Search Fairbanks Birth Records

Fairbanks birth records are filed and held by the Alaska Department of Health, not by any office in Fairbanks itself. The state runs a central system out of HAVRS in Juneau, with a walk-in branch in Anchorage. People in Fairbanks can still order Fairbanks birth records, but the request must go by mail, fax, or online through VitalChek. This page covers how to search for Fairbanks birth records, what local offices can help, and what to bring with the order. Use the tool below to start a quick lookup.

About Fairbanks Birth Records

Fairbanks is the largest city in interior Alaska and the seat of the Fairbanks North Star Borough. About 32,000 people live in the city. Most births in town are filed at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. The hospital sends the birth report to the state within ten days. The state then logs the data and stores the file as the legal Fairbanks birth record. There is no city or borough office that issues a Fairbanks birth record.

Fairbanks birth records hold the full name of the child, the date and place of birth, the names of both parents, and the file number. People use these records to get a passport, prove age for school, sign up for benefits, or trace family roots. A long history of mining, military, and railroad work has drawn families to Fairbanks for over 100 years. Many old Fairbanks birth records date back to that early era.

The closest walk-in office is in Anchorage. That is a long drive, so most Fairbanks residents use the mail or VitalChek option. Mail orders take two to three months, while VitalChek ships in two to three weeks. The state runs all Fairbanks birth records through HAVRS in Juneau under Alaska Statute Title 18, Chapter 50.

Note: There is no walk-in vital records office in Fairbanks, so plan ahead and use mail or VitalChek for any same-week need.

How to Order Fairbanks Birth Records

You have three real ways to order Fairbanks birth records from town. Online through VitalChek is the fastest. Mail is the cheapest. Fax is rare but works for those who cannot mail. Walk-in service is not offered in Fairbanks.

For online orders, head to the VitalChek Alaska page. Fill out the form, upload a copy of your photo ID, and pay with a credit or debit card. The order ships in two to three weeks. There is an extra fee for the online service, but it is the fastest way to get a Fairbanks birth record without a long road trip.

Mail orders take longer but cost less. Print the request form, fill it in, sign it, and send it with a copy of your ID and a check or money order to Health Analytics and Vital Records, P.O. Box 110675, Juneau, AK 99811-0675. The state takes two to three months to fill mail orders. Fax orders go to (907) 465-3618, but you must still mail in the ID page after the fax. Use the Alaska Department of Health vital records orders page for the latest forms.

If you can drive to Anchorage, you can use the walk-in office at 3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101. The Anchorage branch can issue any Fairbanks birth record on the spot, since the state runs one central database. Call (907) 269-0991 to check the hours before you go.

Fairbanks Local Offices

The Fairbanks City Clerk handles city records, ordinances, and election papers. The clerk does not issue Fairbanks birth records. Staff can point people to the state office. The city clerk is at City Hall, 800 Cushman Street. Visit the Fairbanks City Clerk page for hours and services.

The Fairbanks Police Department is at 911 Cushman Street. The police department offers fingerprinting for background checks. This is sometimes needed for adoption, court orders, or amendments to Fairbanks birth records. Visit the Fairbanks Police page to learn about fees and hours. The department serves all areas inside city limits.

For a wider view of Fairbanks public records, including police, court, and vital info, visit the Fairbanks public records page.

The page lists the City Council schedule, the police address, and where to find Fairbanks birth records. Council meetings are held Mondays at 6:00 p.m. at Fairbanks City Hall. The fiscal year 2023 budget is around $12.5 million.

Who Can Order Fairbanks Birth Records

Alaska is a closed-record state. Only certain people can order a Fairbanks birth record that is less than 100 years old. Eligible parties include the person on the record (age 14 or older), a parent listed on the file, a legal guardian with court papers, an attorney with a letter on letterhead, or a third party with a notarized release. Older Fairbanks birth records become public after 100 years under AS 18.50.

You must include a clear copy of a valid photo ID with every order. Driver's license, passport, military ID, state ID, or Tribal card with photo all work. Expired IDs are OK if not more than one year past the date. Minors who are 14 or older can use a school ID. Make sure the ID copy is clear and signed.

For older Fairbanks birth records, the state archive has a deep set of files. Many Fairbanks birth records from 1904 to 1967 are now public. They are listed in the FamilySearch Alaska wiki and the Alaska State Archives index. These older records are a great source for family history work in the interior of the state.

Fairbanks Vital Records Background

Fairbanks has a long history with the state vital records system. Births in town were filed in the city ledger from 1904 onward. The state took over the system in 1913, the year after Alaska became a U.S. territory. By 1945, all births in Fairbanks were filed with the state. There is no local office in town for vital records, but the state lists Fairbanks birth records by file number tied to the date and place of birth.

The Fairbanks North Star court records page has more on local court files and how they tie into vital records. The cost is $30 for the first copy and $25 for each extra copy at the same time.

Older records that are now public can be found through the Alaska State Archives. The archives holds vital statistics from 1816 through 1998. You can also browse old Fairbanks birth records on the FamilySearch Alaska vital records wiki.

Fees for Fairbanks Birth Records

The fee for a Fairbanks birth record is $30 for the first certified copy. Each extra copy ordered at the same time is $25. Heirloom certificates cost $55, with extras at $50. Amendments and name changes cost $60, which includes one new certified copy. An apostille for use in a foreign country is $42 plus the record fee. Special research is $75 per hour. Make checks payable to the Alaska Vital Records Office.

Note: Pick one ordering method per request to avoid double charges, since the state will not refund duplicate Fairbanks birth records orders.

Nearby Cities and Borough

Fairbanks is the seat of the Fairbanks North Star Borough. Two nearby places that are also covered on this site are Badger and College. Badger sits just east of Fairbanks, while College sits to the west and is home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks main campus. For borough wide info on Fairbanks birth records, visit the Fairbanks North Star Borough page.