Junk a Car in Alaska: Title, No-Title & Plate Rules

How do I sign over a car title in Alaska?

The seller signs where shown on the title and completes the assignment to the buyer, who gets the original title. If owners are joined by AND, all must sign; if by OR, one signature is enough. Leave no blanks: DMV cannot transfer the title if the assignment, including the odometer statement, is incomplete. Under federal rules, model-year 2011 and newer vehicles need an odometer disclosure until they are 20 model years old. A bill of sale does not transfer ownership, but it is a good record to keep.

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in Alaska?

If the title is lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged, the owner on DMV records must get a duplicate title before selling or transferring the vehicle. A title from another state must be replaced by that state. Since 08/01/2025, a vehicle with a Junk brand that has not been reconstructed can get a Salvage title (Form 857), which can be used to transfer it to a salvage company. Incomplete vehicles do not need a salvage title and can be transferred with a bill of sale or other contract.

How do I get a duplicate title in Alaska?

Apply in person at any DMV office or by mail. Submit a notarized Affidavit of Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Title (Form 809), a lien release if a lienholder is listed, and a $15 fee (check or money order payable to State of Alaska). This applies only to Alaska-issued titles.

Do I need to file a release of liability in Alaska?

The seller completes the Notice of Vehicle Sale for Transfer at the bottom of the original title and sends it to DMV as soon as possible. The sale can also be reported online ('Report the Sale of Your Vehicle') or by email to DMV. If the bottom portion is missing or the title was already handed over, use a Notice of Transfer Pending.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in Alaska?

Standard plates stay with the vehicle. Personalized and specialty plates stay with the seller: remove them at the sale, and the buyer gets a new set of plates at no extra charge.

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in Alaska?

Use Form 849, Notice of Intent to Dismantle or Junk Vehicle. It is signed under penalty of perjury before a notary or DMV representative, and DMV records whether the title, registration and plates were surrendered. A Salvage title for a junk-branded vehicle uses Form 857 and costs $15. Salvage titles are not available for boats, manufactured homes or off-highway vehicles.

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in Alaska?

Under AS 28.11.025, a vehicle left on private property without the owner's consent for 30 days is presumed abandoned. The claimant must give notice to the owner of record and lienholders by personal delivery or certified mail, or by newspaper publication if they can't be identified. If the vehicle isn't reclaimed within 30 days after notice, title may transfer to the property owner. The property owner files a Claim of Ownership (Form 826), a V1 title application and a Form 811 inspection, and must title the vehicle in their own name before selling it.