How to Get an Alaska Bonded Title

An Alaska bonded title is a legal document used to establish ownership of a vehicle when the original title is lost, unavailable or can not be transferred. It allows individuals who purchase a vehicle without a proper Alaska title to obtain legal ownership while protecting the state and future vehicle owners from financial damages.

Continue reading for step-by-step instructions, application costs and bonding information. 

Who Needs an Alaska Bonded Title?

Alaska Statute 28.10.216 requires individuals without proof of vehicle ownership to file a surety bond. Typically, you will need a bonded title under these conditions:

• You did not receive a title when you bought the vehicle.
• The title you received was incorrectly assigned to you.
• You received a title but lost it before transferring it into your name.

All vehicles and any trailer weighing over 500 pounds will require a surety bond if there is not adequate proof of ownership. Small trailers weighing less than 500 lbs may not require a surety bond if you can provide a weight slip from a certified scale.

To be eligible for a bonded title, you must be a permanent resident of Alaska and the vehicle must be located in the state. 

How to Get a Bonded Title in Alaska

Follow the six steps below to receive your Alaska bonded title(s). 

Step 1: Get an appraisal 

To appraise your vehicle's fair market value, have a licensed dealer, insurance appraiser, or bank conduct a physical inspection. The appraisal must be on company letterhead, signed, and include the plate number, VIN, year, make, model, applicant's details, and appraiser's contact info. The applicant and appraiser must be different individuals or companies.

Step 2: Purchase a surety bond

File a non-cancelable three-year bond worth 1.5 times the appraised value of the vehicle. You can buy your Alaska certificate of title bond online 24/7 at SuretyBonds.com starting at just $100. 

Step 3: Complete an affidavit

Fill out an Affidavit of Ownership, which must be notarized.

Step 4: Complete an application

Submit a Title and Registration Application (Form V1 or Form 812) to the nearest motor vehicle office.

Step 5: Get a vehicle inspection

Have the DMV inspect your vehicle to verify its ID and submit a Verification of Vehicle Form 811. It must be operational and meet all state and federal equipment requirements. You can request a one-way trip permit from the DMV to transport the vehicle for inspection if necessary.

Step 6: Submit everything to the DMV

Submit your application package to your local DMV office. This package should include the title bond, title application and vehicle inspection certificate.

Once you receive your bonded title, you will officially become the legal owner of the vehicle. If another owner files a claim on the bond, the surety will investigate the case to determine the rightful owner. A bonded title certifies ownership, but others can claim ownership if they're the rightful owner.

How Much Does an Alaska Bonded Title Cost?

The exact price will vary, as your bond amount must be 1.5 times the vehicle value as determined by your local deputy registrar's office. Alaska title bond costs start at just $100, with a flat rate of $11.50 per $1,000 of coverage up to $50,000. For bonds over $50,000, the minimum cost is $750.

Get an instant quote for your Alaska certificate of title bond now. 

Do I Need to Renew My Bonded Title?

No, your Alaska bonded title and title bond will expire three years from the effective dates and won’t require renewal. If there are no bond claims or liens on the vehicle, you’ll receive a standard title after three years. 

More Resources

• Alaska Statute 28.10.216
• Application for Title and Registration (Form 812)
• Certificate of Vehicle Inspection (Form 811).
• Alaska DMV: No Proof or Inadequate Proof of Ownership
• Alaska DMV: Titles
• Alaska DMV: DMV Forms