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 dmvAlaska 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. 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.

Add the designation through the Alaska Department of Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)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))View source using the standard title applicationAlaska 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))View source. Notarization is not requiredAlaska 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))View 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. AS 13.33.401 took effect July 1, 2026, but the Department of Administration has not published the TOD application form, its fee, or a TOD process page. The channels recorded here are the DMV's documented channels for title applications generally.

Yes. The designation can be changed or cancelled at any time during the owner's life; 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 allows more than one beneficiaryAlaska 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, who take the vehicle together with right of survivorship.

The beneficiary retitles the vehicle with the Alaska Department of Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)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))View source 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). The designation covers that vehicle alone; a revocable trust set up with SimplyTrust keeps the home, the accounts and everything else out of probate in one document.