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Alaska · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics / Alaska Vital Records (state level)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Death records less than 50 years old are restricted - only immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a documented legal interest may obtain certified copies. Records 50+ years old are public.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. IN PERSON: Visit Alaska Vital Records office in Anchorage or Juneau
  4. BY MAIL/FAX: Complete the death certificate request form, include photocopy of government ID and payment, mail or fax to Alaska Vital Records
  5. ONLINE (expedited): Order through VitalChek.com - additional fees apply
  6. Submit completed application with valid government-issued photo ID (photocopy)
  7. Pay the fee
  8. Receive certificate - in person same day; mail requests approximately 2-4 weeks; VitalChek expedited 2-5 business days
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed death certificate request form (available at health.alaska.gov)
  • Photocopy of valid government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of relationship or legal interest (for records less than 50 years old)
  • Payment (check or money order for mail; card for VitalChek)
Fee
Confirm current fee at health.alaska.gov (fees updated periodically); standard processing 3 months for corrections; expedited not available for corrections
Processing Time
In person same day; mail 2-4 weeks; VitalChek expedited 2-5 business days
Online Option
Yes - VitalChek.com only
Where to Go
Alaska Vital Records - Anchorage or Juneau office (in person); P.O. Box 110675, Juneau, AK 99811-0675 (by mail)
Alaska Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Death records become public (available to anyone) 50 years after the date of death.
  • Records maintained since 1913.
  • Typically order multiple certified copies at once - estates, insurance, financial institutions, and employers each require a certified copy. Most families need 6-10 copies.
  • Death certificate corrections must be mailed or hand-delivered - original documents required; standard processing time for corrections is 3 months; expedited service not available for corrections.
  • Funeral homes typically assist with initial death certificate filing - contact them first for recent deaths.
  • Alaska Vital Records only works with VitalChek for online orders - do not use other third-party vendors.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Alaska Vital Records - health.alaska.gov/en/services/vital-records-orders/ | [email protected] | (907) 465-3391