Alaska Quitclaim Deed Overview
In Alaska, quitclaim deeds are recorded through the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Recorder's Office, which operates district recording offices across the state. Unlike most states where recording is handled at the county level, Alaska uses a state-administered recording system with district offices. Alaska recognizes quitclaim deeds as valid instruments for transferring property interest and they are commonly used for transfers between family members, to trusts, and to clear title issues.
Alaska is one of the most affordable states for recording quitclaim deeds because it imposes no state or local transfer tax on real property conveyances. The only costs are the recording fees charged by the Recorder's Office. Alaska is also an opt-in community property state — married couples can elect community property treatment through a community property trust or agreement, but it is not the default. This distinction can affect how marital property is transferred via quitclaim deed.
$25
Recording fee
None
Transfer tax
Required
Notarization
0
Witnesses required
Alaska Recording Requirements
Alaska has specific requirements for recording quitclaim deeds. Meeting these requirements ensures your deed is accepted by the county recorder and provides proper legal notice of the property transfer.
Alaska Specific Note
Alaska does not impose a transfer tax on real property conveyances. Recording is handled by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Recorder's Office, which operates district recording offices throughout the state. Alaska's unique geography means some properties may be in unorganized boroughs without local government, but recording still occurs through the state district offices.
Document Requirements
- Notarization: The grantor's signature must be notarized by a Alaska notary public or a notary authorized in the state where the deed is signed
- Witnesses: Alaska requires 0 witness(es) for quitclaim deed recording
- Legal Description: Must include the complete legal description of the property as it appears on the current deed of record or county assessor records
- Parcel Number: The assessor's parcel number (APN) or tax ID number must be included on the deed
- Return Address: A mailing address for returning the recorded deed must appear on the first page
- Formatting: Alaska requires standard document formatting with adequate margins for recording stamps, black ink, and minimum 10-point font
How to File a Quitclaim Deed in Alaska
Filing a quitclaim deed in Alaska involves preparing the document, getting it notarized, and recording it with the appropriate county office. Follow these steps for a smooth process.
Prepare the Quitclaim Deed
Complete all required fields including grantor and grantee information, the complete legal description, and the property address. Alaska requires documents to be on standard letter-size paper
Get the Deed Notarized
The grantor must sign before a notary public. Alaska does not require additional witnesses. Given Alaska's remote geography, remote online notarization may be available
Record at the District Recorder's Office
File the notarized deed at the appropriate Alaska DNR District Recorder's Office for the recording district where the property is located
Pay Recording Fees
Pay the recording fee of $25 for the first page and $5 for each additional page. Alaska has no transfer tax
Update Tax Records
Contact the borough or municipality tax assessor to update property ownership records. Alaska has no state income or property tax at the state level, but local boroughs and municipalities may assess property taxes
Alaska Tax Implications
Alaska imposes no state-level transfer tax, documentary stamp tax, or real estate excise tax on property conveyances. There is also no state income tax in Alaska, which simplifies the tax picture for property transfers. However, local boroughs and municipalities may assess property taxes, and a change in ownership could trigger reassessment in some jurisdictions.
Federal gift tax rules still apply. If the property is transferred as a gift and its value exceeds the annual gift tax exclusion, the grantor must file IRS Form 709. Alaska's opt-in community property system means couples should carefully consider whether their property election affects the tax treatment of the transfer.
Alaska Quitclaim Deed Fees & Costs
Below is a breakdown of the typical costs associated with filing a quitclaim deed in Alaska. Actual fees may vary by county.
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Recording Fee | $25 first page + $5/additional |
| Transfer Tax / Documentary Stamps | None |
| Notarization | $5 - $25 per signature |
| Certified Copy | $1 - $5 per page |
| Attorney Review (optional) | $150 - $500 |
Sample Alaska Quitclaim Deed
Below is a preview of our Alaska-specific quitclaim deed. Your customized document will include all fields and declarations required for recording in any Alaska county.
QUITCLAIM DEED
STATE OF ALASKA
Property Transfer Without Warranty
GRANTOR:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Alaska Address]
County: [County]
GRANTEE:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Mailing Address]
Vesting: [Tenancy Type]
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
County: [County] State: Alaska
Legal Description: [Per Recorded Plat]
Parcel No.: [APN]
Consideration: $[Amount]
Alaska Quitclaim Deed FAQ
Answers to common questions about filing a quitclaim deed in Alaska, including recording requirements, fees, and tax implications.
Official Alaska Resources
Use these official state resources to verify recording requirements, find your county recorder office, and access government forms for your Alaska property transfer.
Alaska DNR Recorder's Office
Official recording office and deed requirements
Alaska Department of Commerce - Property Resources
Transfer tax rates, exemptions, and property tax information
IRS Gift Tax Information
Federal gift tax rules for property transfers
American Land Title Association (ALTA)
Title insurance standards and find a title company
Related Alaska Documents
Depending on your property transfer situation, you may need additional documents alongside your Alaska quitclaim deed.
Create your Alaska Quitclaim Deed in under 5 minutes.
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