Title Transfers

Passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, vans, motorhomes, mobile homes, motorcycles, and trailers must all be issued titles by the State of Alaska. Registration only is required for boats, ATVs, and snowmachines.

By law, you must transfer a vehicle into your name within 30 days of purchasing it. If you move from out of state, you must transfer your title to an Alaska title.

Required Documents

To apply for a title, submit the following:

• Ownership documents such as an out-of-state title or manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO)

• Application for Title and Registration

• Current odometer reading if your vehicle weighs less than 12,000 lbs. and is less than 10 years old

• Local mailing address and residence (unless you are on active military duty or a full-time college student).

• Lienholder information

• Current vehicle registration if it has been registered previously

• Emissions certificate if required

• Personalized check or money order for fees

• Lien Release if a lien is recorded (required whether the lien has been paid or not)

The Division of Motor Vehicles does not accept applications by mail for original titles or title transfers for vehicles
located outside of Alaska. If you have purchased a vehicle from another state, or have financed it through an out-of-state lender, you must apply for title in person unless you live in a remote part of Alaska.

For more information on vehicle registration, contact your local DMV or visit the DMV.ORG section on car registration.

Obtaining a Duplicate (Replacement) Title

You may apply for a duplicate title if your original has been lost, stolen, destroyed, or is unreadable. To apply for a duplicate title, the following items are required:

• A notarized Affidavit of a Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Title

• A Lien Release if necessary

• $15 fee

If you lost your out-of-state title, you are required to apply to your issuing state to obtain a duplicate title. Do not apply for a duplicate title if your original title has not been lost, stolen, or destroyed. If you know where the title is, doing so might subject you to criminal prosecution.

Once you have completed your Affidavit of a Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Title, mail it to the following address:

• State of Alaska

• Division of Motor Vehicles

• Attn: Correspondence

• 1300 W. Benson Blvd., Ste. 200

• Anchorage, AK 99503-3600

If you are unable to print the Affidavit of Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Title form, you may write a letter requesting a duplicate title. The following information must be included in the letter:

• Your name (printed)

• Description of the vehicle for which you need the title

• Vehicle's identification number (VIN)

• Your signature, notarized

In the event you move, remember to submit change of address information. Complete the Change of Address form and submit to your local DMV. Most changes may be made to your registration and title. Make your DMV aware of these changes as soon as possible.

For more information on vehicle titles, contact your local DMV office.

Transferring a Title Following a Death

If you are the surviving owner of a jointly owned vehicle, you are allowed to freely transfer the title.

However, things get complicated if the deceased person was the lone owner. Then, and only then, the vehicle becomes part of the deceased owner's estate. Alaska officials, through probate proceedings, will authorize a person (the executor of the will) to distribute the possessions of the estate. This person can then transfer the vehicle's title. If the title is lost, the executor must complete a lost title affidavit before any transfer.

Changing a Name on a Title

If you're changing your name due to marriage or divorce, you must bring the original title in person (you cannot do this by mail) to a DMV office. You'll then be required to complete the title (as if you're selling the vehicle) and to include all needed buyer and seller signatures.

If your title has a lien, you must contact the lienholder about obtaining a new title. Expect to pay an additional $15 for having a lienholder on your title.

Adding or Deleting a Name on a Title

You must bring your original title to any DMV office. The title must have all required signatures as if you're selling the vehicle. In addition, you'll be asked to complete a new Application for Title and Registration and to pay a $15 fee. If there's a lienholder, the fee will total $30.

Vehicles Received as a Gift

This process is simple. Just complete an Application for Title and Registration and pay the required titling fee. If the vehicle is from out of state, you will need to submit this application in person at any DMV office. Otherwise you can send it through the mail.