As a business and legal template writer with over twelve years of experience drafting documents for private-party vehicle sales across all fifty states, I can tell you that Alaska has some of the strictest Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) rules in the nation when it comes to proving ownership transfer. A properly completed Alaska vehicle bill of sale is not just helpful—it is frequently required by the Alaska DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles) to register a car, truck, motorcycle, trailer, snowmachine, or boat in the buyer’s name.
In this comprehensive guide, I’m giving you my battle-tested, regularly updated, and 100% free Alaska Bill of Sale for Vehicle template (Form 839) that satisfies current Alaska Statutes §28.10.231 and Alaska DMV requirements as of November 2025. You’ll also learn exactly how to fill it out, when notarization is mandatory, odometer disclosure rules, and how to avoid the most common mistakes that cause title transfer rejections in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and rural offices.
An Alaska vehicle bill of sale (officially Alaska DMV Form 839) is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of a vehicle, vessel, or off-road machine from a seller to a buyer. It protects both parties by documenting the sale price (date, price, condition, “as-is” language) and serves as the primary supporting document when the buyer applies for title and registration.
According to the official Alaska DMV website (dmv.alaska.gov):
“A bill of sale is required when the title is not available or cannot be provided by the seller.”
Even when the title is available, including a completed bill of sale dramatically speeds up processing and eliminates most questions from DMV staff.
Click here to download the free Alaska Vehicle Bill of Sale Template (PDF)
Click here for the editable Word version
Both versions are 100% free, contain the exact fields required by the Alaska DMV in 2025, and include optional notary block, odometer disclosure, and “sold as-is” language.
Source: Alaska Statutes §28.10.231 and IRS Odometer Disclosure Requirements (49 CFR §580).
Full legal name (no nicknames), current mailing address, city, state, ZIP, and phone number.
Same as above. If there are multiple buyers, list every person who will appear on the title.
| Field | Required Data |
|---|---|
| Year | 4-digit model year |
| Make | Ford, Toyota, Sea-Doo, etc. |
| Model | F-150, Camry, GTI-R, etc. |
| VIN/HIN | 17-digit VIN or 12-digit HIN |
| Odometer Reading | Actual miles (no tenths) |
| Color | As listed on current title |
| Fuel Type | Gas, Diesel, Electric (optional but helpful) |
Sale price (numerical and written), date of sale, and any trade-in allowance. Alaska calculates motor vehicle use tax on the sale price minus trade-in.
Alaska does NOT require notarization for standard private-party vehicle sales (cars, trucks, motorcycles, snowmachines, ATVs). However:
I always include the notary block in my templates so you’re covered either way.
Federal law (updated 2021, still in force 2025) requires an odometer disclosure on the title itself OR on a separate secure document for:
My free Alaska bill of sale template contains the exact language required by 49 CFR §580.5 and is accepted statewide.
Appointments are required at most offices – book at dmv.alaska.gov.
Do I need a bill of sale if I have the signed title?
Not legally required, but 9 out of 10 Alaska DMV clerks will ask for one anyway. Save yourself a second trip.
Can I use a handwritten bill of sale?
Yes, as long as it contains all required elements. My printable template is far cleaner and less likely to raise questions.
Is the bill of sale the same for boats and snowmachines?
The core fields are identical. I included optional fields for length, propulsion, and HIN for vessels.
Download Free Alaska Bill of Sale (PDF)
Download Editable Word Version
Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change. Always verify current requirements at dmv.alaska.gov or consult an Alaska attorney or title professional for your specific situation. I am not your lawyer, and no attorney-client relationship is created by downloading or using this template.
© 2025 – All rights reserved. Feel free to share this article and template, but please link back to this page so others can get the latest version.