Alaska Bill of Sale – Download Free Template
A bill of sale is important for anyone buying and selling a vehicle or vessel in Alaska. It provides legal records of the transaction and protects both seller and buyer from future disputes.
What is an Alaska Bill of Sale?
An Alaska bill of sale is proof of ownership transfer issued during a vehicle sale or purchase in Alaska. The document has detailed information, including the names of the buyer and seller, the sale price, and a vehicle description.
In Alaska, a bill of sale is required for tax assessment purposes or when you want to register the vehicle or vessel under your name. It helps resolve disputes over the sale price, payment agreements, and legal ownership. Even if it’s not legally required, it is helpful for personal records.
Why Do You Need an Alaska Bill of Sale
The Alaska bill of sale is one of the most important documents for both sellers and buyers. Here are the reasons why:
For Seller
- Acts as legal protection by proving that the vehicle has been sold.
- Without it, the seller could still be linked to the vehicle even after the sale.
- It’s recommended to check for title issues before selling to ensure there are no unpaid loans or legal claims that could delay the transaction.
For Buyers
- Serves as proof of ownership and purchase, protecting your investment after the transaction.
- Often required for vehicle registration or when resolving ownership disputes.
- Ensures the buyer has official documentation confirming the legal transfer of the vehicle.
Bill of Sale Types in Alaska
In Alaska, bills of sale are mainly categorized by whether the sale includes a warranty or is “as-is.” Common examples include motor vehicle and aircraft bills of sale. A vehicle bill of sale should list the VIN, item description, purchase price, date, and signatures of both buyer and seller.
- Private Sale Bill of Sale: Used for transactions between individuals.
- “As-Is” Bill of Sale: Used when the seller disclaims all warranties, confirming the buyer accepts the item in its current condition.
- With Warranty Bill of Sale: Used when the seller provides a warranty or guarantee regarding the item’s condition.
What Can You Find on an Alaska Bill of Sale?
The bill of sale includes important information about the vehicle you are buying in Alaska. Here’s what you can find on the bill of sale.
- Buyer and seller information (full names and contact details)
- Vehicle, trailer, or boat details (make, model, year, VIN, or hull ID)
- Purchase price and date of sale
- Odometer reading at the time of sale
- Signatures of both parties (and notarization if required)
Additional documents, such as registration numbers or proof of past ownership, may be necessary for vessel transactions. Sometimes, a notarized bill of sale might be required for legal purposes.
How to Register a Vehicle in Alaska
You must apply to register your vehicle within 10 days of entering the state or taking a job. This process is completed by visiting a local DMV office or an authorized agent.
1. Gather Required Documents
Make sure you have all of the following items ready:
- Application for Title & Registration (Form V1): This form must be fully completed in ink.
- Proof of Ownership: The original vehicle title or a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO).
- Bill of Sale: This is required if you purchased the vehicle from a private party.
- Lienholder Information: Documentation showing the details of the lienholder if the vehicle is financed.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles under 12,000 pounds and less than 20 years old (usually contained on the title).
- Out-of-State Documents: If you are a new resident, you need your current out-of-state registration.
2. Complete the Application
- Fill out Form V1, making sure to include your personal information, full vehicle details (year, make, model, VIN, color), and any lienholder information.
3. Finalize Registration
- Visit a DMV Office: Bring your completed forms and documents to a local Alaska DMV office or an authorized express agent.
- Pay Fees: Pay all required title transfer fees, registration fees, and any local taxes.
Alaska VIN Check – Verify Vehicle History Before You Buy
When you run a VIN check with Detailed Vehicle History, you can get all the detailed information about the vehicle. Here’s what you’ll be getting in the report.
Mileage History
Title Brand
Ownership History
Warranty Status
Sales History
Salvage Title
Usage History
Repair Cost
Auction History
Hail Damage
Ownership Duration
Recalls History
Accident History
Flood Damage
Lien & Loans
Maintenance Schedule
Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State
Each state has its requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!
Alaska Bill of Sale FAQs
Does Alaska require a bill of sale?
Yes, Alaska requires a bill of sale when registering a vehicle. It’s an essential document for transferring ownership and protecting both the buyer and seller during the sale.
Title and registration requirements:
To register a vehicle, you’ll need:
- The completed title is signed by both parties
- A bill of sale
- A completed Application for Title and Registration
- Odometer verification
- Payment for applicable fees
What a bill of sale should include:
- Vehicle description and serial number
- Names of the buyer and seller
- Sale date
- Signatures of both parties
Purpose:
While the title officially transfers ownership, the bill of sale serves as a receipt and protects the seller from future liabilities, such as parking tickets or other issues.
What happens when you sell the car, and they don’t transfer the title?
If you sell a car and the buyer fails to transfer the title, you could remain legally and financially responsible for it.
This means you might be liable for parking tickets, toll violations, or even accidents or crimes involving the vehicle. To protect yourself, file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) with your local DMV as soon as the sale is complete.
Can I notarize the Alaska bill of sale?
Yes, a bill of sale can be notarized, and it’s recommended for high-value items like vehicles. Notarization adds extra legal protection by verifying the identities of both parties and witnessing their signatures, making the document more official and harder to dispute.
Here are the steps you can take to notarize the bill of sale:
- Complete the bill of sale: Fill out all required information, but don’t sign it yet.
- Prepare your documents: Bring the unsigned bill of sale and a valid photo ID for each party.
- Meet a notary: Visit a bank, law office, government office, or use an online notarization service.
- Sign in front of the notary: Both parties sign while the notary watches.
- Notary finalizes the process: The notary signs and applies their official seal, confirming the signatures are authentic.
- Keep copies: Both the buyer and seller should keep a notarized copy for their records.
Can someone back out a bill of sale?
Once a bill of sale is signed, backing out is generally difficult and may have legal consequences, since the document legally transfers ownership. The ability to cancel depends on whether the agreement includes specific conditions or contingencies.
However, backing out of the bill of sales can be done under some circumstances, as follows:
For buyers:
- Contingency clauses: Agreements sometimes include clauses allowing cancellation if certain conditions aren’t met, such as a satisfactory inspection or financing approval.
- Misrepresentation or fraud: If the seller intentionally hides a major defect or gives false information, the sale may be voided. This applies even to “as-is” sales if critical details were withheld.
- Cooling-off period: Under the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) rule, buyers have three days to cancel certain in-home or temporary location sales, like those made at fairs. This doesn’t apply to all sales.
- Mutual agreement: Both parties can agree in writing to cancel the sale.
For sellers:
- Buyer breaches the contract: If the buyer fails to meet obligations, such as missing deadlines or failing to secure financing, the seller may cancel the deal.
- Contingency clauses: Sometimes sellers include conditions, like needing to secure a new home before completing the sale.
- Mutual agreement: Sellers can also cancel the agreement if both parties consent to a formal rescission.
Will a handwritten bill of sale work?
Yes, a handwritten bill of sale is legally valid if it contains all the essential information and is signed by both the buyer and the seller. Notarization is usually optional, but having the document notarized can add extra protection in case of disputes. Requirements may vary depending on the state and the type of item being sold.
