Alaska law requires that motor vehicle owners must register their vehicle with the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles before taking it on the road. Both new and second-hand vehicles must be registered, regardless of whether they are purchased from a dealer or an individual. In addition, new Alaska residents who have registered their vehicle in another state must register their vehicle in Alaska. The initial vehicle registration must be done in person, and registration renewals must be done every two years, either in person, online or by mail.

INITIAL REGISTRATION

If you are registering a motor vehicle in Alaska for the first time, you must complete the following steps:

1. Complete a vehicle title/registration form.
2. If you reside in the municipality of Fairbanks and Anchorage North Star Borough, you will need to get your vehicle inspected. Vehicle inspections must be performed at a One Stop Registration and Inspection Stations, licensed by the Alaska MVD. I/M Station near you. Once the vehicle passes inspection, you will be issued an inspection certification.
3. Visit your local DMV office, and bring the completed title/registration form with you, along with the inspection certification. In addition, you will need to provide proof of insurance.
4. For vehicles that have been registered in another state, you must also bring the original, out-of-state title. If the title is unavailable, bring the registration document, along with proof of sales tax payment.

REGISTRATION FEES

When registering your vehicle at the DMV office, you will be required to pay certain fees, typically as follows:

1. The registration fee, which varies depending on the manufacturer's model year or the vehicle's total weight. Generally, the registration fee will be between $30 and $100.
2. Title application fee. Depending on the county, the title application fee is usually $15.
3. Residents of certain municipalities are required to pay a Motor Vehicle Registration Tax. Check here to see if your municipality is one of them.

There may be additional fees when you register, depending on your county. Contact the local DMV office for the specific requirements.

RENEWING YOUR VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Owners of motor vehicles in Alaska are required to renew their vehicle registration every two years, and can do so in person, online or by mail. See our Registration Renewal section for complete details.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• If you are a non-resident active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces or a non-resident full-time student attending an Alaska college or university, you are not required to title or register your vehicle.
• The process for registering a motorcycle is generally the same as a car registration; however, there are different procedures for boat registration and custom car registration.
• Auto Insurance is needed to legally operate all vehicles in Alaska.
• See also Renewing Your Vehicle Registration.
• See also Title Transfers and Car Insurance.