OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Alaska Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Alaska. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 4 judicial districts covering the entire state
  • Federal courts: 1 U.S. District Court (District of Alaska)
  • Background checks: Alaska DPS — Criminal History Background Check
  • Records law: Alaska Public Records Act
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through Alaska DPS
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Alaska has four judicial districts. You can search court cases statewide using CourtView, the official public case search system run by the Alaska Court System. Enter a name or case number to find civil, criminal, and family case records.

Alaska does not use counties for court administration. The four judicial districts cover different geographic regions of the state. CourtView provides the most comprehensive online access to trial court records.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Alaska are handled by one U.S. District Court:

  • District of Alaska — Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Nome

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ CourtView — Alaska Statewide Court Records Search 🏛️ Alaska Court System Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Alaska are created and held by the agency that made the arrest — either the Alaska State Troopers, a city police department, or borough agency. To get a copy of an arrest report, contact the arresting agency directly.

For statewide criminal history, the Alaska Department of Public Safety operates the Criminal History Background Check program. You can request a criminal history report online or at an approved walk-in location.

🔍 Alaska DPS — Criminal History Report Request 📋 Alaska Department of Public Safety

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Alaska operates under the Alaska Public Records Act (AS 40.25.100–40.25.295). Any person can request public agency records in writing. Agencies must respond promptly. Written requests can be submitted in hard copy or electronically.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Alaska

Court records are maintained by the Alaska Court System across four judicial districts. Criminal history is centralized through the Alaska Department of Public Safety. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Boroughs & Census Areas in Alaska

Alaska has 29 boroughs & census areas. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Alaska state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Alaska for free?
Use CourtView, the official statewide court case search. It covers trial court records across all four judicial districts.
Are arrest records public in Alaska?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Alaska Public Records Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Alaska?
The Alaska Department of Public Safety offers criminal history background checks through the online request system. You can also visit an approved walk-in location with two forms of photo ID.
What is the Alaska Public Records Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Submit a written request to the public agency that holds the records. Requests can be submitted in hard copy or electronically.
How many court systems does Alaska have?
Alaska has a unified court system with four judicial districts: district courts, superior courts, the Court of Appeals, and the Alaska Supreme Court. The Alaska Court System administers all courts centrally.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026