A certificate of title issued by the state of Alaska is a document that proves legal ownership of a vehicle. A title must be obtained when an individual purchases a new vehicle. A title transfer must also be completed when a used vehicle is sold or gifted, or when a vehicle changes hands as a result of the death of the vehicle's owner. In Alaska, a title should be transferred within 30 days of the vehicle sale.
[edit] OBTAINING A TITLE FOR A NEW VEHICLE:
For new vehicles, the licensed dealer that sold the vehicle typically will accept and submit the required titling information and fees on behalf of the buyer. However, buyers wishing to handle the titling independently can do so. Those interested in applying for a new title without the dealer's assistance should refer to the New Vehicle Title page on the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.
[edit] TRANSFERRING A TITLE ON A USED VEHICLE:
Sale/Purchase or Gift of a Used Vehicle
When you purchase a used vehicle, or obtain one as a gift, the title must be legally transferred into your name. This is done by obtaining the following documents, and submitting them along with the appropriate fees to the Office of Motor Vehicles:
- The current title, with the assignment completed by the seller or donor (signing the title over to you). The title must include the federal odometer disclosure, if the vehicle is less than ten years old.
- If the title does not indicate the date of sale and selling price, a completed Bill of Sale, signed by both current and new owner and notarized, is required.
- A completed Application for Title and Registration.
- An Odometer Disclosure Statement, if the title does not include this information and the vehicle is less than ten years old.
- Emissions certificate, if applicable.
- Registration documents, if vehicle was previously registered.
- Notarized Power of Attorney, if applicable.
- If applicable, the original or copy of the vehicle's financing statement or security agreement.
Fees
Along with the appropriate transfer of title documents above, you will need to submit the following fees:
- $15.00 title fee.
- $15.00 lien recording fee, if applicable.
- Other taxes may be applicable depending on the domicile of the vehicle and the selling price.
Contact your local DMV office to calculate the correct amount due.
Transfer of Title Following Death of Vehicle Owner
In the event of the death of the vehicle owner, the title is often transferred to the heirs or someone else identified in the owner's will. The procedures and fees for this type of transfer are similar to those outlined above. In addition, it is important to determine how the estate of the deceased has been settled by the heir(s).
In some cases, the heirs may need to complete an Affidavit for an Estate with Assets of $15,000 or Less, and provide copies of the court orders, the death certificate and the will (or a notarized statement of its contents), if there is one.
For more information on title transfers following the death of a vehicle owner, refer to the Division of Motor Vehicles online or contact the local DMV office.
Submission
Appropriate title transfer documents and fees should be submitted in person to the local DMV office. Documents cannot be mailed unless the applicant lives in a Remote Part of Alaska. In such cases, the documents and fees should be mailed to:
State of Alaska
Division of Motor Vehicles
[edit] ATTN: CORRESPONDENCE
1300 W Benson Boulevard STE 200
Anchorage AK 99503-3600
Additional Information
- Contact the local DMV office if you wish to add, remove or change a name on a vehicle title for reason other than those discussed above.
- If there is an existing lien on the vehicle, there will be additional requirements for transferring the title.
- A valid title provides proof of ownership of the vehicle. However, remember that a title transfer does not entitle the new owner(s) to legally operate the vehicle. For this, refer to the appropriate license and registration information.
