Alaska Title Transfer Guide (2026)
| Titling agency | Alaska DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 0% · No state sales tax; check local borough/city taxes |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · |
| Lien release form | Form 808 |
Alaska title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (Form 808) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Alaska requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Complete VIN inspection — Alaska requires VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Schedule with Alaska DMV or a licensed inspector.
- 5Buyer files at Alaska DMV — within 30 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to Alaska DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 0% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — Alaska DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with Alaska DMV the same day as the sale.
Alaska lien release procedure
- Obtain Form 808 from the Alaska DMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs Form 808 to release the lien.
- Submit Form 808 with the existing title and title application at an Alaska DMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean title.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
Alaska estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to Alaska DMV.
Need a Alaska bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with Alaska DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create Alaska Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Alaska
How long do I have to transfer a car title in Alaska?▾
Alaska requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 30 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a Alaska title transfer cost?▾
Alaska charges 0% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. No state sales tax; check local borough/city taxes The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in Alaska?▾
Yes — Alaska requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. Alaska DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in Alaska?▾
In Alaska, the lender must complete Form 808 confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to Alaska DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in Alaska?▾
Alaska inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to Alaska DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: Alaska DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07