NO PROOF OF OWNERSHIP (SURETY BOND)

Vehicles Purchased with No Title

Alaska law requires an individual to transfer ownership of a highway motor-vehicle by using a title document. However, if a person has purchased a vehicle from someone and has lost the title that was received from the seller, or the seller did not give the buyer the title, it is still possible to obtain a title.

Note: ATV's, Snow-machines, and other Off-highway vehicles do not require a title to transfer ownership in Alaska.

2 AAC 92.010(b) allows an individual to obtain a three-year non-cancelable title surety bond or deposit a cash bond with the Division of Motor Vehicles in the amount of one and a half times the appraised value of the vehicle. The bond financially protects the State in case of a legal dispute concerning ownership of the vehicle for which the State has issued a title.

Trailers

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

These instructions and procedures DO NOT apply to:

• Abandoned vehicles,
• Vehicles obtained through a work and/or storage lien (aka mechanic’s lien)
• Vehicles obtained through a towing and storage lien (aka impoundment or warehouseman’s lien) 
• Foreign vehicles without the proper documentation from customs

The Process

Step 1: Get a Vehicle Appraisal

• A bona fide appraisal must be conducted to determine the vehicle's fair market value. See below for details.

• The appraisal must be completed in Alaska.

Step 2: Obtain a Surety Bond or Cash Deposit

• Complete Form 824 (Surety Bond – No Proof of Ownership).

• Obtain a three-year non-cancelable surety bond or deposit a cash bond with the DMV.

• The bond or cash deposit must be 1.5 times the appraised value of the vehicle.

Step 3: Vehicle Inspection

• The vehicle must be inspected using Form 811 by a Alaska DMV representative or Alaskan peace officer.

  • Inspections are free at state DMV offices, but partner offices may charge a fee. View inspection locations here.

• The inspection verifies the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and confirms the vehicle’s identity.

• The vehicle must be operational and in satisfactory working condition with all state and federal required equipment.

• If needed, you may request a one-way trip permit from the DMV to transport the vehicle for inspection.

  Important Requirements

  • The vehicle must be physically located in Alaska to qualify for a surety bond title.

  • The appraisal must be conducted within Alaska.

  • If the vehicle is outside Alaska, follow the title procedures for the state where it is located.

The Appraisal 

Effective 05/07/2025, A completed and signed Form 825 must be included with the surety bond where the following is correct: 

1. Value must be fully justified.

2. Appraisal may be obtained from a licensed dealer, insurance appraiser or a Bank.  If none of these are available in your area, check with DMV for other options.

3. Appraisal of the retail value (not wholesale or trade-in value) must be submitted.

4. The appraisal must be signed by the person performing the appraisal.

5. The vehicle must be physically inspected by the appraiser in Alaska 2 AAC 92.010(b) (not inspected with photos only).

6. The vehicle must be a complete vehicle.

7. Appraisals must not be over 90 days old.

8. The applicant and appraiser must not be the same individual or company.

9. The seller and appraiser must not be the same individual or company.

10. The form must be filled out in full.

    1. 1. Plate Number and State, if available

       2. Vehicle Identification Number

       3. Year

       4. Make

       5. Model

       6. Body Style

       7. Name of owner

       8.  Name, phone number and address of appraiser

       9. Description of the interior and exterior of the vehicle such as body damage, missing or damaged components, torn upholstery and/or seats, safety glass damaged and not replaced, etc.

11. If an item does not apply, note “If applicable or (I/A).” Any alterations or changes to the appraisal form after completion voids the form in its entirety, please refrain from using crossed-out information. 

12. The appraiser should keep a copy of the appraisal.

13. Appraiser must attach a copy of the program,  guidebook or internet service that was used to determine the vehicles value such as Kelly Blue Book®, NADA®, or Carfax® for all vehicles except RVs, and Trailers.

Change Notice: Appraisals issued before 05/07/2025 may be obtained from license dealer insurance adjustor or bank and will be authorized for use after the effective date of change for their 90 day life span. The appraisal must be on company letterhead that meets the below requirements:

1. Value must be fully justified.

2. Appraisal may be obtained from a licensed dealer, insurance appraiser or a Bank.  

3. Appraisal of the retail value (not wholesale or trade-in value) must be submitted.

4. The appraisal must be signed by the person performing the appraisal.

5. The vehicle must be physically inspected by the appraiser in Alaska 2 AAC 92.010(b) (not inspected with photos only).

6. The vehicle must be a complete vehicle.

7. Appraisals must not be over 90 days old.

8. The applicant and appraiser must not be the same individual or company.

9. The seller and appraiser must not be the same individual or company.

10. The form must be filled out in full.

1. 1. Plate Number and State, if available

   2. Vehicle Identification Number

   3. Year

   4. Make

   5. Model

   6. Body Style

   7. Name of owner

   8. Name, phone number and address of appraiser

   9. Description of the interior and exterior of the vehicle such as body damage, missing or damaged components, torn upholstery and/or seats, safety glass damaged and not replaced, etc.