Quitclaim Deeds and Transferring Property in Alaska
How to sign and record a quitclaim or other deed in Alaska, and whether you can use a transfer-on-death deed to avoid probate.
Short answer: A deed for Alaska land must be acknowledged before a notary or other authorized officer (or proved as the statutes allow). AS 34.15.150, 40.17.030
| Signing and recording a deed | A deed for Alaska land must be acknowledged before a notary or other authorized officer (or proved as the statutes allow). To be recorded, it must have original signatures, a title, the name and address for return, the mailing addresses of all grantors and grantees, the name of the recording district, and the recording fee. Deeds are recorded with the state recorder's office for the recording district where the land is located. Recording fees are set by regulation. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: AS 34.15.150, 40.17.030 |
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| Transfer-on-death deed | Yes. An owner can transfer real estate at death by a transfer-on-death deed. The owner needs the same capacity as for a will. The deed must have the elements and formalities of a recordable deed, state that the transfer happens at the owner's death, not name beneficiaries only as a class, and be recorded before the owner's death in the recording district where the property is located. Notice to or acceptance by the beneficiary is not required, and the deed can be revoked by a later recorded instrument. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: AS 13.48.010-13.48.070 |
Free Alaska quitclaim deed template — fill in and print
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FAQ
What does a quitclaim deed need to be valid in Alaska?
A deed for Alaska land must be acknowledged before a notary or other authorized officer (or proved as the statutes allow). To be recorded, it must have original signatures, a title, the name and address for return, the mailing addresses of all grantors and grantees, the name of the recording district, and the recording fee. Deeds are recorded with the state recorder's office for the recording district where the land is located.
Does Alaska allow transfer-on-death deeds?
Yes. An owner can transfer real estate at death by a transfer-on-death deed. The owner needs the same capacity as for a will. The deed must have the elements and formalities of a recordable deed, state that the transfer happens at the owner's death, not name beneficiaries only as a class, and be recorded before the owner's death in the recording district where the property is located. Notice to or acceptance by the beneficiary is not required, and the deed can be revoked by a later recorded instrument.
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.