Registering and titling a vehicle in Alaska: new residents, purchases and renewals
How to title and register a vehicle in Alaska after buying it from a dealer or a private seller or moving from another state, plus renewal options, insurance minimums and license plates, from the Alaska DMV.
Guide · Alaska · Vehicle registration · Titles · updated October 29, 2026
Vehicle titles and registration in Alaska are handled by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the same agency that issues driver licenses. You can apply at a state DMV office, a contract agent office or a DMV business partner. Business partners are privately owned and charge a fee for their service. Many transactions can also be done online or by mail. This guide covers buying a vehicle, bringing one from another state, renewing, insurance and plates.
The basics
The DMV says every vehicle in Alaska must be registered unless the law specifically exempts it, and that all trailers must be registered regardless of size.
One form covers both titling and registration: Form V1, the Vehicle Transaction Application. It must be completed in full and signed in ink. The DMV links to an instructional video on filling it out.
Registration normally lasts two years. The DMV says the fee varies by location and vehicle type, and it offers an online registration calculator for your exact cost.
Buying a vehicle
The DMV says Alaska residents must transfer a purchased vehicle into their name within 30 days of the date of sale by obtaining an Alaska title.
From an Alaska dealer
The DMV says that when you buy a new or used vehicle from an Alaska dealer, the dealer will usually submit the documents for you.
From a private seller
You bring or mail the paperwork yourself:
- The ownership document. This is usually the title, properly released by the previous owner and assigned to you. If the names on the title are joined by "OR", one owner's signature is enough. If they are joined by "AND", or by anything else, all owners must sign.
- The odometer reading. It is required for vehicles under 12,000 pounds and less than 20 years old. The DMV warns not to guess, because the reading cannot be changed later.
- Form V1. Include the lender's name and address if you are financing. Titles with a lien are mailed to the lienholder.
- A lien release, if a lien on the title has been paid off.
- A notarized power of attorney, if someone signs on the owner's behalf.
- The fees.
A bill of sale does not transfer ownership in Alaska, although the DMV suggests sellers keep one for their records. If you buy a used car, the DMV suggests a title history check through the federal NMVTIS service.
Mailed applications go to: State of Alaska DMV, ATTN: Correspondence, 4001 Ingra Street, Ste 101, Anchorage AK 99503. The DMV says you do not have to send money if you are unsure of the fee; it can email you an invoice. If you bought the vehicle outside Alaska, follow the same steps and mail the documents to this address.
If you are the seller
Sign and complete the assignment on the title and give the original to the buyer. Then tell the DMV about the sale. You can use the Notice of Vehicle Sale on the title, send an email or record the sale online. Remove personalized or specialty plates before the vehicle goes.
Moving to Alaska with a vehicle
The DMV says that if you are establishing residency or working in Alaska, you must apply for registration within 10 days of entering the state or taking a job. A non-resident may drive on a current out-of-state registration for 60 days. Active-duty military stationed in Alaska may keep their home-state registration while it stays valid.
To transfer, submit:
- Your most current out-of-state title. If it is already in your name, you do not need to sign it.
- Form V1.
- The fees. The DMV lists a $15 title fee, plus $15 to record a lien for the first time. Registration and plate fees vary by vehicle.
If a lender still holds your title, you can get a registration only. You show your current out-of-state registration listing the lienholder, or a copy of the title in your name, and the vehicle must be in Alaska.
The DMV says you can often register while the vehicle is still in transit, using the title or the manufacturer's certificate of origin. If you apply in person and your documents are in order, the DMV says it can give you the Alaska title and registration at that time.
If you have no title or certificate of origin, a vehicle inspector may need to complete a Verification of Vehicle (Form 811). The form is free at state DMV offices. For the driver license side of a move, see the Alaska driver license and ID card guide.
Insurance
The DMV says Alaska law requires minimum liability insurance coverage of:
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death of one person
- $100,000 for bodily injury or death in one accident
- $25,000 for property damage
The DMV warns that failing to keep the required insurance can lead to suspension of your driver license.
Renewing your registration
All registrations end on the last day of the month. The DMV mails a reminder postcard about two months before expiration, so keep your address up to date. Your vehicle and driver license records are separate, and changing one address does not change the other.
You can renew up to three months early. The DMV calls online renewal the quickest and least expensive option. Renewing in person adds a $10 walk-in fee.
If the registration expired less than a year ago, you pay the full two-year fee from the month it expired, even if you just bought the vehicle. If it expired more than a year ago, the vehicle gets a new expiration month.
Owners aged 65 or older, owners with a disability, and anyone who chooses to pay for it can apply online for permanent registration (the "Z" tab).
License plates
Alaska requires one license plate on the rear of most vehicles. Commercial vehicles over 10,001 pounds display it on the front instead. The plate must carry a month and year tab.
Standard plates and tabs are included in the first registration fee. They cannot be moved to another vehicle. Special issue plates, such as personalized plates, can be moved to another vehicle if the plate is assigned to you and you are a registered owner of that vehicle. You note the request on Form V1. The DMV lists a $5 transfer fee, with no fee for some plates such as Disabled Veteran and Gold Star Family. Lost or damaged standard plates can be replaced through the duplicate plates and tabs service.
To visit an office, see the Alaska DMV visit guide and the Alaska DMV office list.