Alaska2026Passed Legislature

HB18

Alaska HB 18: Transfer on Death Titles for Boats and Vehicles

Last scannedSep 14, 2026, 12:32 AM

In one sentence

This law allows boat and vehicle owners in Alaska to name a person who will automatically receive the title when they die, without needing probate court.

Creates a new 'transfer on death' (TOD) title option for boats and vehicles that transfers ownership directly to a named beneficiary upon the owner's death.
Requires owners to submit an application with at least one but no more than two designated beneficiaries and pay a fee to get this special title.
Allows owners to change or cancel the TOD designation at any time while they are alive without needing permission from the beneficiary.
States that creditors can claim against these vehicles if the owner's other estate assets cannot pay debts, but only within 12 months of death after a written demand is made.
Clarifies that naming a beneficiary does not give them ownership rights or affect public assistance eligibility before the owner dies.

Owners of boats and vehicles in Alaska who want to pass their titles directly to heirs without probate court.
Designated beneficiaries named on these special transfer-on-death titles.
The Department of Administration, which issues the new title forms and processes applications.

The law does not specify the exact dollar amount for application fees, as these are set by department regulations.
Creditors can only seek payment from these vehicles if other estate assets fail to cover debts and they file a claim within one year of death after receiving a written demand.
A beneficiary must survive the owner by at least 120 hours (5 days) to receive the title.

Plain language

Transfer on Death (TOD) Title: A special vehicle or boat registration that automatically passes ownership to a named person when the owner dies, skipping probate court procedures.
Designated Beneficiary: The specific person chosen by the owner to receive the title after death; an owner can name at least one and no more than two people.
Nontestamentary Transfer: A transfer of property that happens outside of a will and does not go through probate court procedures.

Official record

Validated

VEHICLES/BOATS: TRANSFER ON DEATH TITLE An Act relating to the transfer of a title on the death of the owner; and providing for an effective date.

Official activity