Private Property Owner | Requirements

An abandoned vehicle is defined as ". . . a vehicle that has been left unattended, standing, parked upon or within 10 feet of the traveled portion of the highway in excess of 48 hours, or a vehicle left standing or parked on private property in excess of 24 hours or upon other public property for more than 30 days, without consent of the owner or person in charge of the property. . ." [AS 28.11.020].

THESE PROCEDURES ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO MOBILE HOMES (T-300),
SPECIAL MOBILE EQUIPMENT OR IMPLEMENTS OF HUSBANDRY (T-360).

It is unlawful to abandon a vehicle. An abandoned vehicle may be impounded by a peace officer or turned over to a private towing and storage firm by the owner of the private property on which the vehicle was abandoned. The towing firm may sell the vehicle at public sale. See T-290 for procedures for lien sales.

For the sale of an abandoned vehicle held by a government agency, see T-250.

APPLICATION BY PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNER

When a vehicle is abandoned on private property for a period of six months, without the property owner’s permission, the property owner may make application for transferring title to the property owner’s name without holding a public auction and sale. [AS 28.11.025] Under this statute, the property owner is required to send notice by registered mail to the registered owner(s) and lienholder of record at their last known address. The notice must state the location of the vehicle and the period the vehicle has been abandoned. If the vehicle is not registered in Alaska, or the name and address of the registered or legal owner or lienholder cannot be ascertained, notice shall be given, by publication, in the manner prescribed in the rules of the court for service of process by publication. A copy of the service of notice and return receipt must accompany the application. [AS 28.05.121]

If an abandoned vehicle is not reclaimed within 30 days after notice is given by the private property owner, the property owner may make application for title in the property owner’s name.

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TITLE REQUIREMENTS:

The vehicle must be titled in the property owner’s name before it can be resold. The property owner must provide:

1. An Application for Title and Registration (Form 812) completed and signed in ink.
2. Odometer reading.
3. A Claim of Ownership of Abandoned Vehicle by Private Property Owner (Form 825). The registered owner and lienholder entered on the form must match DMV records.
4. If a lien is recorded on the vehicle record a lien release is not required.
5. Other requirements for registration.

START THE REGISTRATION OVER IF THE REGISTRATION IS EXPIRED.

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