Find Alaska Public Records

Is Alaska a Public Records State?

Alaska is indeed a public records state, ensuring broad access to various records. Members of the public have the right to inspect or obtain copies of Alaska public records by submitting a request to the appropriate government agency. According to the Alaska Public Records Act, these records encompass any document maintained, received, or developed in connection with official business. This includes photos, drawings, documents, letters, microfilm, and digital files.

What is Public Information in Alaska?

Public information in Alaska includes:

Criminal records and criminal history records
Court records from Alaskan judicial systems
Arrest records
Inmate information
Divorce records
Property records
Marriage records
Death records
Non-confidential birth records

To access a public record, requesters must provide necessary information to facilitate the search. While some agencies offer free data searches, others may charge fees for copying and processing. Third-party sites also offer online public data searches.

How Do I Look Up Public Records in Alaska?

Most Alaska public records are open for free inspection, except for confidential records protected by law. If copies are required, the agency may charge a fee. Agencies must respond to requests within 10 business days. To access public records, follow these steps:

Step 1. Determine the Type of Record Required

Identify the type of record and the corresponding agency. Examples include:

Criminal records: Available through Alaska’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) or its electronic system.
Vital records: Obtainable from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Vital Records Office.
Government financial reports: Accessible via the Department of Administration, Division of Finance.
Court records: Available through the Alaska CourtView System.

Step 2. Determine the Government Agency with the Records

Each agency maintains records relevant to its functions. For example, health records can be requested from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Vital Records Office, while business and professional licensing records are stored by the Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing.

Step 3. Determine Accessibility

Confidential and exempted records are not accessible to the public. Examples include juvenile records, sealed court records, and adoption registry information. Access to these records is restricted to authorized individuals or agencies.

Step 4. Determine the Availability

Some records are available in electronic databases, while others are only accessible at state libraries or government agencies. Requests can be made through electronic portals, in person, or by mail.

Step 5. Contact the Record Holder

Once the record holder is identified, requesters must:

Make a written request: Some agencies provide public records request forms or electronic portals for submissions.
Provide valid identification: Required for accessing confidential or exempted records.
Pay applicable fees: Fees may be charged for copies, but not for inspection. Fees may be waived if the record is provided more than 20 days after the request.

Utilizing Third-Party Resources for Alaska Public Records Obtaining

Third-party websites offer tools for expansive searches of Alaska public records. Users must provide sufficient information, such as the subject's name, address, case number, or file number. These platforms are not government-sponsored, and record availability may vary.

How To Look Up Public Records in Alaska for Free?

Free Alaska public records can be accessed by visiting the respective public office. For example, records can be inspected at a county clerk’s office or county recorder’s office. Some government offices provide self-service computers for public records searches. Additionally, the Alaska Department of Public Safety offers a public central registry for certain sex crime convictions, searchable by name, address, zip code, or city. Online portals like Alaska CourtView allow users to search using a case number, record holder's name, or citation number.

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