Alaska Vehicle Title Bonds

A bonded title in Alaska is a regular vehicle title the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues on the strength of a surety bond. You use it when you cannot give the DMV adequate proof that you own the vehicle — for example, the title is missing and the seller cannot provide one. Alaska law sets this out in 2 AAC 92.010(b), which lets you file a three-year surety bond (or post an equal cash deposit) to get a title.

The bond protects the State of Alaska and any future owner or lienholder if someone else turns out to have a claim on the vehicle. You file it together with your title application — it does not replace the application.

Alaska sets the bond at 1.5 times your vehicle’s appraised retail value, and the bond lasts three years and cannot be canceled. If no one makes a valid claim during that time, the bond ends and you keep a clear title.

The vehicle must be physically located in Alaska, and the appraisal must be done in Alaska. A surety bond is required for vehicles and for trailers over 500 pounds; a trailer 500 pounds or less can use a weight slip instead.

You do not pay the full bond amount. In Alaska, the surety bond must equal 1.5 times your vehicle’s appraised retail value. You pay a premium, which is a smaller percentage of that bond amount.

Your premium depends on the bond amount and underwriting. Use the calculator above for an estimate; your final premium may vary. The $15 title fee and any registration fees and taxes are separate from the bond premium. Instead of buying a bond, you may post an equal cash deposit with the DMV.