Obtaining a vintage or custom car registration in Alaska is a procedure that must be completed with the state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by owners of these types of vehicles. The process of applying for an antique vehicle registration or one for a custom-built car can be completed through a local DMV office by submitting the corresponding documents and paying the applicable fees.

Note that registering a custom car in AK or a historic vehicle is a transaction that varies from the registration of standard vehicles. Also, to obtain an antique car registration, drivers will be required to complete different steps than those that apply for custom-built vehicles. Learn more about requesting an AK historic car registration or a custom vehicle registration by reading the sections outlined below.

Definition of a Custom or Antique Vehicle in Alaska

Prior to applying for a custom or antique auto registration in Alaska, car owners must examine the state regulations that classify these types of vehicles. Under the current Alaska Statutes, historic vehicle registrations and vintage license plates in AK can only be obtained for vehicles with an antique car age of more than 29 years.

These type of vehicles must also be primarily driven as historical exhibits. Custom car registrations, on the other hand, are issued for reconstructed vehicles whose original design was altered by removing, adding or swapping parts. Note that homebuilt vehicles such as trailers must also be registered as custom vehicles.

Steps in the Alaska Registration Process

The procedure to request a custom or vintage vehicle registration in Alaska can be finalized in person at a nearby DMV location. Note that the process of registering a custom vehicle will vary slightly than the procedure to obtain an AK historic car registration.

Despite the procedural differences, applicants will still be required to submit a set of documents and pay the applicable fees. The registration for custom cars process, for example, can be finalized by completing the following steps:

  • Fill out the Reconstructed Vehicle Affidavit (Form 829) and the Application for Title and Registration (Form 812).
  • Submit lien release documents (if applicable).
  • Surrender the car title of the vehicle that provided the chassis of the custom-built car and provide the bills of sale and invoices of the remaining parts used in the construction of the new vehicle.
  • Submit your vehicle to an official inspection conducted by a police officer or a DMV representative for purposes of determining the vehicle identification number (VIN).
  • Pay the applicable registration fees.

Note that, when requesting an AK custom car registration for a homebuilt trailer, applicants are required to submit the Homebuilt Trailer Affidavit (Form 819), instead of the Form 829 outlined above. Also, the submitted application for registering a custom car must be completed by the vehicle owner, regardless of whether or not he or she has constructed the vehicle

Car owners who are registering a vintage car will be able to obtain special antique license plates without an expiration date, as this type of vehicles will rarely be used on public roadways. Find more information about the process of obtaining AK historic license plates and a registration card for your specific vintage vehicle by contacting the department.

Fees to Register a Custom or Antique Vehicle in Alaska

When applying for an antique or custom vehicle registration, applicants will be required to arrange payment for several types of fees. The applicable fees to register custom car projects or old vehicles generally vary based on the type of procedure you are completing, the type of plates you are requesting and whether or not you are required to pay certain taxes.

Motorists who must obtain additional documents, such as a custom or an AK antique vehicle title, will also be required to pay additional fees. Note that registering a historic car is a process that will cost less than registering custom vehicles, as owners of historic vehicles will only be required to pay a one-time initial registration fee of $10.

Therefore, the annual renewal of antique car registrations is not necessary. However, standard Alaska car registration renewals are still required for automobiles that operate frequently on state roads.

Last updated on Friday, March 6 2020.