Get your certified Alaska Birth Certificate

How to Get a Birth Certificate Without ID

To obtain an Alaska birth certificate, you must provide a primary ID accepted by the DOH-HAVRS. Without the proper ID, your application cannot be processed. If you have none of the above forms of ID, contact the DOH-HAVRS at (907) 465-3391 for assistance.

How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Birth Certificate in Alaska?

The current processing time generally ranges from 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the submission method (in-person, by mail, or online), document verification, and current order volume at the DOH-HARVS.

Do I Need to Notarize My Application?

The Alaska Department of Health generally does not require applicants to obtain notarized statements when requesting certified copies of their birth certificates.

Other FAQs

• How to Obtain an Alaska Birth Certificate if Born on an Overseas Military Base

  

  Individuals born on an overseas military base are not considered to have been born in Alaska; therefore, there is no birth certificate on record with the state of Alaska. If you were born on a US military base overseas and your parents were US citizens at the time of your birth, your birth should be recorded with the US Department of State. You must contact the US Department of State to request a copy of your Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA or form FS-240).

  Note that this is not a birth certificate; it is evidence of US citizenship for individuals born abroad to US citizen parents who meet the requirements for transmitting citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act. This document is equivalent to having a US birth certificate. This document is recognized in the US as proof of birth and citizenship and can be used to obtain a passport and apply for social services. If you need additional copies of this document, you can contact the hospital where the birth occurred to request a copy of the birth certificate or order them from the Department of State. Learn more about CRBA for more information.

• Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My Alaska Birth Certificate?

  

  Birth certificates are essential for verifying personal information, including the legal dissolution of marriage and changes in marital status, and providing the date and location of birth. They are commonly required for legal matters such as marriage licenses and passports, financial purposes like pensions and Social Security, and personal records for genealogy and employment. As an official state-issued document, a birth certificate includes vital details and court information, making it necessary for various government and private services.
  
  Birth certificates are often helpful or required for:

  Applying for a driver's license

  Applying for a new passport

  Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card

  Applying for Social Security benefits

  Claiming pension or insurance benefits

  Genealogy research

  Claiming family inheritance

  Applying for a new job

  Enrolling in school

  Enlisting in military

  Obtaining a marriage license

  
  

• What Does an Alaska Birth Certificate Look Like?

  

  Certified birth certificates are essential documents that vary by state, with each vital records office implementing unique authentication features. These certificates can differ in appearance depending on the year of issuance and include key features such as a raised or embossed state seal, a registrar's signature, and secure, specialized paper. They show the full names of both parents, the date and location of birth, and a unique certificate number. Additionally, states issue two types of birth certificates: long-form, which is the official version, and short-form, also known as "heirloom birth certificates," which are primarily for informational purposes. Security features and layout may also vary based on county guidelines.

  • Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose birth is being recorded.

  • Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the individual.

  • Place of Birth: The city, county, and state where the birth took place.

  • Parents’ Names: The full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name.

  • State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.

  • Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the certificate.

  • Date of Issuance: The date when the state officially issued the birth certificate.

  • Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

  In some instances, a certified birth certificate may also include:

  • Name of the Hospital where the birth was recorded.

  • Name of the Physician who attended the labor.

  
  

• How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Alaska Birth Certificate

  

  If you lose your birth certificate:

  1.Apply for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You must complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the DOH-HAVRS.

  a. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to a county health department. The DOH-HAVRS requires an appointment for walk-ins at their location.
  

  b. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the DOH-HAVRS at:

  Health Analytics and Vital Records
  PO Box 110675,
  Juneau, AK 99811-0675
  

  c. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).

  2. DOH-HAVRS will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

• How to Correct or Amend an Alaska Birth Certificate

  

  Birth certificate amendments are essential for correcting errors like misspelled names, incorrect dates, or location details. To make these changes, individuals must follow state law requirements and provide proper documentation, including original or certified copies of supporting documents.

  In some cases, certain amendments may require a court order, especially for significant changes. It's recommended to consult the Department of Health or Vital Statistics, as they may also need legal documentation to verify the requested changes. Before requesting any corrections or amendments to a birth certificate, it is essential to determine eligibility and identify the specific type of amendment required.
  
  Determine Eligibility:

  • Person on Record (14+ years with school ID or 18+ with valid ID).
  • Parents/guardians listed on the birth certificate.
  • Legal representatives (with court order).
  • Third-party applicants (requires a notarized consent letter from the registrant/guardian).

  Identify the Type of Correction Needed:

  • Identify whether the correction involves a minor error (such as a misspelling) or a significant change (such as a name change or adding a parent's name).
  • Name changes: Requires a certified court order (e.g., Certificate of Name Change).
  • Gender marker updates: Submit a signed letter from a physician, psychologist, social worker, or advanced nurse practitioner attesting to gender transition OR a court order.
  • Parentage/corrections: Legal documentation (e.g., paternity affidavits, adoption decrees).

  
  To correct or amend an Alaska birth certificate, follow these steps:

  1. Complete the Application: Fill out the Alaska Birth Certificate Request Form to amend a birth certificate.
  2. Gather Supporting Documentation: Collect any necessary documents that support the correction. This may include legal documents, affidavits, or other evidence that justifies the amendment. For significant changes, a court order may be required.

  3. Notarization: A notarized letter of consent from the certificate holder or legal guardian is required if the amendment involves a third-party request.
  4. Include Identification: Provide a photocopy of a valid photo ID issued by a governmental entity. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, state-issued ID, passport, military ID, or a Tribal/BIA card with a picture. If your ID has expired, it must be less than one year past the expiration date.
  5. Include Payment for Fees: Include payment as a check or money order (issued to Alaska Vital Records Office) for the fees associated with the correction or amendment process. Fees may vary depending on the type of correction and the processing method. For example, a paternity, correction, adoption, or legal name change processing fee is $30.00.
  6. Submit the Application: Mail the completed application, supporting documents, identification, and payment to:
     
     Health Analytics and Vital Records
     PO Box 110675, Juneau, AK 99811-0675
     

  
  

• How to Get an Apostille for an Alaska Birth Certificate

  

  You can acquire apostilles for Alaska’s birth certificates through the Office of the Lt. Governor Authentications Department office or with VRO's Apostille Express Service.

  An apostille is necessary to file vital records with a foreign government. The Authentications Department issues apostilles for all certified birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates.

  
  If you are manually requesting an apostille for a birth certificate to the Office of the Lt. Governor Authentications Department, you will need to complete the following steps:

  1. Complete the Alaska Authentications Order Form.
  2. Include a certified copy of your birth certificate.
     a. Each document must be an original certificate with signature (not photocopies) to attest to the authenticity of each notary that has notarized the document.

  
  

  3. Include Payment of $5.00 per Apostille as a personal check, money order, or cashier's check, payable to the State of Alaska.
  4. Visa and Mastercard (only) are accepted with the completed Credit Card Payment Form and signature.
  5. Include a Self-addressed prepaid envelope for express courier or international shipping. Note that standard orders are shipped via USPS First-Class with no tracking service.
  6. Submit the apostille application form, certified copy of your Birth certificate, payment, and required information to one of the following addresses:

  Standard Mail in Orders:

  In-Person Orders:

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  For simultaneous orders of your birth certificate and an Apostille, you can obtain them from the Alaska DOH-HAVRS:

  1. Complete the Birth Certificate Request Form:
     a. Indicate the number of Apostilles needed in the "Apostille fee" field, and specify the destination country.
  2. Include the Required Documents:
     a. Proof of identity: Copy of government-issued ID (e.g., driver's license, passport). If your ID is expired, it must be expired less than one year from the date of submitting the application
     b. Third-party requests: Include a notarized consent letter if you’re not the registrant, parent, or legal guardian.
  3. Include Payment for Fees:
     a. $30.00 for the first certified birth certificate ($25.00 for additional copies).
     b. $12.00 apostille fee (+$2.00 for each additional Apostille).
     c. $10.00 for optional priority mail tracking or $14.00 for optional priority mail tracking with a signature is recommended. (Certificates and Apostilles are shipped via USPS without tracking).
     d. A Check or Money Order issued to the Alaska Vital Records Office.
     e. Major Credit/Debit Cards are accepted with the completed card information and signature (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express).
     f. Cash is only accepted for walk-in orders.

  Submit the Application and Documents to one of the Alaska DOH-HAVRS addresses via mail or in person (an appointment is required for walk-ins).
  
  Mail in Orders:

  In-Person Orders: