Selling a car in Alaska? Follow the steps below to make sure your title transfer is handled correctly and the sale holds up legally. If a dealer is buying the vehicle, talk with them before signing your title.
1. Verify Your Title
First, verify the title is registered in your name and contains no errors or alterations. A lost, stolen, or damaged title must be replaced with a duplicate through the Alaska DMV before you can sell.
2. Notarization Is Not Required
Notarization isn't required for a standard private sale in Alaska. The seller and buyer signatures on the title are all that's needed. The exception is special circumstances like Power of Attorney signings. When in doubt, the Alaska DMV can clarify what your specific situation requires.
3. Complete the Seller Information on the Back of the Title
On the reverse side of the title, you'll find the seller's section that needs to be completed accurately:
- Seller's Signature: Sign in the box labeled for the seller's signature. All owners listed on the title must sign.
- Printed Name of Seller: Print your name exactly as it appears on the title.
- Buyer Information: Provide the buyer's full name and address in the designated section.
- Odometer Reading: Provide the vehicle's accurate mileage at the time of sale, ensuring this information is filled in correctly without errors. It is important to not guess this number, and record an exact mileage number.
Important: Resist the urge to fix mistakes with white-out or cross-outs. Any corrections on the title will void the document.
4. Address Liens
Got a lien on the title? You'll need the lienholder's permission before transferring ownership. They can either sign the title directly or issue a lien release letter. The transfer isn't legal until the lien is officially cleared.
5. Consider Multiple Owners
Multiple owners on a title? The connector between names tells you whether one or both signatures are required:
- "AND": Both owners are required to sign.
- "OR": Only one owner needs to sign.
Key Takeaways
- Notarization is not required for a standard private sale.
- Ensure all signatures match exactly as they appear on the title.
- Address any existing liens before proceeding.
Follow these steps and your Alaska title transfer should go through without issue. For full official guidance, visit the Alaska DMV website.
Verified May 2026