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Transferring a Car in Alaska Without Probate

Not the same form used for a bank account — and whether the title says "OR" or "AND" changes the whole process.

Alaska DMV, Form 827

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · Reviewed 2026 · How we calculate

Quick answer: check whether the title reads OR or AND first. With OR, the survivor simply releases the title. With AND or sole ownership, use the DMV's own Form 827 if the estate qualifies.

A dedicated DMV form, not the general P-110

Confirmed current: for small estates of $150,000.00 or less, a successor to the deceased owner may obtain title by completing an Affidavit for an Estate with Assets of $150,000 or Less (Form 827). This procedure eliminates the need for probate proceedings and the probate court does not need to sign, issue, record, or take any other action on the affidavit — the same $100,000 vehicle / $50,000 other-personal-property caps apply, just combined into one $150,000 headline figure on this specific form.

OR versus AND makes all the difference

Joint ownership with "OR" lets the surviving owner simply release the title, with no additional documents related to the deceased required. Sole ownership, or joint ownership with "AND," means the vehicle becomes part of the deceased owner's estate and must follow probate procedures unless the estate qualifies for Form 827.

A lost title has to be replaced first

If the title has been lost, a duplicate title must be obtained before any transfer can be processed.

A newer option in development: TOD for vehicles and boats

Alaska has been developing transfer-on-death titling for boats and vehicles through the DMV, letting an owner name a beneficiary in advance and adding that transfer to the state's list of accepted nonprobate transfers — worth checking current DMV guidance for availability.

Facing probate in Alaska?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to an Alaska attorney

The Alaska DMV processes Form 827 the same way statewide, regardless of which borough or census area the decedent lived in — Alaska has no counties at all, unlike most other states.

Vehicle title transfer — frequently asked questions

Does the DMV use the same P-110 form as banks and other holders?

No — the Alaska DMV has its own dedicated Form 827, the Affidavit for an Estate with Assets of $150,000 or Less, which applies the same two underlying caps but is a separate, DMV-specific document.

Why does it matter whether a jointly titled vehicle says OR or AND?

With OR, the surviving owner may simply release the title with no additional documents related to the deceased. With AND, the vehicle becomes part of the deceased owner's estate and must follow probate procedures unless the small estate affidavit applies.

What if the title has been lost?

A duplicate title must be obtained before a transfer can be processed at all.

Is there a newer, non-probate option specifically for vehicles?

Alaska has been developing transfer-on-death titling for boats and vehicles through the DMV, letting an owner name a beneficiary in advance and add that transfer to the state's list of accepted nonprobate transfers.

Keep going

Alaska Small Estate Affidavit CheckerDoes this estate qualify? Alaska Small Estate: How-ToFiling Form P-110, step by step Do I Need Probate in Alaska?Why the house always needs its own path

This page provides general guidance only and is not legal advice. Based on Alaska DMV Form 827 and title transfer guidance (doa.alaska.gov/DMV). Fees and requirements can change; confirm current figures with the DMV or a licensed Alaska attorney before acting.