Detailed answer — clear step‑by‑step process

When a parent dies and you want to transfer the vehicle into the other parent’s name but you do not have the original title, follow a few well‑defined steps. The exact paperwork depends on how the vehicle was titled (sole ownership, joint tenants, or with a lien) and whether probate is required. In many Alaska cases you can complete the transfer through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) without full probate if you meet the small‑estate or other simplified transfer rules.

1) Confirm ownership and basic facts

• Check any car records, insurance documents, loan statements, or bank records to confirm how the vehicle was titled (solely in the decedent’s name, jointly titled, or with a lien).
• Get at least one certified death certificate from the vital records office; most DMV offices require it for transfers after death.

2) Contact the Alaska DMV to learn specific requirements

Alaska DMV handles title transfers. Call or visit the DMV website to confirm current forms, fees, and any local procedures: Alaska DMV. If a titled owner died, the DMV will tell you whether you must obtain a duplicate title first or whether you may use an affidavit to transfer ownership directly.

3) If you cannot find the original title, consider two common routes

1. Request a duplicate title in the decedent’s name (if available and practical).

   Who can request a duplicate depends on DMV rules. Often the personal representative (executor/administrator) or an heir who can show authorization can apply for a duplicate. The duplicate confirms the decedent was the titled owner and makes a standard title transfer to the surviving spouse or heir straightforward.

2. Use an affidavit or simplified transfer if allowed.

   If Alaska DMV permits, heirs may transfer the vehicle with an affidavit of heirship or a small‑estate affidavit when the estate qualifies under Alaska’s simplified procedures. The DMV typically requires a completed title application, the affidavit signed by the heir (or heirs), the death certificate, an odometer statement if applicable, lien releases, and payment of title/registration fees.

4) Small‑estate and simplified transfers — when they help

Alaska provides simplified procedures for transferring certain personal property without full probate where the estate value falls under specified thresholds or where the vehicle is passing to a surviving spouse or specific heirs. If the estate qualifies, an affidavit signed under penalty of perjury (commonly called a small estate affidavit or affidavit for transfer of motor vehicle) may be acceptable to the DMV in place of letters testamentary. Check the DMV instructions for required language and witness/notary rules.

5) Typical documents you will need

• Certified copy of the decedent’s death certificate.
• Completed Alaska title application (signed by the person transferring title and the person receiving title as required by DMV).
• Affidavit for transfer or small estate affidavit (if using simplified transfer procedures).
• Proof of your relationship to the decedent (marriage certificate if transferring to spouse may help).
• Odometer disclosure statement (required for most vehicles under federal/state rules if vehicle is under a certain age or weight).
• Lien release(s), if any liens appear on the title record.
• Payment for title fees, taxes, and registration.

6) If the DMV refuses the affidavit or simplified transfer

Sometimes the DMV will require letters testamentary or letters of administration issued by an Alaska court before it will issue a new title. In that case you must open a probate estate (or an administration) in Alaska superior court for the decedent and obtain court authorization for the personal representative to transfer the vehicle. Contact your local superior court clerk for forms and procedures.

7) Hypothetical example to illustrate the process

Hypothetical facts: Mom (decedent) owned a 2012 sedan solely in her name. Dad (surviving spouse) wants the car, but the family cannot find the original paper title. Steps the family takes:

1. Order two certified death certificates.
2. Call Alaska DMV and confirm the vehicle shows in Mom’s name and that no lien is listed.
3. Prepare a small‑estate affidavit (or an affidavit for transfer of motor vehicle) that complies with DMV instructions, have Dad sign it in front of a notary, and assemble the title application and odometer statement.
4. Submit the affidavit, death certificate, title application, and fees to the DMV. DMV issues a new title in Dad’s name without full probate.

8) Fees and timing

Fees vary by vehicle type, title, and registration decisions. Processing time depends on whether you can complete everything at a local DMV office or must mail documents. Check current fee schedules and processing times at the Alaska DMV: https://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/.

9) When you should get legal help

If the estate contains disputes (competing heirs), liens or creditors assert claims, or the DMV refuses a simplified transfer, consult an attorney experienced in Alaska probate. An attorney can advise whether opening probate or seeking court orders will be faster or required.

Important: This article provides general information about common procedures in Alaska. The DMV and courts update forms and rules. Always confirm current requirements with the Alaska DMV or the local superior court before submitting paperwork.

Helpful hints

• Start by calling your local Alaska DMV office — staff can confirm the exact forms you need and whether a small‑estate affidavit will be accepted.
• Obtain multiple certified death certificates right away — you’ll likely need more than one for the DMV, banks, and other institutions.
• If the vehicle had a loan, contact the lender. The lienholder may hold the title and must release the lien or direct you how to proceed.
• Keep careful records: write down who you spoke with at the DMV, the date, and what they told you to expect.
• If the deceased listed a surviving spouse as joint owner, the transfer may be easier — however, confirm how the title was recorded (some joint arrangements in Alaska differ in effect).
• If you cannot find a form online, visit a DMV office in person with the death certificate, ID, and any vehicle documents you do have; staff often can provide or print the correct affidavit form.
• When in doubt, a short consultation with a probate attorney can save time and money compared with a mistaken filing or unnecessary probate.

Resources: Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles: https://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/. For local court questions about opening a probate estate contact the Alaska superior court clerk for your area (information available at the Alaska Court System website: https://courts.alaska.gov/).

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. This article explains general information about Alaska procedures for transferring vehicle titles after a death and is not legal advice. For legal advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in Alaska.