North Slope Borough Marriage License

Getting a marriage license in North Slope Borough means working through Alaska's state HAVRS system, since there is no local vital records office in this vast arctic borough. This page covers how to apply, what to bring, fees, the waiting period, and how to get your certified certificate after the ceremony.

How to Get a Marriage License in North Slope Borough

North Slope Borough is the largest borough by area in the United States, covering the entire arctic slope of Alaska from the Brooks Range to the Beaufort Sea. Despite having a borough government in Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), marriage licenses are issued by the state through HAVRS. The Barrow District Court at 1649 Ahkovak Street serves as the main local court resource. The area is served by the Second Judicial District, based in Fairbanks.

Both applicants must appear together in person. Each needs a valid government-issued photo ID. Under AS 25.05.021, both must be sworn in and sign the application at the same time. The fee is $60 in person or $70 by mail. No blood test needed. No residency requirement applies. Many North Slope residents use the mail-in process or travel to Anchorage or Fairbanks for in-person services.

If either applicant was divorced within the past 60 days, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree. The officer must see this before issuing the license.

Barrow District Court

The Barrow District Court in Utqiagvik is the local court for North Slope Borough. It handles civil and criminal matters and can assist with marriage commissioner appointments. Any person 18 or older can be appointed as a commissioner for $25, authorizing them to perform one ceremony in Alaska.

The 3-Day Waiting Period

Alaska requires a mandatory three-day waiting period under AS 25.05.031. No exceptions. The day of issuance does not count as day one. The license is valid for 90 days. If the ceremony does not happen within 90 days, the license expires. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to HAVRS within seven days to record the marriage officially.

Alaska Vital Records Offices

North Slope Borough residents often travel to Anchorage for walk-in HAVRS services or use the mail-in process. Fairbanks is also accessible by air and has a district court that can assist with some local procedures.

Order certified copies through VitalChek online. A service fee applies.

Getting Your Marriage Certificate

After HAVRS records the marriage, order a certified copy: $30 for the first, $25 for each additional at the same time. Heirloom certificates are $65 for the first and $60 for each additional. Not accepted for legal use. Alaska marriage records are confidential for 50 years, then become public. Historical records for the North Slope can be found at the Alaska State Archives and through FamilySearch Alaska.

Alaska Marriage Law Overview

Alaska marriage law is in Title 25, Chapter 25.05. AS 25.05.011 covers who may marry; AS 25.05.021 covers the license process; AS 25.05.031 sets the three-day wait; AS 25.05.261 authorizes marriage commissioners. Alaska does not recognize common law marriage. See the Alaska Court System marriage FAQ for full details on commissioner appointments and the ceremony process.

Communities in North Slope Borough

North Slope Borough includes Utqiagvik (Barrow), Prudhoe Bay, Kaktovik, Nuiqsut, Anaktuvuk Pass, Atqasuk, Point Hope, Point Lay, Wainwright, and Deadhorse. None meet the population threshold for individual city pages on this site. All marriage license applications go through the state HAVRS system.

Nearby Boroughs

These boroughs border or are near North Slope Borough. All use the same state HAVRS licensing process.