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

Because Alaska does not offer a vehicle TOD designation, the vehicle transfers through: Title the vehicle jointly with the "OR" conjunction: "If a vehicle is jointly owned by a deceased person with the conjunction 'OR', the surviving owner may release the title" (Alaska DMV, Deceased Owner)., Small-estate affidavit: for estates of $150,000 or less, a successor may obtain title with Form 827 (Affidavit for an Estate with Assets of $150,000 or Less) — requires 30 days since death, no pending personal-representative appointment, vehicles under AS 28.10.011 totaling no more than $100,000 and other personal property no more than $50,000; the affidavit must be notarized and no court action is needed., Probate: a personal representative appointed by the court (Letters Testamentary, Letters of Administration, or Letter of Appointment) releases the title in the same manner as a person holding a power of attorney., Revocable living trust: title the vehicle in the trust so it passes outside probate.. To keep other assets out of probate, SimplyTrust sets up a revocable trust online.

Without a vehicle TOD option, a Alaska vehicle typically passes through the estate unless it is jointly titled or held in a trust, or qualifies for a small-estate transfer. Compare your options with the trust vs. will comparison.