JUNEAU, AK — House Bill 249 aims to modernize Alaska’s vehicle title transfer process by allowing electronic signatures to replace outdated notary requirements. Today, the House of Representatives passed the legislation in a 40-0 vote.
The bill by Rep. Elexie Moore, R-Wasilla, addresses transfers to insurance companies following total loss claims and is a critical step toward improving accessibility and efficiency for all Alaskans.
Currently, state law requires a physical notary to authorize a title transfer after an insurance company “totals out” a vehicle. This requirement often creates significant barriers for residents in rural areas where notaries may be unavailable, as well as for individuals with mobility or access issues who find it difficult to travel to a notary in person.
“This legislation would maintain the integrity of the title transfer process while also improving efficiency and accessibility,” Rep. Moore said. “The change aligns Alaska with modern business practices.”
Industry leaders have also expressed strong support for the measure. Mark Binder, director of government affairs for Copart, a national vehicle auction service with a hub in Anchorage, emphasized the practical benefits of HB 249. The current process of mailing physical documents back and forth can delay settlements by a week or more.
“If this bill passes, the entire process could be reduced to one phone call, and the settlement would be completed,” Binder stated in a letter supporting the bill.
The bill especially helps single-car families who need to get back on the road quickly. HB 249 aligns Alaska with 40 other states that already allow these industry-specific efficiencies. It brings state statutes in line with 2019 NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) regulations and AAMVA (American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators) guidelines.
“HB 249 offers a business-friendly update that reduces unnecessary delays on title transactions while significantly decreasing the disruption a total loss event causes in people’s lives,” Rep. Moore said.
Media Contact: Amanda Bohman, 907-378-6809