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Alaska · DeedsAlaska deeds: acknowledgment before an authorized officer and the dated certificate

An Alaska deed signed in the state needs an acknowledgment. A conveyance executed in Alaska of land or an interest in land in Alaska must be acknowledged before a person authorized to take acknowledgments under AS 09.63.010, or proved as provided in AS 34.15.210 or 34.15.220, and the officer taking the acknowledgment endorses on it a certificate of acknowledgment and the date the acknowledgment was made (AS 34.15.150(a)). Older deeds get a cure: a conveyance executed before March 12, 1953, in due form but without two witnesses, is validated, admissible in evidence and evidence of title against the grantor and the grantor's heirs and assigns (AS 34.15.150(b)).

What the statutes set

  1. Acknowledgment (34.15.150(a))

    Before a person authorized under AS 09.63.010.

  2. Or proof (34.15.150(a))

    Proved under AS 34.15.210 or 34.15.220.

  3. Certificate (34.15.150(a))

    The officer endorses a certificate with the date.

  4. Pre-1953 deeds (34.15.150(b))

    Deeds lacking two witnesses before March 12, 1953 are validated.

What the TC checks before an Alaska deed is signed

  • Book an officer authorized to take acknowledgments for each signer.
  • Check the certificate of acknowledgment and its date before the deed goes to the recorder.
  • If an old deed in the chain lacks witnesses, note its date for the title company.

Questions about Alaska deeds

Does an Alaska deed need to be acknowledged?

Yes. A conveyance executed in Alaska must be acknowledged before a person authorized under AS 09.63.010, or proved under AS 34.15.210 or 34.15.220 (AS 34.15.150(a)).

Are old Alaska deeds without witnesses valid?

Conveyances executed before March 12, 1953 in due form without two witnesses are validated (AS 34.15.150(b)).

Related guides

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Source: AS 34.15.150 (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.