What Happens If Two People Own a Car And One Dies in Alaska
When one of two co-owners listed on an Alaska vehicle title dies, the subsequent steps depend on whether the title was issued with survivorship language and whether the deceased owner's share passes directly to the surviving owner or becomes part of the estate. Alaska requires title and registration records to reflect current legal ownership, so the surviving co-owner, estate representative, or successor must promptly update the title through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Determine How the Names Appear on the Alaska Car Title
The conjunction used between co-owners' names on an Alaska vehicle title determines whether the vehicle passes to the surviving owner automatically or becomes part of the deceased person's estate. This distinction is critical to the title transfer process following death.
If the Title Shows Survivorship Language
If the two names are joined by the word "or," the vehicle is held with survivorship rights. Under Alaska DMV guidance, when a vehicle is jointly owned by a deceased person with the conjunction "OR", the surviving owner may release the title and obtain a new registration in their name alone. The deceased owner's interest passes to the surviving co-owner by operation of law, and probate proceedings are not required.
If the Title Does Not Show Survivorship Language
If the two names are joined by the word "and" or if no conjunction appears between the names, the vehicle is owned as a tenancy in common. In this scenario, the deceased owner's share does not automatically pass to the surviving co-owner. Instead, the vehicle becomes part of the deceased person's estate and must be handled through either formal probate proceedings or, if the estate qualifies, through an informal small-estate procedure.
Alaska Car Title Rules After One Owner Dies
When a vehicle is jointly titled with survivorship wording such as "or," the deceased owner's interest passes to the surviving owner, and the deceased owner's name must be removed from the title and registration. A certified copy of the death certificate is the required documentation to support that change.
If the title does not include survivorship language, the title record must not remain unchanged after one owner dies. Alaska requires the title and registration to be corrected so that it reflects the estate's interest or the interest of the person who lawfully receives the vehicle through the estate settlement process.
Does a Car Go Through Probate in Alaska if One Owner Dies?
Not necessarily. If the vehicle is titled with survivorship language such as "or," the vehicle interest generally passes directly to the surviving owner and does not go through the deceased owner's estate. The surviving owner may complete a title transfer without filing any probate petition.
If the title is held without survivorship language, the deceased owner's share becomes part of the estate. Under Alaska Statutes § 13.16.680, when the total value of the entire estate, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed $150,000, the estate may avoid formal probate by using an Affidavit for an Estate with Assets of $150,000 or Less (Form 827). This procedure eliminates the need for probate court proceedings and does not require court approval.
The affidavit must state that the entire estate's value meets specific thresholds: vehicles subject to registration under AS 28.10.011 with a total value not exceeding $100,000 and personal property other than vehicles not exceeding $50,000. Additionally, at least 30 days must have elapsed since the owner's death, no petition for appointment of a personal representative may be pending or granted, and the individual must be the lawful successor to the vehicle.
If the estate exceeds $150,000 or the parties prefer formal probate, the estate representative must petition the court for appointment and obtain Letters of Administration, Letters of Testamentary, or an equivalent court order. Similarly, under Alaska Statutes § 13.16.690, summary administration may be available for eligible estates as an alternative to full probate.
How To Transfer a Car Title in Alaska After a Co-Owner Dies
Depending on the ownership structure and whether the estate requires probate, the transfer process varies. Applications must be filed with the Division of Motor Vehicles through submission by mail to the headquarters office or through an authorized representative.
General Process
The process begins with review of the current title to identify the conjunction between names and determine whether the vehicle passes by survivorship or through the estate. Next, the applicant gathers the current title, death certificate, and all relevant ownership documentation.
For a vehicle held with survivorship language ("or"), the surviving owner or an authorized representative submits a properly completed Application for Title & Registration (Form V1), the original title (or a notarized Affidavit of Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Title (Form 809) if the title is unavailable), and a certified copy of the death certificate. The applicant must also provide the vehicle's odometer reading.
For a vehicle held without survivorship language, the process requires different supporting documentation. If the estate is being formally probated, the applicant must provide Letters of Administration, Letters of Testamentary, or an equivalent court-issued order. If the estate qualifies for and uses the small-estate affidavit procedure, the applicant must provide a completed and notarized Affidavit for an Estate with Assets of $150,000 or Less (Form 827). The affidavit must contain the vehicle's full and complete serial number (VIN).
Once all documentation is assembled, the application is submitted to the Division of Motor Vehicles by mail at the headquarters address or delivered in person during business hours. The applicant must sign the V1 application under penalty of perjury, confirming that all information is true and correct.
Applicable Fees
The fees that most commonly apply to title transfers after the death of a co-owner in Alaska are as follows:
| Fee Item | Amount | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| Title and registration | Varies | New title issued to successor; base registration fee of $68 plus Motor Vehicle Registration Tax (MVRT) based on vehicle type and location |
| Duplicate or replacement title | $15 | When the original title is unavailable and a duplicate must be obtained before transfer |
| Vehicle registration fee | $68 base | Base registration fee; Motor Vehicle Registration Tax (MVRT) varies by vehicle type, model year, and location |
| Additional registration tax (MVRT) | Varies by location | Motor Vehicle Registration Tax assessed based on vehicle characteristics and Alaska location |
| Walk-in transaction fee | $10 | Added for in-person transactions at a DMV office |
Registration fees and taxes are calculated based on the vehicle's classification, model year, gross weight (for commercial and heavy vehicles), and the applicant's location within Alaska. The DMV provides an online calculator to determine the exact combined fee before submission.
Surviving Spouse
Alaska does not establish a separate title transfer deadline or exemption specific to surviving spouses. However, a surviving spouse who acquires a vehicle through joint ownership with survivorship rights ("or") or through estate succession follows the same title transfer procedure as any other successor.
Documents Needed to Transfer an Alaska Car Title After Death
The exact documents required depend on how the vehicle is titled, whether the estate is being probated, and whether it qualifies for the small-estate affidavit procedure. The Alaska DMV requires records sufficient to establish lawful ownership and authority to transfer the vehicle.
Common Documents
For all transfers following a co-owner's death, the applicant must provide:
- The current certificate of title, if available, or a completed and notarized Affidavit of Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Title (Form 809) if the title cannot be located
- An original or certified copy of the death certificate of the deceased owner
- A properly completed Application for Title & Registration (Form V1), signed under penalty of perjury by the person applying for the new title, with the vehicle's odometer reading
For estates undergoing formal probate, the applicant must provide:
- Letters of Administration, Letters of Testamentary, or an equivalent court order issued by an Alaska court or a court in another jurisdiction showing the applicant's authority as the personal representative
For estates qualifying for and using the small-estate procedure, the applicant must provide:
- A completed and notarized Affidavit for an Estate with Assets of $150,000 or Less (Form 827), containing the vehicle's full and complete VIN and the applicant's declaration that the conditions specified in AS 13.16.680 have been met
For estates undergoing summary administration under AS 13.16.690, the applicant must provide:
- A certified copy of the closing statement for the estate showing the applicant as the person entitled to the vehicle
What if There Is a Loan on the Car?
If a lienholder is recorded on the title, the lienholder information must match that shown on the current title document when a new title application is submitted. The applicant should present both the existing title and all lien-related documents to the DMV office to ensure the ownership transfer and lien information are reviewed together and properly recorded on the new title.
If a lien has been paid off before the title transfer, the applicant must submit a lien release or have the lienholder complete the lien release section of the title document.
Contact Information
Division of Motor Vehicles
4001 Ingra Street, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: (907) 269-5551
Official Website: Division of Motor Vehicles
