If you need to manage vehicle transactions for a friend, family member, or buyer in Alaska—such as transferring a title, renewing registration, or applying for a duplicate title—you cannot just sign their name. You need the specific legal authority to do so.
In Alaska, this is handled using Form 847 (Limited Power of Attorney).
This guide explains exactly how to use this form, where to download it, and the strict notarization rules you must follow to ensure the Alaska DMV accepts it.
How To Get The Alaska Official Form: Form 847
Unlike a “General Power of Attorney” which gives someone broad control over your life (finances, medical), the Form 847 is a Limited Power of Attorney. This means it grants authority only for a specific vehicle.
- Form Name: Limited Power of Attorney
- Form Number: 847
- Download: Get Form 847 (PDF) directly from the Alaska DMV website.
When Do You Need This Form?
You should use Form 847 if:
- Selling a Car: You are the seller but cannot be present to sign the title over to the buyer.
- Buying a Car: You are buying a car for someone else who isn’t there.
- Registration: You need to renew tags or pick up license plates for a vehicle owned by someone else.
- Duplicate Title: The owner lost the title, and you are going to the DMV to apply for a replacement (Form 809) on their behalf.
How to Fill Out Form 847 (Step-by-Step)
The form is short, but errors will cause rejection.
- Vehicle Description: You must enter the exact details of the vehicle.
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): Double-check this against the dashboard or registration card. One wrong digit invalidates the form.
- Year, Make, Body Style: e.g., “2018 Ford Pickup”.
- License Plate: Enter the current Alaska plate number.
- Appointing the Agent:
- Print the full legal name of the person you are giving authority to (the “Agent” or “Attorney-in-Fact”).
- Owner’s Signature (Crucial Step):
- The vehicle owner (the “Principal”) must sign the form.
- STOP: Do not sign this until you are in front of a Notary Public or a DMV employee.
Does It Need to be Notarized?
Yes. This is the most common mistake Alaskans make.
The Alaska DMV requires the owner’s signature on Form 847 to be notarized.
- Option A (Notary Public): The owner can sign it in front of any notary (at a bank, shipping store, etc.) and have it stamped. The Agent does not need to be present for this.
- Option B (DMV Representative): The owner can sign it in front of a DMV clerk at an office.
Warning: If you bring a signed Form 847 to the DMV but it lacks a notary stamp, the clerk will reject it. They cannot witness a signature that happened yesterday at your kitchen table.
Important Rule: The “Odometer” Restriction
Federal and State laws have strict rules about odometer (mileage) disclosures to prevent fraud.
- The Rule: The same person generally cannot sign as both the buyer and the seller (using a Power of Attorney) on a title transfer if mileage is being disclosed.
- The Exception: If the title is lost (and you are applying for a duplicate) or if the vehicle is exempt from mileage disclosure (usually vehicles older than 20 years), the rules are more flexible.
- Secure POA: If the title is held by a lienholder (bank) or lost, and you are trading it into a dealer, you may need a specific Secure Power of Attorney form, which is only available at DMV offices or licensed dealers (it is printed on security paper and cannot be downloaded).
Conclusion
Using the Alaska Form 847 is the safest way to handle vehicle business for a spouse, friend, or relative. The most important rule to remember is: Don’t sign it until you find a notary. Once notarized, this single sheet of paper gives your trusted agent full permission to sign title documents and get your vehicle legally on the road.
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