How To Claim an Abandoned Vehicle in Alaska

An abandoned vehicle in Alaska may be claimed by following the legal process established by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles. Understanding each step ensures compliance with state law and protects the interests of both the party claiming the vehicle and the original vehicle owner. The process differs significantly depending on whether the vehicle is on private or public property, as Alaska statutes provide distinct pathways for each.

What Qualifies as an Abandoned Vehicle in Alaska

The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles defines abandoned motor vehicles according to specific criteria established under AS 28.11.020. A motor vehicle is classified as abandoned if it meets any of the following conditions:

• Left unattended on a highway or vehicular way for more than 48 hours. This applies to vehicles parked on or within 10 feet of the traveled portion of a highway without the vehicle owner's consent.
• Left unattended on public property for more than 30 days. This category applies to vehicles left on public property such as parking areas, public roadways, or other publicly accessible locations without the owner's or property manager's permission.
• Left standing or parked on private property for more than 24 hours without consent. This classification covers vehicles that may be removed by authorities under AS 28.11.020. However, for a private property owner to claim ownership of the vehicle under AS 28.11.025, the vehicle must have been left standing or parked on the property without consent for a period of 30 days, after which title is presumed to vest with the property owner upon proper notice and expiration of an additional 30-day notice period.
• Left unattended due to the driver's arrest, injury, or other emergency requiring immediate removal. In these situations, peace officers or authorized municipal employees determine the necessity of removal, prioritizing public safety and the clearing of hazardous vehicles from roadways and properties.

The distinction between procedures for vehicles abandoned on private property and those on public or municipal property is critical. Vehicles abandoned on private property fall under AS 28.11.025, which provides a specific claim-of-ownership pathway for private property owners. Vehicles on public property or those removed by municipality or state direction fall under AS 28.11.020 through AS 28.11.030, allowing for public auction or disposal procedures.

Process to Claim an Abandoned Vehicle in Alaska

Understanding the Abandoned Vehicle Process

Alaska recognizes two primary pathways for claiming abandoned vehicles, depending on the property type where the vehicle is located. For vehicles abandoned on private property without the owner's consent, the private property owner may directly claim ownership through the procedures outlined in AS 28.11.025, provided proper notification is given to the registered owner and any lienholders. For vehicles on public property or removed by municipal or state authority, the state or municipality may dispose of the vehicle through public auction at least 20 days after published notice. This transparent process protects the interests of the current owner, any lienholders, and parties seeking to acquire the vehicle. Any member of the public, including the private property owner or person in possession of the vehicle, may participate in the public auction and bid on the vehicle.

Report the Vehicle Through Appropriate Channels

For private property owners seeking to claim ownership of vehicles abandoned on their property, initiate the process by gathering documentation confirming the vehicle's abandonment. The property owner must provide evidence that the vehicle has been parked on the private property without consent for the required 30-day minimum period before a claim of ownership can be pursued under AS 28.11.025. Simultaneously, contact the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles to determine the vehicle's title status and the jurisdiction where it is registered. Using the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), verify which state has issued the vehicle's title.

For vehicles on public property or those removed by municipality or state authority, the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles or the responsible municipality will typically initiate the report and removal process. Local law enforcement or authorized municipal employees document the vehicle's location, condition, and duration of abandonment. A notice of removal or impound is generated, and the vehicle is transported to a designated storage facility.

Verify Vehicle Title Location and Request Records

For vehicles titled in Alaska, contact the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles to request title records and verify vehicle ownership information. For vehicles titled in other states, submit a Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) request to the motor vehicle division in the vehicle's titled state to obtain certified records containing registered owner and lienholder information. Certified records are essential, as the abandoned vehicle process cannot proceed without documented proof of ownership and lien status.

Report Owner and Lienholder Information and Provide Notice

The private property owner or the storing entity must provide notice of the vehicle's abandonment to the registered owner and any lienholders listed on the vehicle's title. Notice may be given in one of three methods: (1) personal delivery to the person named on the title, (2) registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the person at the address shown on DMV records, or (3) publication in a newspaper if the vehicle is not registered in Alaska or if the owner's identity or address cannot be reasonably determined.

For publication, notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the area near the vehicle's location, or notice may be provided through the Alaska Court System legal notice website in accordance with the Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure. The notice must include the vehicle's description (including the Vehicle Identification Number), the location of abandonment, the period of time the vehicle has been abandoned, and the intent to claim ownership if the vehicle is not recovered.

The giving of notice is considered complete upon receipt of the return receipt, return of the mail as undeliverable or refused, or upon the first publication date if it is published. Proof of notice must be retained by the claiming party in the form of either (1) an affidavit of personal delivery, or (2) certified mail receipts and return receipts, or (3) an affidavit of publication.

Allow the Statutory Waiting Period

Allow at least 30 calendar days to pass from the date notice was given or first published. This 30-day notice period begins after the vehicle has already satisfied the initial 30-day abandonment requirement under AS 28.11.025, meaning a total of approximately 60 days may elapse from the date the vehicle was first abandoned on the property. During this 30-day notice period, the registered owner, any lienholder, or other person lawfully entitled to possession of the vehicle may reclaim the vehicle by contacting the private property owner or the storage facility holding the vehicle. If the vehicle is reclaimed during this period, the abandonment claim process terminates.

Obtain Necessary Vehicle Documentation

After the 30-day notification period has expired without reclaim, the claiming party must secure an inspection of the vehicle from the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles. An Alaska Certificate of Vehicle Inspection (Form 811) must be completed by a certified DMV representative or Alaska peace officer. The inspection verifies the Vehicle Identification Number and confirms the vehicle's identity, which is critical in preventing title fraud. Inspections are provided free of charge at state DMV offices, though partner DMV offices may assess fees.

Simultaneously, gather all documentation pertaining to the notice provided to the owner and lienholders, including copies of certified mail receipts, return receipts, delivery confirmations, or published notices. This documentation is essential for the subsequent title application process.

File the Claim of Ownership and Title Transfer

The private property owner must file a Claim of Ownership / Involuntary Lien (Form 826) with the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles. This form, which must be notarized, certifies under penalty of perjury that all requirements of AS 28.11.025 and AS 28.05.121 have been met and that the claimant has a legal right to the vehicle. The form requires detailed information, including the vehicle's identification (license plate number, VIN, year, make, model, body style, color, and odometer reading), the registered owner's information, any lienholder information, and specific dates and methods of notice provided.

Apply for Title and Registration

Once the Claim of Ownership has been filed and the private property owner has secured title to the vehicle, the owner may apply for an Alaska Certificate of Title through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles. The application must include a completed Vehicle Transaction Application (Form V1), the notarized Claim of Ownership / Involuntary Lien (Form 826), the Certificate of Vehicle Inspection (Form 811), copies of all notices sent to the previous owner and lienholder, and originals or certified copies of the return receipts or published notice confirmations. The title application fee is $15.00, and additional registration fees apply if the vehicle is to be registered in Alaska.

Handling Public Auction Scenarios

For vehicles on public property or removed by municipal authority, the state or municipality may conduct a public auction at least 20 days after notice of the auction is published. The auction provides an open and fair bidding process where any member of the public may participate. If the property owner or storing entity wins the auction by submitting the highest bid, they may take title to the vehicle. If another bidder purchases the vehicle, any surplus proceeds from the sale—after deducting the costs of removal, storage, and the sale process—must be turned over to the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles in accordance with AS 28.11.030.

Title Application and Bonding Requirements

The buyer of a vehicle at a public auction must apply for the Alaska Certificate of Title within 90 days of the auction or sale. The application must be submitted to the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles through a designated agent or DMV office and must include the Vehicle Transaction Application (Form V1), the Claim of Ownership / Involuntary Lien (Form 826) signed by both the seller and buyer, the Certificate of Vehicle Inspection (Form 811), and proof of the sale transaction.

If the buyer does not have sufficient proof of ownership (such as a bill of sale from a public auction), the buyer may be required to obtain a surety bond before title can be issued. Under 2 AAC 92.010(b), the surety bond must equal 1.5 times the appraised fair market value of the vehicle. The bond must be a three-year, non-cancelable surety bond issued by an insurance company, or the buyer may deposit an equivalent cash bond with the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles. The vehicle's fair market value must be appraised by a licensed dealer, insurance appraiser, or bank on the Vehicle Appraisal Form (Form 825) and must not be more than 90 days old. All vehicles and trailers weighing over 500 pounds require a surety bond if inadequate proof of ownership is available; trailers weighing 500 pounds or less may be transferred with a bill of sale or other contract.

Special Considerations for Salvage Vehicles

If the vehicle's title bears a salvage brand or junk designation, special procedures apply to the subsequent title transfer. Under 2 AAC 92.190, the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles may issue a salvage title for a wrecked or junk vehicle, which displays the text "SALVAGE" in the upper portion of the title and includes the notation "Incomplete vehicle not for roadway use, must obtain reconstructed title prior to registration."

A vehicle bearing a salvage title cannot be registered or operated on Alaska highways until it has been rebuilt and inspected in accordance with 2 AAC 92.080. The reconstruction process must include completion of a Reconstructed Vehicle Affidavit (Form 829), confirmation that all repairs and modifications meet Alaska and federal motor vehicle safety standards, and a comprehensive vehicle inspection by a DMV representative using Form 811. Upon successful inspection and verification, the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles issues a reconstructed title brand, which permits the vehicle to be registered and operated on Alaska roadways. The fee for obtaining a salvage title is $15.00, and additional fees apply for the issuance of a reconstructed title.

Maintain Records

All documentation related to the abandoned vehicle claim and sale must be retained for a minimum of three years from the date the vehicle was acquired or the sale was conducted. These records protect the claimant or buyer against future title challenges and demonstrate compliance with Alaska statutory requirements.

Alaska Storage Fees and Financial Considerations

Storage Fee Assessment and Limitations

Storage and towing fees for abandoned vehicles are authorized under AS 28.11.090. A person authorized to remove an abandoned vehicle by contract or official order possesses a legal lien on that vehicle for the costs of towing, removal, and storage. However, storage charges cease to accrue as part of the lien after 60 days unless the registered owner or lienholder has been provided actual notice of the lien within that timeframe, or unless the storage facility sends a certified letter to the owner within 60 days documenting the lien and charges incurred.

Towing companies and storage facilities may only charge reasonable and customary rates for their services. The charges assessed must reflect the actual costs of removal, transportation, and secure storage of the vehicle. The lien for towing and storage charges remains in effect only while the vehicle remains in the possession of the person who performed the towing or storage services; once the vehicle is sold or transferred, the lien is satisfied through the sale proceeds.

Towing and Recovery Service Rates

Alaska does not establish statewide maximum rates for towing or recovery services. Instead, towing and recovery service providers in Alaska may charge reasonable market rates that vary by region. Rates typically depend on the type, weight classification, and condition of the vehicle being towed. Standard towing rates in Alaska generally range based on local market conditions and distance traveled, with additional charges for specialized equipment or heavy-vehicle recovery operations.

For commercial motor vehicles and commercial towing operations, towing companies may require a security deposit of up to $2,000 before removing the vehicle, particularly if the vehicle's owner is unknown or it poses challenges for safe storage. These deposits protect the towing service against potential recovery costs and are credited against final towing and storage charges if the vehicle is subsequently sold or reclaimed.

Dispute Resolution Process

If a vehicle owner, lienholder, or other authorized party disputes the towing or storage charges assessed against an abandoned vehicle, a written complaint may be filed with the towing or storage service provider. The complaint must be submitted within three business days of receiving the invoice documenting the charges. A copy of the complaint should also be submitted to the responsible peace officer or authorized municipal official if the vehicle was removed pursuant to law enforcement or municipal authority.

Upon receipt of a written complaint, the towing or storage facility must cease all accruing storage charges until the dispute has been reviewed and resolved. This provision protects vehicle owners from accumulating excessive charges during the dispute resolution period. Once the dispute is resolved, applicable charges resume from the date of resolution if the charges are determined to be valid.

Net Sale Proceeds and Remittance

When an abandoned vehicle is sold at public auction or through a lien sale, all proceeds must be allocated in a specific priority order established by Alaska law. Proceeds are first applied to the actual costs and expenses of the sale, including removal, storage, advertising, and auction administration fees. Second, proceeds are applied to the discharge of any valid liens (such as towing and storage liens, mechanic's liens, or lienholder claims). Any remaining net balance—proceeds exceeding total costs and lien satisfaction—must be turned over to the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles for deposit into the state general fund in accordance with AS 28.11.030.

For vehicles sold through private abandonment claims on private property, if the sale generates a net proceeds balance, the seller must provide documentation of the sale (including the Claim of Ownership / Involuntary Lien (Form 826)) and proof of funds transmission to the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles. Records of all fund remittances, including receipts or documentation of deposit, must be retained for three years and are subject to verification by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles.

Contact Information

Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
4001 Ingra Street, Ste 101, Anchorage AK 99503
Phone: (907) 269-5551
Official Website: Alaska Department of Administration – Division of Motor Vehicles