Alaska
Title Fee
$15.00
Sales Tax Rate
n/a
Other Tax Rate
n/a
Who must title a vehicle in Alaska?
Most motor vehicles, trailers, motorcycles, mopeds (50cc+), and boats over 24 feet in length must be titled unless exempt.
ATVs, snowmobiles, and USCG-documented vessels are exempt unless an ATV is operated on public roads (then titled as APV).
Manufactured homes are titled at owner’s option; one title per home regardless of units. If affixed to real property, owner may request cancellation of title.
Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues titles.
Application (Form V1) can be made at any DMV Office, Business Partner, or mailed to headquarters. Online submission is available. Titles are issued immediately in person, or allow up to two months for mail.
What documents are needed as proof of ownership?
New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO).
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title.
Non-title states: Registration certificate and bill of sale.
Government surplus: U.S. Government Certificate (SF97-1) or DRMS Form 1427.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign ownership docs, U.S. Customs clearance (CBP 7501), EPA/DOT compliance letters.
Military vehicles: Military Registration and Certificate of Title of Motor Vehicle (DD Form 430).
English translation required for foreign documents.
How much does a title cost?
$15.00 per vehicle, plus $15.00 lien filing fee if applicable.
Manufactured homes: $100.00 plus $15.00 lien fee.
Boats: $20.00 title fee.
Duplicate titles: $15.00 (vehicle), $20.00 (boat).
Are electronic signatures and titles allowed?
Electronic signatures are NOT accepted for title applications or supporting documents.
What’s the process for title transfer?
Seller assigns title at delivery; buyer must apply for title within 30 days.
Seller must notify DMV within 10 days.
Out-of-state titles require a title-state-changed authorization letter if a lienholder holds the title.
Bonded titles are available if ownership evidence is insufficient (bond = 1.5x appraised value, valid 3 years).
Are there special titles or brands?
Brands: “REC” for reconstructed, “KIT” for kit vehicles, “Duplicate,” and brands from other states are carried forward.
Bonded titles for insufficient ownership evidence.
Salvage and junk titles for total loss vehicles.
How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?
Duplicate titles: Application (Form 809 or V1), $15.00 fee.
Corrected titles: Same process as duplicate; supporting documentation required.
Other notes:
Odometer disclosure is required for transfers (vehicles 2011+).
VIN/HIN inspection required for reconstructed, home-built, and certain out-of-state vehicles.
What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?
State Sales/Use Tax: None at the state level.
Local Sales Tax: Some municipalities impose local sales taxes (typically 1–7%).
Motor Vehicle Registration Tax (MVRT): Required in some municipalities, based on type and age of vehicle; collected at registration/renewal.
Property Tax: Required in some municipalities if not subject to MVRT.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Required for vehicles 55,000 lbs.+ (IRS Form 2290).
How and when are taxes paid?
Paid at time of registration/renewal at DMV or online.
Local sales tax and MVRT are collected with registration fees.
Are there exemptions?
Farm vehicles, historic vehicles, and government vehicles are exempt from MVRT.
Nonresident military personnel may be exempt from MVRT if retaining out-of-state registration.
Disabled veterans and Gold Star families may register one vehicle permanently exempt from registration and MVRT fees.
Other fees:
Registration and plate fees vary by vehicle type and weight.
Personalized plates: $30.00 plus regular fees.
How are liens recorded and perfected?
Lienholder info entered on Transaction Application (V1).
$15.00 lien recording fee.
Only the primary lienholder is shown on the title (except manufactured homes, which show all).
Lien is perfected as of creation date if filed within 10 days, otherwise as of receipt.
How are liens released or extended?
Lien must be released immediately upon satisfaction, on the title or via separate notarized letter from lienholder.
Owner must apply for a clear title within 10 days of release.
How does repossession work in Alaska?
Upon default, the secured party may repossess without judicial process if peaceful.
New title can be issued to lienholder or subsequent purchaser (requires notarized Claim of Ownership/Involuntary Lien (826), current title, and fee).
If lien not recorded, a surety bond is required for title transfer.
For out-of-state repossessions, a bill of sale or release from lienholder is required.
How are mechanic/storage/towing liens handled?
Mechanic/storage liens: Charges must be unpaid for 3 months, then vehicle may be sold after notice.
Towing liens: Vehicle must remain unclaimed for 30 days, then may be sold after 20 days’ notice.
Storage charges cease after 60 days unless notice is given.
Purchaser submits notarized Claim of Ownership/Involuntary Lien (826), V1, Verification of Vehicle (811), and fee.
Other notes:
Only the primary lienholder is listed on titles (except for manufactured homes).
Electronic Lien & Title (ELT) program is NOT available.
Department of Administration
4001 Ingra Street, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
907.269.5551
Enforcement Agency:
Alaska Department of Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles4001 Ingra Street, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: 907.269.5551
Email: doa.dmv.webmaster@alaska.gov
Alaska DMV Website
Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:
Alaska State Troopers5700 E. Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507
Phone: 907.269.5511
Abandoned/Derelict Vessels: dnr.adv@alaska.gov or 907.419.4480
Key Regulations:
DMV oversees titling, registration, tax collection, lien recording, and repossession.
Alaska State Troopers enforce vehicle laws, including theft and abandonment.
All vehicles must carry proof of insurance ($50,000/$100,000/$25,000 minimum).
No emissions or safety inspections required statewide.
DMV maintains vehicle and registration records for three years after expiration.