Alaska Vehicle Bill of Sale

Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Alaska?

A bill of sale is recommended for all private vehicle sales in Alaska, though the certificate of title is the primary ownership transfer document. The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles notes that a bill of sale is not valid for ownership transfer on its own — only the properly assigned title transfers ownership. However, a bill of sale provides proof that the transaction occurred on a specific date and is important for liability protection. The document should include the VIN, vehicle description, sale price, date, and signatures of both parties.

Does an Alaska bill of sale need to be notarized?

No. Alaska does not require notarization for a standard private-party vehicle bill of sale. The signed bill of sale with buyer and seller signatures is sufficient. Notarization may be required for specific DMV forms, such as the Affidavit of Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Title (Form 809), but not for the bill of sale itself. The title assignment also does not require notarization.

How long do I have to register a vehicle after purchase in Alaska?

The buyer must title and register the vehicle within 30 days of purchase. Registration is handled at an Alaska DMV office. The buyer needs the assigned title, bill of sale, proof of Alaska liability insurance, and payment for the $15 title fee and $100 registration fee. For vehicles coming from out of state, a VIN inspection may be required. The seller should file a Notice of Transfer Pending (Form 820) to release liability.

Is there sales tax on vehicle purchases in Alaska?

Alaska has no state sales tax. However, municipalities and boroughs may impose their own local sales taxes, which can range up to 7.5% depending on the jurisdiction. The buyer is responsible for paying any applicable local sales tax to the relevant municipality. The seller is not obligated to collect sales tax in a private party sale. Some remote areas of Alaska have no local sales tax at all, making the purchase entirely tax-free.

Is an odometer disclosure required in Alaska?

Yes. Federal law requires odometer disclosure for vehicles less than 20 model years old — the threshold NHTSA extended from 10 years effective January 1, 2021 (applying to model year 2011 and newer vehicles). The seller certifies the odometer reading on the reassignment section of the certificate of title. The disclosure indicates whether the mileage is actual, exceeds mechanical limits, or is not the actual mileage. The Alaska DMV will not process a title transfer if the odometer section has not been completed on qualifying vehicles.

What does the seller need to do after selling a car in Alaska?

After selling a vehicle in Alaska, the seller should complete the Notice of Vehicle Sale for Transfer (the tear-off portion at the bottom of the title, or Form 820) and send it to the Alaska DMV. This release protects the seller from liability for parking tickets, towing charges, or accidents involving the vehicle after the sale date. The seller should also remove personalized or specialty plates, though standard plates in Alaska stay with the vehicle.

What if the vehicle has multiple owners?

If the vehicle is titled to more than one person, all owners on the title must sign the bill of sale. Use the "Add a co-seller" option on the form to add the second seller's name and address. Both sellers' names and signature lines will appear on the document. For electronic signing, each co-owner can sign on the same device in sequence, or the document can be passed from one device to another via QR code or shared link. Both buyers can likewise be named on the bill of sale using the "Add a co-buyer" option.