An Alaska quitclaim deed form is used to transfer property between the property owner (sometimes called the grantor) and another person (the grantee).
A quitclaim deed transfers property interests without a title search and provides no guarantee to the title.
With a warranty deed, the grantor warrants that the property title is free and clear of all liens and encumbrances.
There are differences in the language used in a quitclaim deed versus a warranty deed. The buyer assumes more risk with a quitclaim deed. Both parties should pay careful attention to the laws and requirements to ensure they are properly protected during property transfer.
Alaska Quitclaim Deed Laws and Requirements
Alaska Statutes Title 34 Chapter 15 regulates the transfer of property in Alaska. There are specific requirements for the language and format of a quitclaim deed, and it is usually best to use a template for your deed.
The statute does not describe how to file a quitclaim deed in Alaska, only what the document must contain.
Laws
Alaska Statute Section 34.15.040 describes the language needed for a quitclaim deed, and Alaska Statute Section 34.15.050 explains the effect of a quitclaim deed.
A quitclaim deed is sufficient for a grantor to transfer all the rights to the grantor’s property either by sale or bargain, meaning an exchange of value.
Legal Description
The legal description should include everything on the original deed that identifies the property such as:
- section
- township
- range and meridian designation or lot
- block
- subdivision name
- map and plat number
- surveyor’s measurements
- street address
- any easements or encumbrances
Sometimes deeds may only list the developer’s lot number and provide the full description as an attachment. Be sure to include the entire description.
Signing
Per Alaska Statute Section 34.15.150, the grantor (seller) must sign the document in the presence of a notary, and the document must be notarized. The signature must be original.
Facsimiles or photocopies are not permitted.
If the property is a homestead property owned by a married couple, both spouses must sign the deed. The names and mailing addresses of the parties must be included in the document.
Acknowledgments
The notary’s acknowledgment, or jurat, must accompany the deed. Notaries sometimes include the signature acknowledgment on a separate page. If this is the case, be sure that this page is attached to the deed before it is recorded.
Terminology
Alaska does not have mandatory language for quitclaim deeds but recommends something similar to this model language:
The grantor [CURRENT OWNER NAME AND RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS], for and in consideration of [CONSIDERATION FOR TRANSFER] conveys and quitclaims to [NEW OWNER] all interest which I (we) have, if any, in the following described real estate [VALID LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY], located in the State of Alaska. [DATE OF EXECUTION]
If this language is used, it will be presumed the deed is intended to be a quitclaim deed. Preprinted legal forms will contain this language for quitclaim deeds.
Transfer Tax
Alaska does not charge a transfer tax, which is a tax charged by some states for documents transferring property. Alaska does have recording fees charged per page and per name on the document as reflected on the Recorder’s Office current fee schedule.
Additional Documents
There are no additional documents necessary for filing a quitclaim deed in Alaska. Be sure the notary’s acknowledgment is attached if necessary.
Witnesses
Alaska law does not require witnesses for signatures on a quitclaim deed.
Recording
Unlike some states, all deeds (quitclaim and warranty) are handled centrally at one of 34 recording districts overseen by the State Recorder’s Office of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.
The deed should be recorded in the Recording District where the property is located but is not required as long as the document lists the district where it should be recorded. This is so that the deed is part of that district’s public record.
It then serves as “constructive notice” to all other property purchasers of the title change and ownership. Make note of the document formatting requirements (additional fees will be charged if these are not met).
The requirements are summarized for your reference below.
- Use opaque white paper stock no larger than 8.5” x 14”
- Use a two-inch margin on the top of the first page
- Use one-inch margins on all remaining sides and subsequent pages except the first page
- The document must be legible and have consistent clarity; all documents must be in English
- Include a title that reflects the document’s overall intent (i.e., “Quitclaim Deed”)
How to Write & File a Quitclaim Deed in Alaska
Alaska has a centralized system for recording deeds, but, if possible, it is still a good idea to record your quitclaim deed in the district where the property is located.
Filing in a local office will allow you to ask district-specific questions to local representatives, and it may also make the process faster.
Step 1 – Obtain Quitclaim Form
Get a standard form for a quitclaim deed from your district office or use an online form to start the draft of your quitclaim deed.
Step 2 – Write Grantor, Grantee, and Legal Description
Be sure that your quitclaim deed includes the following information:
- Parties that are involved in the transaction
- Complete mailing addresses of anyone who is granting or obtaining an interest
- The full legal description of the parcel of land is complete enough to geographically locate and identify the parcel (i.e., section, township, range and meridian designation or lot, block, subdivision name or plat number)
- Information regarding who the district representatives should return the document to once it has been filed
- The Recording District where the deed will be recorded
You can include a cover letter with the return information, but this is not technically required.
Step 3 – File Your Alaska Quitclaim Deed
Once you have the right information on the required forms, you should file it with the Official Records of the State of Alaska. This government section is part of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Recorder’s Office.
There are 34 recording districts in Alaska, and you should record your quitclaim deed in the district where the property is located. You must also pay the applicable recording fee when you send in your quitclaim deed as well.
Alaska Quitclaim Deed Sample
Below is an example of what an Alaska quitclaim deed looks like.