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Alaska · TitleAlaska adverse possession: seven years under color of title and ten for a good-faith boundary mistake

Alaska has two adverse possession periods. The general limit on actions to recover real property or its possession is 10 years, and the plaintiff or a predecessor must have been seized or possessed within 10 years before the action (AS 09.10.030(a)). Separately, uninterrupted adverse notorious possession of real property under color and claim of title for seven years or more – or for 10 years or more because of a good-faith but mistaken belief that the land lies within the boundaries of the claimant's adjacent property – is conclusively presumed to give title, except as against the state or the United States (AS 09.45.052(a)). Ten years of uninterrupted adverse notorious use by a public utility for utility purposes vests an easement in the utility, and ten years of public use for highways, roads, trails or other access vests an interest in the state or a political subdivision (AS 09.45.052(c)–(d)).

What the statutes set

  1. Ten-year limit (09.10.030(a))

    Actions to recover real property or its possession.

  2. Seven years (09.45.052(a))

    Adverse notorious possession under color and claim of title.

  3. Ten years, boundary (09.45.052(a))

    Good-faith mistaken belief that the land is within the claimant's parcel.

  4. Public uses (09.45.052(c)–(d))

    Ten years of utility or public access use vests an easement or interest.

What the TC checks when an Alaska survey shows an encroachment

  • Flag any fence, building, road or utility line crossing the boundary on the as-built survey.
  • Ask the title company whether a utility or public access easement might have vested by use.
  • Route possession claims to the parties' attorneys before the title objection deadline.

Questions about Alaska adverse possession

How long is adverse possession in Alaska?

Seven years under color and claim of title, or ten years under a good-faith mistaken belief about the boundary (AS 09.45.052(a)).

Can adverse possession run against the State of Alaska?

No. The conclusive presumption of title doesn't apply as against the state or the United States (AS 09.45.052(a)).

Related guides

Track the as-built survey review and the title objection deadline as tasks on the deal in ClosingCode.

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Sources: AS 09.10.030, 09.45.052 (akleg.gov), read October 31, 2026.

General information, not legal advice. ClosingCode is software; it is not a law firm or brokerage. This guide is not a substitute for the advice or services of an attorney.