Alaska Boat Registration Overview
All you should know about boat registration and titles in Alaska.
The Alaska boat registration overview is designed to inform the boating public about registration requirements, recording methods, and registration search lookups for the State of Alaska. This includes a comprehensive listing of direct references for the most detailed and accurate information currently available.
Alaska Boat Registration Agency
Alaska boat registrations and titles are administered by the Division of Motor Vehicles which is headquartered in Anchorage. Boat registration, titling, renewal and information services are available online through its comprehensive website. DMV field offices that provide walk-in boat registration, titling and renewal services are also located throughout the state. Contact information and important links for the Alaska DMV can be found in the References.
Alaska Boat Registration Statistics
There are approximately 44,969 boats registered in the State of Alaska which accounts for .04% nationwide. USCG documented boat owners with an Alaska address number at 5,700 while 7,068 documented boats display an Alaska hailing port. A complete summary of the latest nationwide boat registration statistics and operational data can be found in the *references.
Alaska Boat Registration and Title Requirements
Alaska requires the registration of all boats operating within its
jurisdiction that are not otherwise exempted. This applies to recreational boats, barges, sport fishing guide boats, and
tenders. Coast Guard documented vessels are also subject to registration. Exemptions may include boats
visiting from another state, foreign registered yachts, and life boats. A complete
list of requirements and exemptions may be found by visiting the DMV boat registration website
which can be found in the *References.
Alaska requires titling for all
registered boats longer than 24 feet, except for those which are currently USCG documented.
Titling for boats 24 feet or less is optional. The DMV also has provisions for acquiring a title when conditionally
registered with insufficient evidence of ownership. This involves a 3 year waiting period where
it must remain uncontested.Outboard boat motors are not titled or registered in
Alaska. Their serial numbers are not listed on the respective boat title or registration
certificates.
Alaska boat trailers are subject to registration as
vehicles. A link to the DMV vehicle registration website for can be found
in the *References.The sale or transfer of an Alaska registered boat must be
reported within 10 days to the DMV. This can be implemented online through a link shown in the
*references.
Alaska Boat Numbering Requirements
Boats registered in Alaska that are not currently USCG documented must display registration numbers on the forward part of the hull. All boats, including those documented, must also display yearly tabs or stickers. State registration numbers begin with an "AK" designation which is followed by four numbers and then two letters. Although documented boats are issued registration numbers, they may not be displayed. A documented boat must, however, display an owner designated vessel name and a hailing port. An official documentation number must also be affixed to a visible interior location in the hull itself or an integral part of the hull.All boats manufactured after 1972 that are intended for domestic usage must have a factory designated hull identification number affixed to the vessel. This must be in compliance with federal formatting standards. State assigned hull numbers prefixed with the letters "AKZ" are available for home made boats, older models and those imported which do not meet such standards. Further information about registration and hull number requirements may be found in the *references.
Alaska Boat Registration Applications and Fees
Alaska facilitates registration and title applications online through their website. However, this must be prefaced by establishing an account. Applications can be otherwise implemented by submitting an application form which can also be download from the website. Alaska boat registration renewals can also be implemented in the same fashion. The method of ownership for Alaska registered boats is determined by a declaration on the application itself. Individuals may express joint ownership by indicating an "and/or" designation. When "and" is selected, the signature of all listed parties is required when transferring ownership. An "or" designation means that any one of the owners may transfer ownership without the other owner's signatures.Alaska does not employ any form of registration or title branding with respect to boats that have been damaged or salvaged. This is accordingly not a factor when applying for a registration or title certificate. More details about the application process and associated fees can be found by visiting the *DMV boat registration website.
Alaska boat Lien and Security Recordings
Security interests in Alaska titled boats are recorded with the Division of Motor Vehicles and listed on the respective title certificates. These are subsequently held by the secured party until the loan or debt is settled. Security interests in USCG documented boats are on the other hand evidenced through preferred mortgages that have been duly recorded with the National Vessel Documentation Center. Although not shown on the certificate of documentation, they are listed on an underlying abstract of title. Security interests in boats that are neither titled or documented are recorded with the Alaska Secretary of State as Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings.Tax liens may be flagged on boat registration records, recorded as UCC filings, shown on state revenue records, filed with a county clerk's office, or recorded as documented vessel lien claims.There are no provisions for recording mechanic's liens or other non-secured claims against state titled boats. A claim of lien can be recorded in a USCG documented boat, although it is for notification purposes only and can not be summarily foreclosed upon.
Alaska Boat Registration and Lien Search Lookups
Alaska boat title, registration, and lien records are maintained in a database administered by the Division of Motor Vehicles. Insights on how to go about conducting search lookups and obtaining record copies can be found in the *references.Uniform Commercial Code searches are available online from the Secretary of State. If there are any suspected state or federal tax liens however, it may be advisable to use a public record vendor as they have a much broader access to such filings nationwide. Ownership, mortgage, and lien search recordings for USCG documented vessels can be obtained by ordering an abstract of title and a copy of the certificate of documentation from the National Vessel Documentation Center. However, these are encoded and can be difficult to interpret, especially on older vessels with numerous recordings. It may be worthwhile to contact a professional boat title company for assistance in this regard. Non-recorded maritime liens may also be a factor when conducting boat title research in Alaska. These include liabilities for items such as services, equipment, fuel, storage, parts, supplies, and damages which can become attached to the boat itself regardless of ownership. One of the most useful tools for doing this kind of research is our premier boat history search database. It offers a gathering of eight nationwide databases into a single interface which can be searched by numerous criteria. These include records for stolen boats, marine lien claims, boating accidents, pollution incidents, auctioned boats, factory recalls, and documented vessels. Yacht brokers, documentation companies, and attorneys do not warrant or guarantee titles. There is furthermore, no such thing as boat title insurance in the marine industry. It is therefore incumbent on the owner to stand behind any such representations. Of course it will be of no consolation if a guarantor is insolvent, non-cooperative, or can not be located. This calls for a thorough background check to ensure the owner's wherewithal for making good on any hidden liens or title deficiencies.
Alaska Boat Taxes and Insurance Requirements
Statewide sales and use taxes on boat transactions do not apply in Alaska, although some municipalities may levy
assessments.
Liability Insurance is not required for boats operating in Alaska.
This information is subject to change and should be confirmed with the respective agency.
References and Referrals Comments - Suggestions - Corrections