 Commercial Blvd., Juneau (walk-in hours Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; cash is accepted only in person). Send your order only one way: you’re charged for each request you submit.
ID needed
A photocopy of your ID (not the original): driver’s license or other state-issued ID, passport, military ID, or tribal/BIA card with a picture, or a school ID. An expired ID must be less than one year expired. No ID? Call (907) 465-3391. Requests without a signature, an ID copy and payment aren’t processed.
Processing time
Alaska Vital Records says processing is currently taking 1–2 months because of high volume. Its FAQs say to expect at least 2–3 weeks for VitalChek orders and 2–3 months for mail or fax orders; it doesn’t publish a walk-in wait time. A birth can’t be ordered until it’s registered, which can take up to 2 months after the birth. Estimate: plan on 2–3 months for a mail or fax order to arrive.
Older and local records
All Alaska birth certificates come from the state office; there are no county offices. The state has records from the 1890s, but many births before 1930 were never registered.
Tip: Order only through VitalChek or directly from the state. Alaska Vital Records warns that other websites charge high fees, and it may never receive orders placed through them.
A certified Alaska death certificate costs $30 for the first copy and $25 for each extra copy ordered at the same time from the Alaska Health Analytics and Vital Records Section. Order online through VitalChek, by mail or fax, or in person in Anchorage or Juneau. Processing is currently taking 1–2 months, according to the state.
Alaska death records: ordering details
Who can order
The spouse or parents listed on the certificate, or a child or sibling of the person who died. If the family relationship isn’t shown by an Alaska record, include proof (for example, your marriage certificate or birth certificate). The Office of Public Advocacy, attorneys and government agencies need supporting papers. Death records become public 50 years after the death.
Fee
$30 for the first certified copy, $25 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Extras: return shipping by regular mail is included; USPS Priority Mail with tracking is $13, or $18 with signature on delivery. VitalChek adds its own fees, and expedited service is only available through VitalChek. A record more than 50 years old can be ordered as a $15 public-record “white copy.” Returned checks cost $30. Duplicate orders aren’t refunded.
How to order
Online:VitalChek, the only online vendor Alaska Vital Records works with (orders placed through other sites may not be filled). By mail or fax:Death certificate request form with a copy of your ID and payment, to Health Analytics and Vital Records, P.O. Box 110675, Juneau, AK 99811-0675, or fax (907) 465-3618. Pay by check or money order to “Alaska Vital Records Office” or by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express on the form. In person: 3901 Old Seward Hwy., Suite 101, Anchorage, or 5441 Commercial Blvd., Juneau (walk-in hours Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; cash is accepted only in person). Send your order only one way: you’re charged for each request you submit.
ID needed
A photocopy of your ID (not the original): driver’s license or other state-issued ID, passport, military ID, or tribal/BIA card with a picture. An expired ID must be less than one year expired. No ID? Call (907) 465-3391. Requests without a signature, an ID copy and payment aren’t processed.
Processing time
Alaska Vital Records says processing is currently taking 1–2 months because of high volume. Its FAQs say to expect at least 2–3 weeks for VitalChek orders and 2–3 months for mail or fax orders; it doesn’t publish a walk-in wait time. A death can’t be ordered until it’s registered, which can take up to 3 months after the death. Estimate: plan on 2–3 months for a mail or fax order to arrive.
Older and local records
All Alaska death certificates come from the state office. The state has records from the 1890s, but many deaths before 1930 were never registered.
Tip: Order every copy you’ll need in one request: extra copies are $25 each instead of $30. If you need copies quickly, VitalChek offers expedited service for an extra fee.
A certified Alaska marriage certificate costs $30 for the first copy and $25 for each extra copy from the Alaska Health Analytics and Vital Records Section, which registers all Alaska marriages. Order online through VitalChek, by mail or fax, or in person in Anchorage or Juneau. Processing is currently taking 1–2 months, according to the state.
Alaska marriage records: ordering details
Who can order
Either spouse named on the certificate. Anyone else should call (907) 465-3391. Marriage records become public 50 years after the marriage.
Fee
$30 for the first certified copy, $25 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Extras: return shipping by regular mail is included; USPS Priority Mail with tracking is $13, or $18 with signature on delivery. VitalChek adds its own fees, and expedited service is only available through VitalChek. A record more than 50 years old can be ordered as a $15 public-record “white copy.” Returned checks cost $30. Duplicate orders aren’t refunded. Heirloom (display) marriage certificate: $65, $60 for each extra copy.
How to order
Online:VitalChek, the only online vendor Alaska Vital Records works with (orders placed through other sites may not be filled). By mail or fax:Marriage certificate request form with a copy of your ID and payment, to Health Analytics and Vital Records, P.O. Box 110675, Juneau, AK 99811-0675, or fax (907) 465-3618. Pay by check or money order to “Alaska Vital Records Office” or by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express on the form. In person: 3901 Old Seward Hwy., Suite 101, Anchorage, or 5441 Commercial Blvd., Juneau (walk-in hours Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; cash is accepted only in person). Send your order only one way: you’re charged for each request you submit.
ID needed
A photocopy of your ID (not the original): driver’s license or other state-issued ID, passport, military ID, or tribal/BIA card with a picture, or a school ID. An expired ID must be less than one year expired. No ID? Call (907) 465-3391. Requests without a signature, an ID copy and payment aren’t processed.
Processing time
Alaska Vital Records says processing is currently taking 1–2 months because of high volume. Its FAQs say to expect at least 2–3 weeks for VitalChek orders and 2–3 months for mail or fax orders; it doesn’t publish a walk-in wait time. You can order once the completed license has been returned to Vital Records and the marriage is registered. Estimate: plan on 2–3 months for a mail or fax order to arrive.
Older and local records
All Alaska marriages are registered with the state office. The state has records from the 1890s, but many events before 1930 were never registered.
Tip: Changing your name after the wedding? A certified marriage certificate from Alaska Vital Records is the proof the DMV, Social Security and passport offices accept.
A certified Alaska divorce certificate costs $30 for the first copy and $25 for each extra copy from the Alaska Health Analytics and Vital Records Section. The certificate is a one-page record of who divorced, when and where. The divorce decree and the full case file come only from the Alaska Court System.
Alaska divorce records: ordering details
Certificate vs. decree
Divorce certificate: a one-page certified record from Alaska Vital Records. Divorce decree and case file: the judge’s ruling and all the papers filed in the case, available only from the Alaska Court System.
Who can order
Divorce certificates are restricted for 50 years. Until then they go to the people named on the certificate, their legal representatives, and people who can show they’re legally entitled; anyone else should call (907) 465-3391. You must state your relationship or your reason for the request.
Fee
Divorce certificate: $30 for the first certified copy, $25 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Extras: return shipping by regular mail is included; USPS Priority Mail with tracking is $13, or $18 with signature on delivery. VitalChek adds its own fees, and expedited service is only available through VitalChek. A record more than 50 years old can be ordered as a $15 public-record “white copy.” Returned checks cost $30. Duplicate orders aren’t refunded. Decree: set by the Alaska Court System.
How to order
Divorce certificate: Online:VitalChek, the only online vendor Alaska Vital Records works with (orders placed through other sites may not be filled). By mail or fax:Divorce certificate request form with a copy of your ID and payment, to Health Analytics and Vital Records, P.O. Box 110675, Juneau, AK 99811-0675, or fax (907) 465-3618. Pay by check or money order to “Alaska Vital Records Office” or by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express on the form. In person: 3901 Old Seward Hwy., Suite 101, Anchorage, or 5441 Commercial Blvd., Juneau (walk-in hours Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; cash is accepted only in person). Send your order only one way: you’re charged for each request you submit. Decree: contact the Alaska Court System court where the divorce was granted.
ID needed
A photocopy of your ID (not the original): driver’s license or other state-issued ID, passport, military ID, or tribal/BIA card with a picture, or a school ID. An expired ID must be less than one year expired. No ID? Call (907) 465-3391. Requests without a signature, an ID copy and payment aren’t processed.
Processing time
Alaska Vital Records says processing is currently taking 1–2 months because of high volume. Its FAQs say to expect at least 2–3 weeks for VitalChek orders and 2–3 months for mail or fax orders; it doesn’t publish a walk-in wait time. After the court sends in the divorce form (VS-401), it can take up to 3 months for the divorce to be registered. Estimate: plan on 2–3 months for a mail or fax order to arrive.
Older records
The state has divorce certificates from 1950 on. For earlier divorces, and for decrees, contact the Alaska Court System.
Tip: Not on file with Vital Records? A divorce is registered only after the court files form VS-401. Email the state’s registration unit at BVSRegistration@alaska.gov, or ask the court.
Note: Fees, processing times and rules are set by the issuing offices and can change. Times are estimates. Check with the office before you order. PublicLibraries.com is not a government agency.
Other records
Other Alaska records people search for
Official Alaska sites for other common lookups. Some records are kept by counties or carry fees; the note on each line says so.
Division of Corporations Look up corporations, LLCs and business licenses from the division page.
Professional licenses
Professional License Verification Primary-source verification for professions licensed by the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.
Note: Links go to official state sites or services the state designates. Access rules, fees and coverage are set by each office and can change. PublicLibraries.com is not a government agency.
About Alaska public records
The regulations for public records in Alaska can be found under Alaska Statute 40.25.110, which outlines what records are available and when. Unless otherwise specifically and explicitly provided in another law protecting an agency or certain information, all public agencies are open to inspection of any of their records during normal hours of operation.
Also stipulated within the law is the ability for public agencies to charge a few for public records retrieval and copying. While these fees are subject to change at any time, they are supposed to only be to cover the working expenses of the records search and copy materials. In 1990, this cost was established based upon a small expense to the agency, and the same rules established then are followed now, meaning agencies are only supposed to increased prices as to keep in line with inflation.
Court Case Records
Court case records are a common type of public record request, thought the legal language and organizational systems surrounding them can sometimes make them a pain to get at. In Alaska, information on a court case is available as soon as court clerks have entered it into their internal system, which then uploads the relevant information online; this is different from many other states where open cases may not be viewable until completely resolved. Exceptions include cases labeled as "confidential" for any reason, which may be a result of a case being potentially compromised by public reporting (an example being jury pool contamination), cases that involve small children, emancipation cases among teens, and certain medical emergency cases.
Disclaimers: The Courts of Alaska stipulates that several disclaimers be considered by anyone attempting to access public record based in court documents including but not limited to...
- Identity should be verified by date of birth or other means. This is especially relevant when employers or background check agencies are looking into someone's background – it isn't uncommon for someone with the same first and last name to be wrongly associated with a case or conviction.
- Charge types can change with the structure of a case, though in its record titles and some supporting documents will only appear with the initial charges that were filed. This could be mean that someone searching assumes a person committed a felony crime based on initial filings, but in reality no felony convictions were made.
- The date which the case you're looking for appeared in will have a large influence on how easily located it is. Cases prior to 1990 will still be available at the physical location or jurisdiction where they took place, but will not be in the state's CourtView online record, by far the easiest way to search and find cases in the state.
To submit a request for court records you must do so in writing, either via mail or in person. Any request should include the names of any parties in the case, the case number, the case type (such as civil, criminal, small claims, etc.), your name, and your contact information (address and phone). Contact the court district responsible for handling the case. No courthouse except Anchorage accepts requests via email.
Vital Records – Birth, Death, Marriage, Divorce
The laws for confidentiality on records of birth, death, marriage, and divorce vary greatly from state to state, and the state of Alaska has a fairly closed off stance on the matter. All of these record types are held within the Division of Public Health and are "strictly confidential" until a certain statute of limitations has been reached. For birth records this is 100 years, for deaths, marriages, and divorces this is 50 years after the date of the event. This means that only the people named on the vital record, their immediate relatives or other legally authorized parties may access them.
The good thing is that, when these limitations have been reached, the process is fairly painless to get copies of any certificates you want. In fact, all of these records can now be ordered online from the Division of Public Health. You'll find separate links for each on the right hand side of the homepage, with detailed instructions on how to submit a request. For any record, you will need to have detailed information on the person whose record you're seeking and, if the statute of limitations has not expired, you'll need to also provide a government issued ID that proves your relationship to the party in question.
Division/Department Specific Records
For records not held centrally by a court or government office, you'll need to get in touch with that office directly. This applies to law enforcement, public service, city, county, and state-level government officials, offices, and any supporting infrastructure bodies. Most offices only accept written requests, and they will often be ignored if the proper information is not included (explicit statement that you're seeking public records under Alaska state law, details of exactly what you're looking for including names, dates, times, and the nature of your search, and contact information so that the records can be sent back to you).
Summary
Public records are a vital tool to keeping public agencies accountable and for maintaining our links to the past. That said, many agencies might not have a person specifically assigned to handle public records requests, which means your request might get dumped on a secretary or administrator who already has regular work to handle on a given day. Because the request may conflict with normal workload, be patient and polite when dealing with any agency to increase your chances of compliance without any hiccups.
