Voter ID in Alaska

Alaska is a non-strict voter ID state.

You will need to show an acceptable ID to confirm your identity when voting in person.

If you do not show an acceptable ID to confirm your identity when voting in person, a review board will determine if the information you have provided will enable your ballot will be counted.

Check here for a full rundown of the state’s rules!

Any registered Alaska voter may request an absentee ballot.

A copy of your ID is not necessary to vote by mail in Alaska.

Check here for a full rundown of the state’s rules!


Changing Your Legal Name

You must file a formal request with your county’s Superior Court to change your name in Alaska.

The court will post public notice of your name change on its website ahead of your hearing. You may request to be excused from this requirement.

You may also be required to publish notice. This could include publication in a print or online newspaper, email, social media post, or another outlet ordered by the court.

If the court approves your name change, you will receive a court order that can be used to update the name on your ID documents.

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RESOURCE

Alaska Name Change Packet (PDF)

Submit a request to Alaska’s Department of Vital Records to amend your birth certificate.

To change the name on your Alaska birth certificate, you will need to provide:

  • completed Birth Certificate request form (PDF)
  • certified copy of name-change court order
  • copy of acceptable ID (listed on request form instructions)
  • payment of applicable fee(s)

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

You must inform the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles within 30 days of changing your legal name.

You will need to provide a certified copy of an acceptable legal document demonstrating your name change. Examples include an amended birth certificate, current US Passport, Certificate of Name Change, or name-change court order.


Updating Gender Markers

Submit a request to Alaska’s Department of Vital Records to amend your birth certificate.

Court Order Certifying Gender Transition

  • If you change your legal name in Alaska, you may request to also certify your gender transition in the same court order. This court order can be used to amend both the name and gender marker on your Alaska birth certificate.

To apply for an updated Alaska birth certificate, you will need to provide:

  • completed Birth Certificate request form (PDF)
  • Decree/Certificate of Name Change (if applicable)
  • medical certification statement (example – PDF) on letterhead signed by a qualified healthcare provider or certified copy of court order
  • copy of acceptable ID (listed on request form)
  • payment of applicable fee(s)

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

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RESOURCE

Alaska Department of Vital Records – Policy and Instructions (PDF)

Visit an Alaska DMV office and submit a completed Certification Form (PDF) that is signed by a qualified healthcare provider.

A qualified healthcare provider is defined as a physician in medicine or osteopathy, a physician assistant, an advanced nurse practitioner, a psychologist, a social worker, or a professional counselor.

Note: Certification by a healthcare provider is not required if you can provide an amended birth certificate, current US passport, or court order certifying your gender transition.