How much do death certificates cost in Alaska?
Certified copies from the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics cost $30 for the first copy and $25 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. VitalChek online orders include an additional processing fee of roughly $12 to $15 on top of the state fee.
| Source | Cost per copy |
|---|---|
| Bureau of Vital Statistics (mail/in person) | $30 first, $25 each additional |
| VitalChek (online) | State fee + $12 to $15 processing fee |
The state fee is a non-refundable search fee, charged even if no record is found.
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest for new deaths)
Your funeral director orders the first batch as part of their services. This is the simplest and fastest route for recently filed death certificates.
From the Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics issues death certificates for deaths that occurred anywhere in the state.
- Online: Order through VitalChek, the state's authorized online vendor. Orders typically arrive in 2 to 3 weeks.
- By mail: Send a completed application with payment (check or money order payable to "Bureau of Vital Statistics") to the Juneau office. Include a copy of your photo ID. Mail orders take 4 to 6 weeks.
- In person: Visit the Bureau's office in Juneau. Same-day service may be available for records on file.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| VitalChek (online) | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Bureau of Vital Statistics (mail) | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Bureau of Vital Statistics (in person) | Same day to 5 business days |
If you need copies quickly, ask your funeral director about expedited ordering or visit the Bureau's Juneau office in person.
How many copies do you need?
Order at least 8 to 10 certified copies. You will need one for each bank, insurance company, retirement account, and government agency you contact. Some institutions keep the copy you submit.
For a complete breakdown of where you will need certified copies, see our guide on how to get death certificates.
Who can order?
Alaska restricts certified death certificates to:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Parent, child, or sibling of the deceased
- Grandparent or grandchild
- The executor or personal representative of the estate
- A legal guardian or attorney acting on behalf of the family
- Anyone with a court order
You must provide a valid government-issued photo ID and state your relationship to the deceased when ordering.
What to know about Alaska specifically
One state office handles everything. Unlike states with county-based systems, Alaska processes all vital records through a single Bureau of Vital Statistics in Juneau. There are no county offices to visit as an alternative.
Geography matters for in-person requests. For most Alaskans, the Juneau office is not easily accessible. Online or mail ordering is the practical choice for residents outside the capital.
Uniform Probate Code state. Alaska has adopted the Uniform Probate Code, which affects how estates are handled. If you are also managing the estate, personal property under $50,000 and vehicles under $100,000 may qualify for transfer by affidavit without full probate. See our guide on how probate works in Alaska for details.
You can track all of your estate tasks with our interactive checklist.
Managing an Alaska estate?
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