Your Comprehensive Guide to Alaska Public Records
Alaska Public Records
Alaska public records are documents and information created, maintained, or received by state and local government agencies. These records are made accessible for inspection and copying according to the Alaska Public Records Act, found in Alaska Statutes Title 40, Chapter 25. The law ensures transparency and accountability in government, but also provides exceptions for sensitive or confidential information.
Are Alaska Records Public?
Yes, most records created by state and local agencies in Alaska are public under the Alaska Public Records Act (AS 40.25.110 – 40.25.125). Anyone may inspect and obtain copies of non-exempt records during regular office hours, following reasonable rules set by each agency. However, some records—including those concerning ongoing investigations, confidential personnel files, and certain protected health information—are excluded from public access.
What Information Is Included in Alaska Public Records?
Alaska public records include, but are not limited to:
-
Court records (criminal, civil, family, probate)
-
Property deeds and land records
-
Business licenses and corporate filings
-
Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates
-
Public meeting minutes, agendas, and ordinances
-
State contracts, budgets, and financial reports
-
Arrest, jail, and criminal history records
-
Government employee salaries and contracts
-
Legislative records and executive orders
Exclusions apply to records such as juvenile cases, adoption files, and confidential medical or law enforcement records.
What Does the Alaska Public Records Law Do?
The Alaska Public Records Act:
-
Grants any person the right to inspect and obtain non-exempt public records
-
Requires agencies to provide records for a reasonable fee
-
Specifies redaction procedures for confidential information
-
Allows agencies to set reasonable access rules and hours
-
Lists exemptions for records related to privacy, security, and law enforcement
Agencies are not obligated to create new records or answer questions that are not already reflected in existing documents.
How To Find Public Records in Alaska in 2025
To request public records in Alaska, submit a written request by email, mail, fax, or via an agency’s online form. Identify the records you want, and specify the format you prefer. Some records are available instantly online, while others require formal review or processing.
Alaska Department of Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles
3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: (855) 269-5551
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
For driver records, vehicle registration, and title information.
Alaska Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics
5441 Commercial Blvd, Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-3391
Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics
For birth, death, marriage, and divorce records.
Alaska Department of Public Safety, Criminal Records and Identification Bureau
5700 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507
Phone: (907) 269-5767
Alaska Criminal Records and Identification Bureau
For background checks, criminal history, and arrest records.
Alaska Court System
825 West 4th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 264-0514
Alaska Court System
For court records, dockets, and case searches.
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1535, Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 269-8100
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
For business licenses, professional licenses, and corporate filings.
Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Recorder’s Office
550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1200, Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 269-8876
Alaska Recorder’s Office
For property deeds, plats, and land records.
Alaska State Archives
141 Willoughby Avenue, Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-2270
Alaska State Archives
For historical government records and archival research.
Anchorage Police Department
716 West 4th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 786-8900
Anchorage Police Department
For police reports, local arrest records, and accident reports.
Does Alaska Have Free Public Records?
Alaska provides free in-person inspection of many public records during regular office hours. Some agencies offer online search tools for certain records, such as court calendars or legislative bills. However, there are typically fees for printed copies, certified documents, or requests that require significant staff time.
Examples of free public record resources:
How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records in Alaska?
Alaska agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying, certifying, or researching records. Fees vary by agency and type of record.
Examples:
-
Certified copy of a birth certificate: $30.00 (Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics)
-
Court record copies: $0.25 per page (Alaska Court System)
-
Copies of public documents: $0.25–$0.50 per page
Additional fees may apply for research, labor, or expedited requests. Agencies list current fee schedules on their websites.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain Public Records in Alaska?
Alaska law requires agencies to respond to public records requests in a “reasonable time.” Response times depend on agency workload, the type of record, and whether confidential information must be redacted.
-
Simple requests may be fulfilled in a few days
-
Complex or voluminous requests may take several weeks
-
Agencies may request clarification or provide an estimated timeline
Standard public counter hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays.
What Records Are Confidential In Alaska?
Records that are confidential or exempt from public disclosure in Alaska include:
-
Ongoing law enforcement investigations (AS 40.25.120)
-
Juvenile and adoption records
-
Medical and mental health records
-
Social Security numbers and certain personal data
-
Trade secrets and proprietary business information
-
Law enforcement records that would compromise public safety or privacy
Who Has the Right To Request Public Records in Alaska
Any person—regardless of residency or citizenship—may request public records in Alaska. There is no requirement to state a reason. Agencies may ask for proof of identity for sensitive records.
-
No residency requirement
-
Agencies may set reasonable access and reproduction rules
What Can Be Done With Public Records in Alaska
Public records may be used for:
-
Researching court cases, land records, or legislative activity
-
Background checks and due diligence
-
News reporting and investigative journalism
-
Academic and historical research
-
Legal, regulatory, and business compliance
Using records for harassment, fraud, or identity theft is prohibited.
Key Agencies and Departments for Public Records in Alaska
Alaska Department of Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles
3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: (855) 269-5551
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Alaska Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics
5441 Commercial Blvd, Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-3391
Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics
Alaska Department of Public Safety, Criminal Records and Identification Bureau
5700 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507
Phone: (907) 269-5767
Alaska Criminal Records and Identification Bureau
Alaska Court System
825 West 4th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 264-0514
Alaska Court System
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1535, Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 269-8100
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Recorder’s Office
550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1200, Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 269-8876
Alaska Recorder’s Office
Alaska State Archives
141 Willoughby Avenue, Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-2270
Alaska State Archives
Anchorage Police Department
716 West 4th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 786-8900
Anchorage Police Department
How to Appeal a Denied Public Records Request in Alaska
If a public records request is denied, the agency must explain in writing the legal reason for the denial.
-
First, contact the agency’s records officer to discuss or clarify the denial
-
If unresolved, file an administrative appeal with the agency or its appeals officer
-
If still denied, you may file a lawsuit in Alaska Superior Court to compel disclosure
There is no fee for filing an administrative appeal, but legal assistance may be helpful.
Difference Between Federal and Alaska Public Records
Federal public records are governed by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which covers federal agencies. Alaska’s public records law applies to state and local agencies.
Key differences include:
-
Jurisdiction: FOIA covers federal agencies; Alaska law covers state/local agencies
-
Exemptions: FOIA has federal exemptions; Alaska has state-specific exemptions
-
Eligibility: Both allow requests from any person, not just residents
Submit your request to the correct agency. For federal records, visit FOIA.gov. For Alaska records, use the agencies listed above.
Lookup Public Records in Alaska
The following agencies and offices also maintain records or offer online lookups that may be relevant for more specialized needs:
Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
801 West 10th Street, Suite 200, Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-2800
Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
P.O. Box 111149, Juneau, AK 99811
Phone: (907) 465-2700
Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
555 Cordova Street, Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 269-7500
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
Alaska Department of Revenue
550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 500, Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 269-6620
Alaska Department of Revenue
Alaska State Library
395 Whittier Street, Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-2920
Alaska State Library
Alaska Office of the Ombudsman
130 Seward St, Suite 501, Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-4970
Alaska Office of the Ombudsman
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
4300 Boniface Parkway, Anchorage, AK 99504
Phone: (907) 338-6100
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
Alaska State Legislature – Legislative Affairs Agency
120 4th Street, Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-4648
Alaska State Legislature