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Death Certificates of Veterans

We are experiencing significant delays in certificate processing. Please allow a minimum of 6-8 weeks for processing all certificates except in-person counter orders. Currently, the best method for ensuring timely receipt of your expedited certificate request is by using https://www.vitalchek.com​.

These instructions are for the Veteran's Death Certificate request form. The death certificate request form is available here.

PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.

Up to four certified copies of the death certificate of a veteran may be issued without charge. The death certificates are only available to qualified individuals. Qualified individuals include:

  • a personal representative of the veteran's estate; or
  • a trustee of a revocable trust of which the veteran was the settlor; or
  • a person who needs a certified copy of the veteran's death certificate for the purpose of satisfying an eligibility requirement for a benefit related to the death of the veteran.

"Veteran" means an individual who was:

  • on active duty at the time of the veteran's death or had received an honorable or general discharge from a branch of the armed services of the United States, the National Guard, a reserve unit of the United States armed services, the Alaska Scouts, the Alaska Territorial Guard, or the Alaska Naval Militia; and
  • a resident of the state at the time of the individual's death.

When submitting this request you must provide the following documents:

  • Proof of the decedent's veteran status. Acceptable documents include a DD214, a photocopy of a military or a retiree ID card, or a letter of verification from the Veteran's Administration.
  • Documentation the death certificate is needed to satisfy an eligibility requirement related to the death of the veteran.
  • A copy of a government issued picture ID card.

Incomplete applications or applications that do not include proper photo identification will be returned unprocessed.

  • A spouse, parent, child, or sibling of a deceased person may obtain a certified copy of the death certificate. Proof of your relation to the decedent is required when submitting your application. Siblings will need to provide a copy of their birth certificate showing parental relationship to the decedent.
  • A death certificate can also be furnished to a legal representative or to a person who provides documentation showing the death certificate is needed for the determination of property rights. If you are a legal representative, include a letter stating whom you represent and how you are related to the person named on the record.
  • Use the full first, middle, and last names as they appear on the certificate when filling out the request form.
  • We can only process requests for deaths that occurred in Alaska. For deaths that occurred outside of Alaska, requests must be sent directly to the appropriate state.
  • ALL REQUESTS MUST INCLUDE A COPY OF GOVERNMENT-ISSUED PICTURE ID OF THE PERSON REQUESTING THE DEATH CERTIFICATE. Enlarge the copy and lighten it as much as possible to ensure it is clear and readable when sent to the Bureau. REQUESTS WITH DARK OR UNCLEAR COPIES OF IDs WILL BE RETURNED UNPROCESSED. Your signature under the copied ID is also required.

The following are acceptable for identification purposes:

  • A driver's license or official identification card issued by another state in the U.S., jurisdiction or territory, unexpired, or expired for not more than one year
  • An unexpired U.S. or foreign passport.
  • U.S. military identification, military dependent identification or veteran's identification.
  • If you are currently living in Alaska, a BIA or tribal identification card will also be accepted.

If you are unable to provide any of the above-mentioned forms of identification, please contact the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics at 907.465.3391 to speak with a customer service representative.

SUBMITTING YOUR REQUEST:

  • Print and complete the request form and mail it to our office.
  • Walk-in service is also available in Anchorage or Juneau. Please check our website for office hours and location.
  • Vital records requests contain confidential information. Therefore, we highly recommend you mail your request. E-mail, although convenient, is not secure and subject to fraud.
  • Remember to sign your request and enclose the correct fees as well as a copy of picture ID.

PROCESSING TIMES:

  • Requests sent by regular mail will normally be processed within 4-6 weeks after receipt by the Bureau.
  • Normal processing times can be greater during periods of high volume. Please plan accordingly.
  • Please allow for mailing time.

FEES:

  • Once the four certified copies have been issued without charge, additional copies will be available for a fee. Please complete and submit the order form along with this request.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For additional information on obtaining Alaska Vital Records, please contact the Records Processing Unit in Juneau at 907.465.3391.

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