Alaska Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS) — Records and Identification Bureau

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • Alaska background checks are processed by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), Records and Identification Bureau.
   • You have two options: a name-based check ($20) or a fingerprint-based check ($35). For immigration purposes, a fingerprint-based check is recommended as it is more thorough.
   • For a name-based check, you can request one securely online at backgroundcheck.dps.alaska.gov. Walk-in requests are also available at most DPS office locations and many local police departments.
   • For a fingerprint-based check, submit your fingerprints on a standard FD-258 FBI fingerprint card. Fingerprints on non-standard forms or printed in different sizes will be rejected.
   • Mail fingerprint-based requests to: Alaska Department of Public Safety, Records and Identification Bureau, 5700 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage, AK 99507.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • Name-based checks processed online typically return results within minutes to a few business days.
   • Fingerprint-based checks generally take 2-4 weeks, depending on submission volume.
   • Results can be mailed or faxed (but not both, unless you purchase an extra copy for $5). Extra copies must be requested at the same time as the original.
   • Additional reports requested at a later date cost $20 each.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Alaska apostilles are issued by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor (Alaska does not have a Secretary of State).
   • Mail the original document, a cover letter requesting an apostille, and a $5.00 fee per document to: Office of the Lt. Governor, Authentications Department, P.O. Box 110015, Juneau, AK 99811.
   • Include 'Authentications' in the address line for faster processing.
   • Processing takes approximately 2 business days after receipt. Payment can be made by personal check, money order, cashier's check, or credit card (using their Credit Card Payment Form).

4. STEP 4Translate via EcuadorTranslations.com

   • After your document is apostilled, submit it to EcuadorTranslations.com for certified Spanish translation and notarization.
   • Upload a clear scan or photo of your apostilled background check through the EcuadorTranslations.com order form.
   • Cost: $150 per document ($130 each when ordering 3 or more documents). Turnaround: 3 business days.
   • Your translated and notarized document will be delivered digitally, ready for your Ecuador visa application.

Apostille authority

Key notes

• Alaska does not have a Secretary of State. Apostilles are issued by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
• Fingerprints must be on a standard FD-258 FBI fingerprint form — non-standard formats will be rejected.
• For immigration purposes, request the fingerprint-based check ($35) rather than the name-based check ($20).
• The Lt. Governor's office accepts credit cards via their Credit Card Payment Form, which is unusual among state apostille offices.

Sources and verification