How to Perform a Title Transfer in Alaska
Vehicle owners are required to complete the Alaska car title transfer procedure on each occasion the ownership of a motor vehicle is passed from the owner on record to a new vehicle owner. Note that when meeting the state title transfer requirements, applicants can also utilize the option to obtain a car registration at the same time.
Since there is no way to perform a title transfer online, vehicle owners can complete the corresponding AK title transfers for cars and register their vehicles simultaneously by submitting the necessary documents and fee payments through a nearby Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. To learn more about how to fill out transfer of title documents and when to initiate the transfer, continue reading the following sections.
What is a car title transfer in Alaska?
Before proceeding with the Alaska transfer of car title documentation, vehicle owners are encouraged to learn more about the transfer in order to avoid any delays in the procedure. Transferring a car title is a common transaction that must be finalized when the possession of the vehicle changes hands from one legal entity to another.
The main document used to finalize the AK title transfer for vehicles is the DMV-issued title certificate, which contains a separate section for reassigning the ownership of the vehicle to a new legal entity. However, you may also need certain other documents, such as the bill of sale. Note that failure to transfer a car title will impede the process of registering the newly purchased vehicle.
When is a vehicle title transfer required in Alaska?
Car owners are required to complete the Alaska vehicle title transfer procedure and obtain a new title certificate in their name within 30 days of acquiring a motor vehicle. Transferring a vehicle title is a transaction that must be completed in several different situations.
The most common instance where transfers are necessary is after buying or selling a motor vehicle. However, several unique circumstances also require vehicle owners to perform a title transfer. For example, the transfer must also be completed if the vehicle possession changes hands after the death of the original owner or because it is a gift.
Information and Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in Alaska
To successfully finalize the transfer of vehicle title in Alaska, motorists will be required to meet the applicable car title transfer requirements, such as furnishing the necessary paperwork and fee payments.
Note that the required documentation to complete the transfer may vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the passing of ownership. For example, the following documents are needed to finalize an AK car title transfer after buying or selling a motor vehicle:
- A properly reassigned title certificate containing the seller’s signature and an odometer reading, if required
- A separate odometer statement, if the title does not have a separate section for this purpose
- A notarized power of attorney form, if applicable
- A lien release form, if applicable
- A completed vehicle transaction application
- A valid drivers license issued by the state DMV
- The current vehicle registration
If you are transferring an auto title in AK under certain unique circumstances, you will be required to submit a slightly different set of documents. For instance, the documentation title transfer requirements that apply when transferring ownership of a vehicle after the death of the original owner may also include a court order or a special type of DMV affidavit.
Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in Alaska
If you are wondering, “How do you transfer a title on a car in Alaska?” it is important to note that applying for a transfer by mail is only available to motorists who live in remote areas of the state that do not have access to a DMV location. In such cases, the process of transferring a car title in AK can be completed by mailing the necessary items to the DMV Correspondence unit in Anchorage.
Once the division receives your request to transfer a car title, it will process it only once it verifies the authenticity of the submitted paperwork and fee payments.
Therefore, prior to submitting a title transfer for cars request in person or by mail, ensure that your application contains all necessary items in order to avoid a delayed or rejected request. Note that if you are registering the vehicle during the same office visit, you will also be required to pay the applicable registration fees.
Note: Vehicle sellers must remove any personalized or specialty license plates from the sold vehicle and submit a vehicle sale notice to the state DMV after the sale transaction.
Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in Alaska
Before getting a new car title in Alaska, vehicle owners are encouraged to learn more about the differences regarding different the titling procedures. For instance, the process to get a new title for a car in AK differs slightly from a title transfer transaction.
While transferring a car title is a process that occurs between a seller and a buyer, getting a new title is only required when a previous title certificate is unavailable. For example, you will need a DMV new title in AK in the following situations:
- You have purchased a new motor vehicle from a dealership on a manufacturer’s certificate of origin. In general, a dealership is responsible for getting a title certificate on your behalf within 30 days from the purchase date.
- You have recently moved to Alaska with a vehicle title outside of the state.
Thus, when ordering a new car title, you will not have to deal with any previous vehicle owners, and you will only have to submit your existing vehicle ownership document.
Car Title Transfer Fees in Alaska
An important step in the Alaska transfer of car title process is arranging payment for the applicable fees. Note that the total cost of the auto title transfer transaction may include several types of fees.
Therefore, in addition to a base $100 titling fee, you may also be required to pay the DMV registration costs, which vary based on factors such as the vehicle type and your location within the state. If you are recording a lien when transferring a car title, you will be required to pay an additional $ 15 fee as well.
Car Title Transfer Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Titles from Alaska.gov