Alaska's geography makes mail service slower than the Lower 48 — plan ahead. Alaska maintains two in-person vital records offices (Juneau and Anchorage) and accepts orders online through VitalChek. This guide explains every option.
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Which Agency Handles Vital Records in Alaska?
Death certificates in Alaska are issued by the Alaska Health Analytics & Vital Records, with offices in Juneau (main office) and Anchorage.
How to Order a Death Certificate in Alaska
- Online: Order through VitalChek. Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks.
- By mail: Submit a completed application, ID copy, and check or money order payable to "State of Alaska." Mail to: Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, 5441 Commercial Boulevard, Juneau, AK 99801. Allow 4–6 weeks given Alaska's mail timing.
- In person — Juneau or Anchorage: Walk-in service at either office. Often same-day.
- Through the funeral home: The funeral home typically provides one certified copy as part of arrangements, and can order additional copies for the family.
How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in Alaska?
The fee is $30 per certified copy. Alaska does not offer a discount for additional copies — every copy is $30.
Pro tip
Alaska's geography means mail can take noticeably longer than in the Lower 48 — both for sending your application and for receiving the certificates back. Use VitalChek for online ordering or the Anchorage office for in-person service if you need certificates quickly.
What will it cost in Alaska?
- First certified copy
- $30
- Each additional copy
- $30
- Total for 10 copies
- $300
- Typical across all states
- $137Above average
Alaska offers no discount for additional copies.
Fees come from this guide and can change. Confirm with the issuing office before paying.
How Many Copies Should You Order?
Most Alaska families need 6–10 certified copies: each bank, life insurance policy, the superior court (for probate), Social Security, vehicle titles, and real estate transfers.
How many copies do I need?
Check each institution you'll need to notify in Alaska.
Check the boxes above for a suggestion. 2 spares are included by default.
Omuna's free checklist tracks all of this for you.
Death certificates are just one of 40+ tasks families face after a loss. Omuna's After-Loss Checklist walks you through everything — bank accounts, insurance, subscriptions, and more.
See the full checklist →Who Is Eligible to Request a Death Certificate in Alaska?
Alaska restricts certified copies to people with a direct interest. Eligible requestors include: a parent listed on the death certificate; a child of the decedent; a sibling of the decedent; the personal representative of the estate; the Office of Public Advocacy with certified delegated power of conservatorship or guardianship papers; and attorneys or government agencies, who must provide a letter on their letterhead stating who they represent and why the record is needed. Government-issued photo ID is required for all requests.
What to Do After You Receive Your Death Certificates
Once you have your certified copies in hand, these are the immediate next steps:
- Notify financial institutions — bring a certified copy to each bank, brokerage, and credit union where the deceased held accounts.
- File life insurance claims — each insurer needs an original certified copy.
- Contact Social Security — report the death at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
- Begin probate if the estate requires it — not every estate does.
- Update property titles — real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets each need a certified copy.
- Send notifications — Omuna's free notification templates help you draft letters to banks, insurers, and government agencies.
- Create a memorial page — Omuna's memorial editor lets you build a lasting tribute your family can share.
Pro tip
Omuna's After-Loss Checklist tracks all 40+ post-loss tasks so nothing gets missed.
You're reading about death certificates in Alaska. Here's what else is on the list.
- Notify close family and friends
- Select a funeral home or provider
- Apply for death certificates (Multiple copies)this guide
- Locate the Will and legal documents
- Apply for social security survivor benefits
- Find and close bank accounts
- + 62 more tasks across all four phases
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Alaska may change. Consult a licensed Alaska attorney for guidance specific to your situation.