Sec. 28.10.401. - Assignment or release by lienholder.

(a) A person holding a lien or encumbrance upon a vehicle, other than a lien dependent solely upon possession, may assign that person's title to or interest in the vehicle to a person other than the owner without the consent of the owner and without affecting the interest of the owner or the registration of the vehicle. The person assigning the interest shall give written notice of the assignment to the owner. Upon receiving a certificate of title assigned by the holder of a lien or encumbrance shown on the certificate and the name and address of the assignee, accompanied by the title fee required under AS 28.10.441 , the department shall issue a new certificate of title.

(b) A person holding a lien or encumbrance upon a vehicle, as shown on a certificate of title, may release the lien or encumbrance or assign that person's interest to the owner of the vehicle without affecting the registration of the vehicle. Upon receiving a certificate of title upon which a lienholder has released or assigned the lienholder's interest to the owner, or upon receipt of a certificate not endorsed but accompanied by a legal release from a lienholder of the lienholder's interest to a vehicle, and upon payment of the title fee required under AS 28.10.441 , the department shall issue a new certificate of title.