Choose the right Alaska record source before you search
Alaska criminal information is divided between the Alaska Court System and the Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Records & Identification Bureau. CourtView is normally the fastest way to look for public criminal court cases, while DPS maintains the statewide criminal-history repository in the Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN). Jail custody, appellate cases, sex-offender registration and federal criminal cases use still other systems.
Alaska does not put every criminal record into one public database
The correct search depends on whether you want a court case, statewide criminal-history report, jail/custody information, sex-offender registration information, an appeal or a federal prosecution.
Criminal court case
Charges filed in superior or district court, hearings, charge dispositions, sentencing activity and public docket information.
Criminal-history report
State criminal-history information maintained by the Criminal Records & Identification Bureau in APSIN.
Arrest or incident record
Reports and investigative records created by the law-enforcement agency involved in an incident.
Current custody
VINE provides current custody-location and tentative-release information for qualifying inmates.
Sex-offender registry
Separate public Sex Offender/Child Kidnapper Registry maintained under Alaska law.
Federal prosecution
Federal criminal cases are separate from Alaska CourtView and are generally searched through PACER.
Search Alaska criminal court cases with CourtView
The Alaska Court System provides public trial-court access through CourtView Public Access.
Alaska trial courts include the Superior Court and District Court. CourtView allows searches by:
- case number
- party/person name
- ticket or citation number
- court location
- case date ranges
- case type
How to search CourtView step by step
Open the official Alaska CourtView site
Use the Alaska Court System’s public database rather than a commercial background-search site.
Select the correct search type
CourtView offers case-number, party-name and citation/ticket searches. A known case number is usually the most precise option.
Search the person’s name carefully
Alaska recommends trying multiple spellings, a first initial, common nicknames and partial surname searches when appropriate.
Open the criminal case
CourtView’s “Criminal” case category can include both felony and misdemeanor cases. Open the case to see the actual charges.
Read each charge disposition
Look at the disposition attached to every count. One case can contain convicted, dismissed, amended or otherwise resolved charges at the same time.
Verify identity
Compare the date of birth and other lawful identifying information before deciding that the case belongs to the person you are researching.
Contact the filing court when online information is incomplete
CourtView is an index and case-information system. The courthouse remains the source for complete public case files and certified documents.
How to read an Alaska court case number
Alaska case numbers can tell you where and when a case was filed. A typical criminal case number may look like:
3AN-24-00123CR
Court location
The prefix identifies the judicial district and filing location. “3AN” identifies Anchorage in the Third Judicial District.
Filing year
Identifies the year the case was filed.
Sequence number
Alaska CourtView requires leading zeroes when searching by case number.
Case category
“CR” identifies a criminal case.
Do not confuse “criminal case” with “felony conviction”
Alaska’s CourtView documentation specifically warns users that the Criminal case type includes both misdemeanor and felony matters.
To find the real offense level and outcome, open the case and inspect the Party Charge Information and charge disposition.
| Item | What it tells you | Important caution |
|---|---|---|
| Original charge | Offense initially filed against the defendant. | The charge may later be amended or dismissed. |
| Final charge | Shows the charge as it ultimately existed in the case. | Use this rather than assuming the original charge remained unchanged. |
| Charge disposition | Shows how that specific count ended. | Check every count individually. |
| Docket | Chronological court activity and filings. | Some older hearing events may appear only in the docket. |
| Case status | Shows whether the case is open, closed or reopened. | “Closed” does not itself tell you whether a conviction occurred. |
Why a real Alaska criminal case can disappear from CourtView
This is one of the most important Alaska-specific limitations. CourtView is not a permanent online index of every public criminal case.
Alaska law and court rules require certain cases to be removed from the online public index.
Acquittals and dismissals
Under Alaska Statute 22.35.030, the Court System generally may not continue publishing certain qualifying criminal cases on a publicly available website after 60 days have elapsed from acquittal or dismissal.
Qualifying situations can include:
- acquittal of all criminal charges
- dismissal of all charges outside specified plea-agreement circumstances
- combination of acquittals and dismissals
- dismissal following qualifying suspended entry of judgment
Other cases may also leave the online index
Alaska Administrative Rule 40 provides other CourtView exclusions, including certain:
- confidential or sealed cases
- cases dismissed because of charging or probable-cause issues
- identity-error cases
- successful suspended-imposition-of-sentence cases
- qualifying underage alcohol matters
- qualifying older marijuana-possession cases
- protective-order cases under specified circumstances
If a case should have been removed but still appears online, the Alaska Court System provides Form TF-810 — Request to Exclude Case from Online Public Index.
How to find Alaska criminal cases filed before 1990
CourtView does not necessarily include every case filed before 1990. The Alaska Court System tells users to contact the appropriate court for complete information about older matters.
Use the Alaska Court Directory to find the court’s records contact information and current hours.
How to request Alaska criminal court records and certified copies
Requests for case-file copies should be sent to the records department or clerk of court where the case was filed.
Alaska currently accepts requests by methods including in person, email, fax or mail, depending on the location.
Use the correct records-request form
- Anchorage, Saint Paul Island and Sand Point: TF-311 ANCH
- Fairbanks: TF-311 FBKS
- Palmer: TF-311 PA
- other Alaska courts: TF-311
| Service | Current statewide fee | Practical use |
|---|---|---|
| First plain document or portion | $5 | Ordinary copy when court certification is not required. |
| Each additional document requested at same time | $3 | Lower additional-document copy charge. |
| First certified copy | $10 | Official clerk-certified court document. |
| Additional certified copy of same document | $3 | Must generally be requested at the same time. |
| Exemplified / authenticated document | $15 | Higher-level authentication when specifically required. |
| Court records research | $30 per hour or fraction | Can apply when staff must research because sufficient case information was not supplied. |
| Audio recording | $20 per recording/CD | For qualifying court-hearing recordings. |
Processing time varies by location and workload. Current court guidance specifically notes longer online-request processing in some locations such as Fairbanks, Palmer and Valdez.
Search-warrant records use a separate Alaska court request
A search warrant is different from a criminal case docket or arrest warrant. Alaska provides a specific process for requesting qualifying search-warrant records.
Use Form CR-714 — Request for Search Warrant Records when seeking search-warrant materials from the court.
Alaska DPS criminal-history background checks
The Alaska Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Records & Identification Bureau is the state’s central repository for criminal-history information.
Criminal-history information is maintained in the Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN).
Alaska law allows different levels of criminal-justice information to be released depending on whether the requester is:
General requester
May receive the categories of Alaska criminal-justice information authorized for release to any person under AS 12.62.160.
Your own record
The person whose record it is can obtain broader information maintained about themselves.
Minor / dependent-adult screening
Qualifying employers or organizations supervising minors or dependent adults can receive additional information under Alaska law.
Current Alaska DPS background-check fees
| Check type | Current DPS fee | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Name-based Alaska check | $20 | Alaska criminal-history information authorized for the requester. |
| Additional copy ordered with original | $5 | Must be requested with the original report. |
| Fingerprint-based Alaska check | $35 | Alaska-only fingerprint-based criminal-history search. |
| Fingerprint-based state + national check | $47 | Available only under qualifying legal authority. |
Can you request an Alaska criminal history on another person?
Yes, but Alaska does not operate this as an unrestricted anonymous name-search website.
DPS says a person seeking a non-fingerprint criminal-history report on someone else should use the Request for Criminal Justice Information — Other Than Record Subject process. The record subject’s authorization is required for this standard third-party request.
The “Any Person” report currently includes:
- past conviction information
- current offender information
- criminal identification information
The current DPS request form describes the “Any Person” report as including current/open criminal charges and charges resulting in conviction, while excluding sealed records.
Open Third-Party Request FormHow to request your own Alaska criminal-history record
A person who is the subject of an Alaska criminal-history record has broader access to information about themselves than an ordinary third-party requester.
Alaska DPS says a record subject may receive:
- past conviction information
- current offender information
- criminal identification information
- nonconviction information
- sealed information
- correctional treatment information when available
Three practical request routes
Name-based request
Begin through the DPS secure self-service background-check request process.
Walk-in request
DPS says background checks can be requested at many approved DPS offices and participating law-enforcement locations.
Paper request
Complete the correct DPS form, include identification and payment as required, and mail it to the Criminal Records & Identification Bureau.
Fingerprint-based checks are more reliable than a name search
Alaska DPS recommends fingerprint-based criminal-history searches when identity accuracy matters. A name search can miss records reported under another name or alias.
DPS requires fingerprints on a standard FD-258 FBI fingerprint card. Cards printed at an incorrect size or on the wrong paper can be rejected.
Why fingerprints matter
Aliases
Fingerprints can identify a record even when criminal-history events were reported under another name.
Common names
Fingerprints reduce the risk of confusing two people with similar names and dates of birth.
Personal review
Fingerprint-based review is the stronger option when checking whether the state repository has associated records with your identity.
Not every Alaska DPS requester receives the same information
| Requester | Information DPS says may be included | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Record subject | Past conviction, current offender, criminal identification, nonconviction, sealed and available correctional-treatment information. | Information concerns the requester’s own record. |
| Any Person | Past conviction, current offender and criminal identification information. | Does not provide the same access as the record subject. |
| Interested Person | Past conviction, current offender, criminal identification, nonconviction and available correctional-treatment information. | Requires the statutory relationship involving supervisory or disciplinary authority over a minor or dependent adult. |
| Statutorily authorized requester | Information authorized by the specific state or federal statute. | Requester must establish the legal authority. |
What to do when your Alaska criminal-history report is wrong
DPS provides a formal Request to Correct Criminal Justice Information process for inaccurate or incomplete information in APSIN.
Common correction problems include:
- missing court disposition
- charge attributed to the wrong person
- incorrect identifying information
- inaccurate disposition
- mistaken identity
- record that does not belong to you
Get a copy of your DPS record
Review the actual APSIN criminal-history information before challenging an entry.
Identify the specific error
Note the arrest, court case, charge, agency and disposition involved.
Collect supporting documents
Court judgments or dispositions can help DPS resolve missing or inaccurate court outcomes.
Submit the correction form
Send the completed correction request and supporting materials to the Criminal Records & Identification Bureau.
DPS criminal-history correction contact
Alaska Department of Public SafetyCriminal Records & Identification Bureau
5700 East Tudor Road
Anchorage, AK 99507
Email:
dps.chri@alaska.gov
Phone listed on correction form:
(907) 375-6410
Alaska does not have a general criminal-record expungement law
Alaska DPS states plainly that Alaska does not have a general law allowing criminal-history records to be expunged.
That does not mean no record can ever be restricted. Alaska law provides more limited sealing mechanisms.
DPS criminal-history sealing
Under AS 12.62.180, a person may request sealing of criminal-justice information maintained by an agency when the information resulted, beyond a reasonable doubt, from mistaken identity or false accusation.
DPS provides a Request to Seal Criminal Justice Record form through its background-check/forms page.
DPS Correction & Sealing FormsCourt records are different
Alaska court files can also be made confidential or sealed under applicable statutes, court rules or judicial orders. The Court System uses separate forms and standards from DPS’s APSIN sealing process.
A set-aside Alaska conviction can still remain in criminal history
Alaska allows a court in qualifying cases to impose a Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS).
If the defendant successfully completes the conditions, the conviction can be set aside.
DPS likewise states that a set-aside conviction remains classified as past conviction information in Alaska criminal history.
Juvenile criminal records follow different Alaska rules
Ordinary juvenile delinquency proceedings are confidential and do not appear in CourtView like public adult criminal cases.
DPS states that juvenile history is generally not included in Alaska’s central criminal-history repository unless an event falls into a category such as:
- the juvenile was adjudicated as an adult
- the juvenile was convicted of a qualifying traffic crime
- another law requires the event to be included
How to find someone in Alaska correctional custody
The Alaska Department of Corrections uses the Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) service for inmate location and release information.
VINE is available 24 hours a day and can provide:
- current inmate location
- tentative release date
- release notification
- escape notification
- work-release placement notification
- death-in-custody notification
Alaska DOC also lists the VINE telephone service at 1-800-247-9763.
Alaska Sex Offender and Child Kidnapper Registry
Alaska DPS maintains a separate public Sex Offender/Child Kidnapper Registry under AS 12.63.
The registry supports functions including:
- search by offender
- map-based searching
- viewing noncompliant registrations
- viewing registry entries
Search Alaska criminal appeals separately
Alaska’s appellate courts include the Alaska Supreme Court and Alaska Court of Appeals.
Criminal appeals generally go through the Court of Appeals rather than the trial-court CourtView interface.
Search Alaska Appellate CasesFederal criminal cases in Alaska require federal records
A federal prosecution in Alaska is not an Alaska Court System case. Federal district-court cases are searched through PACER.
Alaska is served by the United States District Court for the District of Alaska.
Search Federal Cases with PACERFederal inmate records
The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator should be used when someone may be in federal rather than Alaska state custody.
Your own FBI record
A person seeking their own nationwide fingerprint-based FBI Identity History Summary should use the FBI’s official Identity History Summary Check process.
Employment and licensing background checks can require a different process
Alaska law authorizes different criminal-history access depending on who is requesting the record and why.
For example, an employer or organization considering someone for a position involving supervisory or disciplinary authority over a minor or dependent adult may qualify as an Interested Person and receive information not available under an ordinary “Any Person” request.
Alaska DPS also processes qualifying state and national fingerprint checks for agencies authorized by law.
Where to go when you need records from an Alaska courthouse
Alaska has four judicial districts and court locations throughout the state. Use the official Court Directory to locate the filing court.
Alaska Court DirectoryThe Court System says most court locations operate approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, but Friday schedules and individual court hours differ. Always check the specific court before traveling.
Anchorage example
Anchorage Trial Courts
825 W 4th AvenueAnchorage, AK 99501
Customer service:
(907) 264-0514
Records:
(907) 264-0491
Check before visiting
Anchorage’s current directory lists regular business hours as Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Court-specific schedules and holiday closures can change, so verify the current listing first.
Alaska DPS Criminal Records & Identification Bureau map
The state Criminal Records & Identification Bureau is located at the Alaska Department of Public Safety complex in Anchorage.
Criminal Records & Identification Bureau
5700 East Tudor Road
Anchorage, AK 99507
Main DPS phone: (907) 269-5511
Alaska criminal-record search tips that solve common problems
Use DOB before assuming a match
Alaska’s court system specifically warns users to verify identity before relying on a name match.
Search multiple spellings
CourtView recommends trying spelling variations, first initials, partial surnames and common nicknames.
Do not assume “Criminal” means felony
Alaska combines misdemeanor and felony matters in the Criminal case category.
Read every charge disposition
Multiple charges in the same case can end differently.
No CourtView result?
The case may have been removed from the online index under Alaska law or court rules.
Older than 1990?
Contact the filing court because older case information may not be fully indexed online.
Need your full record?
Request your DPS criminal-history record rather than relying only on public CourtView results.
Use fingerprints for identity
Fingerprint checks are stronger when aliases or common names create uncertainty.
Missing disposition?
Get court documentation and use DPS’s criminal-history correction procedure.
Set aside is not erased
A successfully set-aside SIS can still remain part of Alaska criminal-history information.
Custody question?
Use VINE instead of trying to infer current custody from an old court docket.
Federal case?
Switch to PACER; federal prosecutions are not stored as Alaska trial-court cases.
Questions people commonly ask about Alaska criminal records
1. Is Alaska CourtView free to search?
Yes. Alaska CourtView provides online public access to qualifying trial-court case information without the user purchasing a criminal-history background report. Court copy, certification and staff research fees are separate.
2. Does CourtView show both Alaska felonies and misdemeanors?
Yes. CourtView’s Criminal case category includes both misdemeanors and felonies. Open the individual case and inspect the charge information to determine the actual offense level.
3. Why can’t I find a dismissed Alaska criminal case online?
Alaska law requires certain qualifying acquitted or dismissed criminal cases to be removed from the publicly available CourtView index after the applicable period. Other court-rule exclusions can also remove cases from online searching.
4. How much does an Alaska DPS criminal-history check cost?
Alaska DPS currently lists a $20 fee for a name-based state criminal-history check, $35 for a fingerprint-based Alaska check, and $47 for an authorized fingerprint-based state and national check.
5. Can I request an Alaska criminal-history check on another person?
Alaska DPS permits qualifying third-party criminal-history requests, but the standard non-fingerprint request for someone other than the record subject requires the proper DPS form and record-subject authorization.
6. How can I obtain my own complete Alaska criminal-history record?
The record subject may request their own DPS criminal-history information by an approved name-based or fingerprint-based procedure. A fingerprint search provides stronger identity verification.
7. Can Alaska criminal records be expunged?
Alaska DPS states that Alaska does not have a general criminal-history expungement law. More limited sealing procedures can apply, including qualifying mistaken-identity or false-accusation situations.
8. Does a set-aside Alaska conviction disappear from the criminal record?
No. Alaska’s Suspended Imposition of Sentence guidance explains that setting aside a conviction does not expunge it. DPS also treats a set-aside conviction as past conviction information.
9. Where can I find someone currently incarcerated in Alaska?
Use Alaska DOC’s VINE service for current inmate location and tentative-release information. The service is available online and through the state’s VINE telephone system.
10. How do I get a certified Alaska criminal court record?
Request the document from the records department or clerk of the court where the case was filed. Alaska currently charges $10 for the first certified copy and $3 for an additional certified copy of the same document requested at the same time.
Official Alaska sources for verifying criminal-record information
- Alaska Court System — CourtView Public Access
- Alaska Court System — CourtView Information and Search Guidance
- Alaska Court System — Trial and Appellate Case Search
- Alaska Court System — Requesting Court Records and Copies
- Alaska Court System — Court Directory
- Alaska Court System — TF-311 Records Request Instructions
- Alaska Court System — CR-714 Search Warrant Records Request
- Alaska Court System — TF-810 CourtView Exclusion Request
- Alaska Department of Public Safety — Background Checks
- Alaska DPS — Online Criminal History Request
- Alaska DPS — Request for Criminal Justice Information from Other Than Record Subject
- Alaska DPS — Criminal Justice Information Correction Form
- Alaska DPS — Sex Offender / Child Kidnapper Registry
- Alaska Department of Corrections — VINE
- PACER — Federal Court Records
- Federal Bureau of Prisons — Inmate Locator
- FBI — Identity History Summary Checks