Are Alaska Records Public?

Yes, Alaska records are generally public. The Alaska Public Records Act (APRA) provides for the right of citizens to access public records held by state and local government agencies. Requests for records are typically processed by custodian agencies, following the payment of a nominal fee.

Who Can Access Alaska Public Records?

Any interested member of the public can access Alaska public records. According to the APRA, public records are open to inspection by the public during regular office hours. The requester does not need to be a resident of the state to request public records. State agencies are required to do a public records request within ten business days.

Access to Alaska public records is subject to exemptions provided under the APRA that limit access to public records. There are many exemptions, some include juvenile records, medical and health related records, and privileged information.

Do I Need to State My Purpose and Use When Requesting Public Records in Alaska?

You do not need to state your purpose or intended use when requesting public records in Alaska. According to the Alaska Administrative Code, a public agency cannot ask a requester to provide a justification or explanation of need or intended use of the record. However, a public agency may inquire whether the person making the request is a party, or represents a party, involved in litigation with the state or a public agency to which the requested record is relevant. In that case, the public agency is to inform the requester to make the request in accordance with applicable court rules.

Note: The Alaska Administrative Code requires that public record requests be made in writing to the custodian agency.

What Records are Public in Alaska?

There are many records that fall under the public record umbrella in Alaska. Generally, all records, except those exempted by law, created and maintained by governmental agencies at all levels during their official business, are public. This includes court records, criminal records, arrest records, bankruptcy records, and birth records.

Alaska Public Court Records

Court records in Alaska include documents and information related to legal proceedings such as case files, dockets, judgments, and orders. The Alaska Court System is tasked with maintaining these records. Public court records in Alaska typically include details like case summaries, parties involved, filings, and court decisions. However, there are general exceptions and limitations, such as sealed cases, juvenile records, and confidential information, which are not publicly accessible to protect privacy and sensitive information.

Alaska court records are available online. Interested persons can also submit requests for copies in person, or by mail, email, or fax to the records department or clerk of court where the case was filed. You can use the Alaska Court System Directory to contact the court. To obtain Alaska court records, fill out the applicable request form below and submit to the records department or court clerk:

• Anchorage, Saint Paul Island, and Sand Point: TF-311 ANCH
• Fairbanks: TF-311 FBKS
• Palmer: TF-311 PA
• Other locations: TF-311

Regular copies cost $5 for the first document and $3 for each additional document. Certified copies of Alaska court records cost $10 for the first certified copy and $3 for every additional certified copy of the same document. Authenticated or exemplified copies cost $15 per copy. If the records are confidential, you must be a party to the case to access it and must present a photo ID to the court clerk for verification.

Alaska Public Criminal Records

Criminal records in Alaska include information about an individual’s criminal history, such as arrests, charges, convictions, and sentences. The Criminal Records and Identification (R&I) Bureau of the Division of Statewide Services of the Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains public criminal records at the state level. These records may contain details such as the nature of the crime, arrest dates, charges, case outcomes, and sentencing information.

Alaska criminal records are accessible to the general public. However, there are certain records that are exempt from public access. They include juvenile records, victim information, records related to active investigations, and records that if released could endanger the life or safety of an individual.

To obtain criminal records in Alaska, you can submit a name-based or fingerprint search request to the custodian agency. Fingerprint searches are recommended because they provide accurate and verified information, while name-based searches may miss some information. Name-based searches cost $20 (and $5 for each additional copy) and fingerprint checks cost $35.

A name-based search can be done online through the Self Service Request Portal. In-person requests can be made by visiting any walk-in location with two pieces of identification, one of which must be valid government-issued ID.

Fingerprints requests should be submitted by the record subject to the Department of Public Safety, Criminal Records & Identification Bureau located at:

5700 East Tudor Road
Anchorage, AK 99507

The request should include the following:

• A full ten-print set of fingerprints on the FD-258 FBI fingerprint form
• A letter of explanation providing the reason for the request
• A current mailing address
• Money order of $35 payable to the state of Alaska.

The DPS mails the results within two to three weeks.

The location and contact information of the DPS is below:

Alaska Department of Public Safety
Division of Statewide Services
5700 East Tudor Road
Anchorage, AK 99507
Phone: (907) 269-5767
Fax: (907) 269-5091
Email: dps.criminal.records@alaska.gov

Alaska Public Arrest Records

In Alaska, arrest records are generally available to the public, except where law restricts access. The law may restrict access for privacy reasons or where investigations are still ongoing. An arrest record provides the name of the arrested person and information about the arrest such as the time, date, location, and offense of the arrest. Alaska arrest records are available through the Alaska State Troopers (AST) or the local police department that carried out the arrest. To access arrest records from the AST, fill the public records request form. For local police departments, contact the office for more information. individuals typically need to provide the full name and date of birth of the person whose records they are seeking.

Alaska Public Bankruptcy Records

Alaska bankruptcy records are documents related to the legal proceedings regarding bankruptcy cases filed under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Public bankruptcy records in Alaska contain detailed information such as:

• Debtor’s information
• Case number
• Types of bankruptcy filed (e.g., Chapter 7, Chapter 13)
• List of creditors and amounts owed
• Details of assets and liabilities
• Court proceedings and decisions
• Discharge orders and repayment plans

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Alaska handles bankruptcy cases in Alaska. This is a federal court located at Anchorage, Alaska.

To look up bankruptcy records, you can make an online, mail, or in-person request. For online requests, register for a Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) account. PACER is an electronic public access service that provides users with access to electronic case information from federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts. There are electronic access fees. There are public-available PACER computers at the courthouse to search bankruptcy records for a fee.

In-person and mail requests can be made at the court location below:

US Bankruptcy Court
District of Alaska
Old Federal Building
605 W. 4th Ave, Suite 138
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 271-2655

Alaska Public Birth Records

Public birth records in Alaska include information such as the full name of the individual, date and place of birth, parents’ names, and birth certificate number. The Division of Public Health of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) maintains birth records in the state. Alaska birth records are closed records that are available to:

• The named subject
• Their parents or legal guardian
• Third parties with notarized letter of consent for release of the information
• Attorneys and governmental agencies with letters with their letterhead stating the person they represent and reason for the request.

Alaska birth records are available in person, by mail, and by fax. To obtain a copy of a birth record, fill out the Birth Certificate Request form, include payment ($30 per copy) and a valid ID, and submit it to the applicable address below:

Juneau (Main Office)
5441 Commercial Boulevard
Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 465-3391
Walk-in office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (The office takes walk-in requests only. No mails)

Anchorage Office
3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 269-0991
Walk-in office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Takes walk-in and mail requests)

Mail Address
P.O. Box 110675
Juneau, AK 99811-0675
Fax: (907) 465-3618

Alaska Public Death Records

Public death records in Alaska contain information such as the full name of the deceased, date and place of death, age at death, cause of death, and the names of the deceased’s parents. The DHSS is responsible for keeping death records. Access to Alaska death records is restricted for 50 years after the date of the death to:

• The spouse of the decedent
• Their parent(s)
• Child(ren)
• Sibling(s)
• Attorneys and governmental agencies with letters with their letterhead stating the person they represent and reason for the request.

Alaska death records can be accessed in person, by mail, and by fax. To obtain Alaska death record, complete the Death Certificate Request form, attach payment ($30 per copy) and a valid ID, and submit the application to the applicable address below:

Juneau (Main Office)
5441 Commercial Boulevard
Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 465-3391
Walk-in office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (The office takes walk-in requests only. No mails)

Anchorage Office
3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 269-0991
Walk-in office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Takes walk-in and mail requests)

Mail Address
P.O. Box 110675
Juneau, AK 99811-0675
Fax: (907) 465-3618

Alaska Public Marriage Records

Public marriage records in Alaska contain information such as the full names of both spouses, date and place of the marriage, and the names of the officiant and witnesses. The DHSS is the recorder and custodian of Alaska marriage records. Access to marriage records is restricted for 50 years following the marriage to the couple and other interested persons, who should call (907) 465-3391.

Marriage records in Alaska can be obtained in person, by mail, or by fax. To request a death record, you need to complete the Marriage Certificate Request form, enclose payment of $30 per copy, and provide a valid ID. Submit the application to the appropriate address listed below:

Juneau (Main Office)
5441 Commercial Boulevard
Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 465-3391
Walk-in office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (The office takes walk-in requests only. No mails)

Anchorage Office
3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 269-0991
Walk-in office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Takes walk-in and mail requests)

Mail Address
P.O. Box 110675
Juneau, AK 99811-0675
Fax: (907) 465-3618

Alaska Public Divorce Records

Public divorce records in Alaska contain information such as the names of the parties, date of marriage, date of divorce, grounds for divorce, and terms of the divorce settlement.

To obtain Alaska divorce records, contact the records department or clerk of court where the case was filed. The Alaska Court System Directory provides a list of all court locations and contact information in the state. Basic case information like the case number and court location can be found by searching the online records search portal.

Alaska divorce certificates are available with the Department of Health and Social Service at $30 per copy by filling out the Divorce Certificate Request form. Submit the filled out form with a valid ID and payment to any of the offices on the form.

While divorce records are generally public, certain details may be restricted to protect privacy, such as sensitive financial information or details involving minors. Some records may be sealed by court order, making them inaccessible to the public, except you are a party to the case. Access to divorce records with the DHSS is restricted for 50 years after the date of the divorce to the individuals named on the certificate, their legal representatives, and persons who are legally entitled to the record. If you are submitting a divorce record request, you will be required to state your relationship with the individuals named on the certificate or your reason for the request.

Alaska Public Inmate Records

Public inmate records in Alaska can be accessed by anyone through the Alaska Department of Corrections (DOC). The DOC is responsible for maintaining inmate records for state facilities.

To look up public Alaska inmate records, use the inmate lookup portal and provide the name or ID number of the individual. Public inmate records in Alaska include the inmate’s full name, inmate ID number, mugshot, date of birth, current location, custody status, offense details, and projected release date.

The contact address of the Alaska Department of Corrections is below:

Department of Corrections - Juneau
P.O. Box 112000
Juneau, AK 99811-2000
Phone: (907) 465-4652
Fax: (907) 465-3390

Department of Corrections - Anchorage
550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1800
Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 334-2381
Toll Free: (844) 934-2381

Alaska Public Sex Offender Information

Public sex offender information in Alaska is accessible through the DPS’ Sex Offender/Child Kidnapper Registry. This registry provides information about individuals convicted of sex offenses and crimes against children, ensuring public awareness and safety.

To access sex offender information, visit the DPS sex offender registry. You can search for offenders by name, location, or other identifying details. Residents can also use the web mapping option to identify sex offenders in their area. In addition, there is a list of sex offenders in Alaska.

The information in the registry is intended for public safety and awareness. It is crucial to use and disseminate this information responsibly, avoiding harassment, discrimination, or unlawful actions against listed individuals. Misuse of the information can undermine its purpose and lead to legal consequences.

Alaska Public Property Records

Public property records in Alaska include information about property ownership, assessed value, tax information, legal descriptions, transaction history, zoning and land use details, and building permits and inspection records.

To access property records in Alaska, you can visit the local assessor, clerk, or treasurer’s office. Property records can be accessed online, in person, or by mail, depending on the permitted request method.

The Recorder’s Office of the Department of Natural Resources also maintains property records on the state level. Interested persons can search the land records portal by case file, customer, or MTR(S). MTR(S) stands for “Meridian, Township, Range, and Section”. This is a reference to the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), which is used to describe and locate land parcels. Alternatively, carry out a general search or make a copy request for property information can be made.

What is Exempted Under the Alaska Public Records Act?

According to the APRA, Alaska is an open records state; however, there are certain exemptions that allow government entities to preclude public access to certain records or information. These exemptions are particular types of information or records that are not subject to public access. These statutory and common law exemptions include but are not limited to:

• records relating to juveniles.
• medical and related public health records.
• records required to be kept confidential by a federal law or regulation or by state law.
• proprietary or privileged records, or a trade secret.
• investigative files and confidential records.
• law enforcement records or information that if made public could:
  • interfere with enforcement proceedings.
  • deprive a person of a right to a fair or impartial trial.
  • lead to the invasion of the privacy of a suspect, defendant, victim, or witness.
  • endanger the life or physical safety of an individual.

How Do I Find Public Records in Alaska?

Finding public records in Alaska involves several practical steps and the use of specific resources:

• First, you need to identify the public agency that holds the records you seek. Since each agency is responsible only for its own records, contacting the correct agency is crucial. A helpful starting point is to consult the list of Alaska public agencies, which is periodically updated.
• Once you have identified the appropriate agency, submit a written request. Written requests can be submitted in hard copy or electronically. When using email, it is more efficient to include your request in the body of the email rather than as an attachment. Be as specific as possible about the records you need, detailing the subject matter, date range, and any relevant participants or records custodians. Some agencies, like the Department of Public Safety, provide electronic forms on their websites that can help streamline the process and improve response times.
• After your request is submitted, agencies have ten working days to provide an initial response. This response might include providing the requested records, denying the request, asking for more information, estimating the costs, or notifying you of an extension. It’s important to note that the response time is calculated from the next working day after your request is received.

Can I Find Free Public Records in Alaska Using Third-Party Sites?

There are third-party websites that offer access to Alaska public records, but caution is necessary when using these services. While these sites can be convenient and provide aggregated information, they come with potential risks. These risks include the possibility of inaccurate or misleading data, incomplete records due to limited access, and privacy concerns related to the sharing of personal information.

To mitigate these risks, it is essential to verify the information obtained from third-party sites by cross-referencing it with official government sources. This ensures the accuracy and reliability of the data. Additionally, it is crucial to use reputable third-party sites and thoroughly review their terms, conditions, and privacy policies to understand how your information will be used and protected.

By taking these precautions, you can benefit from the convenience and additional services, such as data analysis, that third-party sites offer while minimizing potential drawbacks.

How Much Do Public Records Cost in Alaska?

Each custodian agency has the fees applicable for search and copy requests, calculated based on normal business costs.

Generally, the APRA provides a cost structure. If the process exceeds five person-hours in a calendar month, the requester pays the hourly rate for the entire duration, including the first five hours. The rate is based on the salary and benefit costs of the most cost-effective employee who can perform the work. Additional charges may apply for all person-hours required to provide electronic services and products. Other costs include fees for photocopies, storage media, postage, and retrieving records from or returning them to off-site storage locations. If the agency incurs any contractor fees, these may also be passed on to the requester.

Before processing any request, an agency may require the requester to pay an estimate of the recoverable costs, with exceptions made for news organizations. Agencies do not charge for the time spent reviewing records to determine if any protected information needs to be withheld.

Fee relief or waivers are available under specific circumstances. Requesters can qualify if they demonstrate that the records will significantly contribute to the public’s understanding of state government operations. To be eligible, requesters must describe the following:

• the specific agency operations or activities the records would evidence;
• specifically how the requested records would be informative about the identified agency operations or activities; and
• specifically what the requester will do to broadly disseminate the records, including the requester’s ability to accomplish its plans.

Additionally, requesters must certify that they are not seeking the records for commercial or financial purposes, are not involved in litigation with an executive branch agency where the records are relevant, and have not exceeded $500 in total fee relief from all executive branch agencies in the preceding 12 months.

What Happens If I Am Refused a Public Records Request?

A public records request in Alaska may be refused or denied for many reasons, mostly because of the exemptions or limitations outlined in the APRA. Reasons for refusal may include:

• Protection of sensitive personal information.
• The record is exempt from public disclosure.
• Security measures, emergency response plans, or infrastructure vulnerabilities.
• Records relate to ongoing law enforcement investigations.

Agencies are required to provide a legal basis for denial of public record requests. You can challenge the denial by submitting an administrative appeal to the agency head within 60 working days from the date of denial. The administrative appeal should:

• be mailed or hand-delivered to the agency head;
• include the date of the denial and the name and address of the person who issued the denial;
• identify the records that are the subject of the appeal; and
• if the appeal is because the agency did not respond timely, state that, and identify the records sought, the agency to which the request was directed, and the date of the request.

If an administrative appeal is denied, the next step is to appeal the denial decision to the superior court.