Do I Need a Vehicle Transfer on Death Designation in Alaska?

Alaska allows a transfer on death title on motor vehicle titled by the alaska dmv and boat titled by the alaska dmv. Only property the DMV actually titles is eligible. AS 28.10.201(b) bars a certificate of title for a vehicle exempt from registration under AS 28.10.011 and for "a snowmobile or off-highway vehicle," so ATVs and snowmachines — which the DMV confirms "do not require titles" — cannot carry a transfer on death title. Boats are eligible only where the DMV is required or allowed to title them under AS 05.25.055 or 05.25.056.Alaska Stat. 13.33.401 (see also AS 28.10.275 (vehicles), AS 05.25.058 (boats)); enacted by ch. 12, SLA 2026 (CSSB 104(FIN))Verified Aug 25, 2026View source

Add the designation through the Alaska Department of Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) using the standard title application. Notarization is not required.Alaska Stat. 13.33.401 (see also AS 28.10.275 (vehicles), AS 05.25.058 (boats)); enacted by ch. 12, SLA 2026 (CSSB 104(FIN))Verified Aug 25, 2026View source

You file the completed designation with the Alaska Department of Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by mail to State of Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, ATTN: CORRESPONDENCE, 4001 Ingra Street, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503 or in person.Alaska Department of Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) filing processVerified Aug 25, 2026View source AS 13.33.401 took effect July 1, 2026, but the Department of Administration had not yet published the TOD application form, its fee, or a TOD process page as of 2026-08-25. The channels recorded here are the DMV's documented channels for title applications generally. Confirm the current filing route with the DMV before relying on it.

Yes. Alaska allows more than one beneficiary on a vehicle transfer on death title. Surviving beneficiaries take the vehicle together with right of survivorship.Alaska Stat. 13.33.401 (see also AS 28.10.275 (vehicles), AS 05.25.058 (boats)); enacted by ch. 12, SLA 2026 (CSSB 104(FIN))Verified Aug 25, 2026View source

Yes. The designation can be changed or cancelled at any time during your lifetime. In Alaska: Transfer the boat or vehicle to another person and assign and deliver the certificate of title to that person. AS 13.33.401(g)(1)., File with the department an application on the department's form and pay the fee to reissue the certificate of title without a designated beneficiary or with a different designated beneficiary. AS 13.33.401(g)(2)., The designation may NOT be changed or revoked by will or another instrument, by a change in circumstances, or in any other manner. AS 13.33.401(q)..Alaska Stat. 13.33.401 (see also AS 28.10.275 (vehicles), AS 05.25.058 (boats)); enacted by ch. 12, SLA 2026 (CSSB 104(FIN))Verified Aug 25, 2026View source

The beneficiary retitles the vehicle with the Alaska Department of Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by submitting: Proof of the death of the owner — a death certificate, another official record of the death, or other evidence of the death satisfactory to the department. AS 13.33.401(o)(1)., An application for the certificate of title on a form established by the department. AS 13.33.401(o)(2)., The department's fee for the certificate of title. AS 13.33.401(o)(2).. A vehicle designation covers only that vehicle — to keep a home, accounts, and everything else out of probate in one document, SimplyTrust sets up a revocable trust online.