Transferring a Car After Someone Dies in Alaska
How to transfer a vehicle title after the owner dies in Alaska, from the official motor vehicle agency.
Short answer: Through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles. If the vehicle was jointly owned with "OR," the surviving owner can release the title with no documents about the deceased. Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, Deceased Owner; AS 13.16.680
| Transferring a car after death | Through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles. If the vehicle was jointly owned with "OR," the surviving owner can release the title with no documents about the deceased. If owned solely or jointly with "AND," the vehicle is part of the estate: only the court-appointed representative can transfer it, using Letters Testamentary, Letters of Administration or a Letter of Appointment (any surviving "AND" owners must also sign). If the estate qualifies as a small estate (vehicle assets of $100,000 or less and other personal property of $50,000 or less), the successor may use the notarized Affidavit for an Estate with Assets of $150,000 or Less (Form 827) at least 30 days after death, if no probate has been filed; the VIN must be written on the original affidavit. All transfers need Form V1 (Vehicle Transaction Application); a lost title requires Form 809 and a duplicate title first. |
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More Alaska estate law
- Medical Power of Attorney in Alaska
- Small Estate Affidavit in Alaska
- Power of Attorney in Alaska
- Quitclaim Deeds and Transferring Property in Alaska
- Who Inherits If You Die Without a Will in Alaska
- How to Make a Valid Will in Alaska
- How Probate Works in Alaska
- Living Wills and Advance Directives in Alaska
- Revocable Living Trusts in Alaska
- Executor Duties in Alaska
- Letters Testamentary in Alaska
- Affidavit of Heirship in Alaska
- How to Avoid Probate in Alaska
- All Alaska wills, probate and estate rules
FAQ
How do I transfer a car title after someone dies in Alaska?
Through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles. If the vehicle was jointly owned with "OR," the surviving owner can release the title with no documents about the deceased. If owned solely or jointly with "AND," the vehicle is part of the estate: only the court-appointed representative can transfer it, using Letters Testamentary, Letters of Administration or a Letter of Appointment (any surviving "AND" owners must also sign). If the estate qualifies as a small estate (vehicle assets of $100,000 or less and other personal property of $50,000 or less), the successor may use the notarized Affidavit for an Estate with Assets of $150,000 or Less (Form 827) at least 30 days after death, if no probate has been filed; the VIN must be written on the original affidavit. All transfers need Form V1 (Vehicle Transaction Application); a lost title requires Form 809 and a duplicate title first.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.