Alaska Title & Registration Guide
Complete guide to Alaska vehicle titling, registration, fees, taxes, lien laws, and official forms. Maintained by Illinois Title Services.
Department of Administration — Division of Motor Vehicles
4001 Ingra Street, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
907.269.5551 — [email protected]
Title & Proof of Ownership
Most motor vehicles, trailers, motorcycles, mopeds 50cc and over, and boats over 24 feet in length must be titled, unless exempt. Undocumented boats 24 feet or less in length and special mobile equipment are titled at owner's option. Vehicles exempt from registration, ATVs*, snowmobiles, and USCG-documented vessels are exempt from titling.
Manufactured Homes
Manufactured homes are titled at owner's option — one title issued regardless of the number of units. If permanently affixed to real property, the owner may request cancellation of the title or MCO.
ATVs & APVs
ATVs to be operated on approved public roads or highways must be titled as an APV. The statement "vehicle used as an APV" must be written in the Affidavits section of the application.
Application for Title
Vehicle Transaction Application (V1) may be made in person to any DMV Office, Business Partner, mailed to headquarters, or submitted online. An instructional video on how to fill out the application is available online. Titles are issued immediately; allow two months for mailed applications. Make checks payable to State of Alaska DMV.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title Fee | $15.00 |
| Lien Filing Fee (if applicable) | $15.00 |
| Manufactured Home Title | $100.00 + $15.00 lien fee |
| Boat Title (Form B1) | $20.00 |
| Duplicate Title | $15.00 ($20.00 boats) |
Electronic Signatures
Not accepted at this time.
Proof of Ownership
New Vehicles
Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin.
Used Vehicles
Certificate of Title.
Non-Title Issuing Jurisdiction
Registration certificate and bill of sale.
Government Surplus Vehicles
U.S. Government Certificate to Obtain Title to a Vehicle (SF97-1) or a Notice of Award, Statement, and Release Document (DRMS Form 1427).
Foreign Vehicles
Foreign ownership documents plus U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance, an Entry Summary (CBP 7501), and EPA and DOT letters of compliance. A Military Registration and Certificate of Title of Motor Vehicle (DD Form 430) is required for military vehicles. English translation required for any document written in a foreign language.
Surrender of Proof of Ownership: Required. Titles are not returned to issuing state. Alaska uses NMVTIS for verification during all title transactions.
Insufficient Evidence of Ownership
When the DMV is not satisfied as to the ownership of a vehicle or that there are undisclosed security interests, the vehicle may be registered but title will be withheld until documents are presented to satisfy the DMV or a bond must be filed. If an out-of-state lienholder is in possession of the title, the owner must request the lienholder to mail the title with a title-state-changed authorization letter, a title application, and required fees to the DMV.
Special Titles
Bonded Title
When there is insufficient evidence of ownership, a non-cancelable title surety bond or cash bond in the amount of 1½ times the appraised value of the vehicle is required. Vehicle must be physically located in Alaska and appraisal must be conducted within Alaska. A completed Vehicle Appraisal Form for Surety Bond (825) must be included. Bond must be non-cancelable for three years.
Title Brands
Brands are shown on the face of the Alaska title under the Remarks/Legends field. Brands issued are "REC" for reconstructed salvage vehicles, "KIT" for vehicles built from a kit with an MCO, and "Duplicate". Out-of-state salvage and reconstructed brands are forwarded onto Alaska titles.
Salvage Vehicle
A vehicle is considered a total loss if damaged to the extent that the cost of repairs exceeds the vehicle's current value. Insurance companies doing business in Alaska must surrender the title to vehicles they acquire due to total loss settlements. Vehicle cannot be registered until the reconstruction process is complete.
Reconstructed Vehicle
A vehicle materially altered from original construction must have a Verification of Vehicle (811) completed by law enforcement or a DMV representative. A Reconstructed Vehicle Affidavit (829) or a Homebuilt Trailer Affidavit (819) must be submitted with the inspection, titles, bills of sale, and invoices for major component parts.
Junk Vehicle
An insurer obtaining title to an unrepairable vehicle through settlement of a claim must mark the word "junk" on the face of the title and surrender the title and registration to the DMV with a Notice of Intent to Dismantle or Junk Vehicle (849).
Abandoned Vehicle
It is unlawful to abandon a vehicle. Vehicles abandoned on private property without consent may be removed by the municipality or claimed by the property owner. A Claim of Ownership/Involuntary Lien (826) must be submitted with a Vehicle Transaction Application (V1).
Title Only
Issued to vehicles located in Alaska, not used upon the highways, and parked on private property. Affidavit of non-highway use is required. "Title Only" must be written in the Other Information section of the V1.
Stolen Vehicle/Boat
Thefts must be reported in person to the Alaska State Troopers or regional dispatch center. A stolen status will be placed on the vehicle record and no other actions may occur until the stolen status is cleared. The theft or recovery of a boat must be reported to the DMV in writing within 30 days.
Odometer Disclosure
Required upon transfer of a vehicle. Vehicles with a model year of 2010 or older, vehicles that are not self-propelled, boats, special mobile equipment, vehicles with an unladen weight of 12,000 lbs. or more, and vehicles previously marked as Exempt from another state are exempt.
VIN/HIN Inspection
A Verification of Vehicle (811) is required for reconstructed and home-built vehicles, and any vehicle without a title. VIN verification may be required for vehicles previously registered outside Alaska. A replacement VIN must be assigned when the VIN has been altered, removed, or defaced. A HIN may be assigned to a boat if the number is missing.
Lien Law
Lienholder information is entered on the Vehicle Transaction Application (V1). Title fee plus $15.00 lien recording fee are required. Lien document is not required. Only the primary lienholder will be shown on title; secondary lienholders may record their liens at the District Recorder's Office. Lien is perfected as of the date of its creation if documents are filed within 10 days; otherwise, as of time of receipt.
Note: All lienholders are shown in the order of priority on manufactured home titles.
Lien Expiration
Liens remain on record until a lien release is submitted and a clean title is issued.
Responsible Party for Filing
The dealer is responsible for filing liens on dealer sales. The owner is responsible for filing liens on casual sales.
Assignment by Lienholder
Lienholder must provide written notice of the assignment to the owner. A new title will be issued upon submission of the current title assigned by the lienholder giving the name and address of the assignee, a $15.00 title fee, and a $15.00 lien filing fee.
Lien Sales
A mechanic, tow company, or storage company has a possessory lien on a vehicle when the owner fails to pay charges due. For a mechanic's or storage lien, charges must remain unpaid for three months. For a towing lien, vehicle must have remained unclaimed for 30 days and may be sold after giving 20 days notice of sale.
Release of Lien
Lien must be released immediately upon satisfaction of the lien on the title or on a separate notarized letter from the lienholder that includes the date, signature, and title of the person releasing their interest. The owner must apply for a clear title within 10 days, unless the vehicle will be transferred within 30 days of the release.
UCC Filings
Secondary liens and liens on non-titled vehicles, manufactured homes, and boats are recorded through the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, UCC Central, 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 108A, Anchorage, AK 99501-3564, 907.269.8873. Online filing is available.
Lien Records & ELT
Lien records are on file with the Motor Vehicle Division. Title on which a lien is shown is mailed to the lienholder. Alaska does not have an Electronic Lien & Title (ELT) Program.
Transfer of Title
Transfer is accomplished by assignment of title. The seller must provide the purchaser with the properly assigned title at time of delivery. The seller must notify the DMV within 10 days of transfer or assignment to avoid penalty. The purchaser must apply for title within 30 days of sale. Dealers must apply for transfer of title to the purchaser within 30 days of purchase to avoid penalty. Lien release is required for any unreleased liens.
Add/Remove a Party
Same procedures are followed as any other transfer; however, plates remain the same. New title and registration are required.
Damage Disclosure
There is no damage disclosure law in Alaska.
Joint Ownership
Joint Tenancy ("or"): One signature required for transfer. Tenancy in Common ("and"): All signatures required. If there is more than one owner and names are joined by any other conjunction or no conjunction, all signatures are required.
Notarization
Not required for title transfer in Alaska.
Deceased Owner
If title is held in joint tenancy, the surviving owner may release the title. If title is held in tenancy in common or there is a sole owner, the vehicle becomes part of the decedent's estate and the personal representative may assign the title.
Documents required: Letters of Administration, a notarized Affidavit for an Estate with Assets of $150,000 or Less (827), or a certified copy of a probated Will or a Will declared valid by an order of informal probate.
Transfer on Death (TOD)
There is no procedure for adding a beneficiary to a title in Alaska.
Power of Attorney
A notarized Power of Attorney (847) may be used to appoint an agent to act on behalf of the owner. Two parties may not be placed on a POA; a separate POA is required. Documents must be signed, Mary Smith by John Smith, POA.
Limited Assignment Space
When a title has no further assignment space available, the last assignee must obtain title in their name. If an out-of-state title, a secure reassignment form from the title state is allowed. A bill of sale will not be accepted. A private individual may not reassign a title without first obtaining a title in their name.
Repossession
Upon default in the terms of a security agreement, the secured party may take possession of the vehicle without judicial process, if it proceeds without a breach of the peace. A new title may be issued to the lienholder or to a subsequent purchaser. The purchaser must submit a title application to DMV headquarters with a notarized Claim of Ownership/Involuntary Lien (826), the current title, and required fee.
Important: If the lien has not been recorded on DMV records, an Affidavit of Repossession cannot be used to transfer title and a surety bond is required.
Out-of-State Repossession
If an Alaskan Affidavit of Repossession is not used for an out-of-state repossession, an additional release of interest or bill of sale from the lienholder to the new owner is required, unless the Affidavit of Repossession specifically states who owns the vehicle after repossession.
Registration
All motor vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, ATVs, OHVs, snow machines, motorboats, recreational vehicles, and mopeds must be registered, unless community is exempt from registration. ATVs may be registered as an APV and operated on approved public roads. Sport-fishing guides must register both powered and non-powered boats. New residents must register vehicles within 10 days of establishing residency or taking a job within Alaska.
Exempt from Registration
Implements of husbandry, vehicles moved solely by human or animal power, special mobile equipment, electric personal motor vehicles, manufactured homes, vehicles owned by the U.S., boats owned by a government agency unless used recreationally, lifeboats, seaplanes, passenger vessels, and foreign documented boats.
Expiration
Renewal
Reminders are sent to registered owners. Renewal may be made by mail, in person, by phone, or online. There is a $10.00 walk-in fee for renewing in person, unless registration has been expired for over one year, or when adding a senior citizen/disability or permanent registration exemption.
Nonresidents
Nonresidents may operate a vehicle with current registration from another state for 60 days. Ninety consecutive days for boats. Commercial vehicles must be registered when commercial use begins in Alaska.
IRP — International Registration Plan
Alaska does not participate in the IRP. All commercial vehicles that enter Alaska must obtain Alaska registration. Dual registration is available. Unregistered vehicles that proceed beyond Tok are subject to citations. Temporary Registration for Truck or Trailer (TRT) may be obtained online, at the Tok Weigh Station, or Tok DMV.
Special Permits
| Permit Type | Validity | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 60-Day Temporary Permit | 60 days | Reg fees + taxes |
| One-Way Trip Permit (noncommercial) | Up to 20 days | $5.00 |
| One-Way Trip Permit (commercial unladen) | Up to 10 days | $5.00 |
| Commercial Trip Permit (trucks/buses) | Up to 30 days | $350.00 |
| Commercial Trip Permit (trailers/semitrailers) | Up to 30 days | $10.00 |
Plates
One plate issued. Personalized/specialty plate remains with owner; all other plates remain with the vehicle.
Military Registration
Nonresident military stationed in Alaska may retain home state registration; however, are exempt from MVRT if choosing to title and/or register in Alaska. Eligible disabled veterans and Gold Star Families may register one vehicle permanently exempt from registration and MVRT fees.
Taxes
Sales and/or Use Tax
No State Tax
Alaska has no state sales or use tax; however, several municipal governments impose local sales taxes.
Motor Vehicle Registration Tax (MVRT)
Required in some municipalities in lieu of local use tax and ad valorem tax. Tax is collected during the original issuance or renewal of registration. Fee is not prorated except for commercial vehicles registering for 12 months. Fee is based on vehicle type and age or age and weight for commercial vehicles.
Exempt: Farm vehicles, historic vehicles, and Alaskan city or municipal government vehicles.
An MVRT calculator and tax charts are located online at the Alaska DMV website.
Property Tax
Required in some municipalities whose vehicles are not subject to MVRT.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax
Proof of HVUT filing is required prior to registering a heavy vehicle 55,000 lbs gross weight or more. A validated Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return (IRS Form 2290) must be submitted at time of registration and renewal.
Lease / Rental Taxes
Some municipalities levy an excise tax on the total costs and fees charged for the lease or rental of a passenger or recreational vehicle for 90 consecutive days or less. The tax rate for passenger vehicle rentals is 10.0%; 3.0% for recreational vehicles.
Tax must be remitted to the Alaska Department of Revenue, Tax Division, on a Vehicle Rental Tax Quarterly Tax Return (630). If payment is $150,000 or more, payment must be made by EFT or wire transfer.
Registration / Plate Fees
Important Notes
- •Trucks and cargo vans with an unladen weight greater than 10,000 lbs are registered based on weight.
- •Vehicles registered in a company name, including leased vehicles, are considered commercial vehicles.
- •Permanent registration is available in some boroughs and municipalities for noncommercial motor vehicles at least eight years old or trailers of any age. A one-time $25.00 permanent registration fee is collected in addition to registration fees and taxes.
- •In-person transactions may be charged a $10.00 walk-in fee.
- •Personalized plates: $30.00 in addition to regular registration fees.
Noncommercial Vehicles (Biennial Fees)
| Vehicle Type | Biennial Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger vehicle, low-speed vehicle, motor home, pickup, cargo van, APV | $100.00 |
| Taxicab | $160.00 |
| Motorcycle or motor-driven cycle | $60.00 |
| Farm vehicle | $68.00 |
| ATV, OHV, snowmobile, off-highway (not APV) | $10.00 |
| Noncommercial trailer | $30.00 |
| Historic vehicle | $10.00 |
| Government vehicle | $10.00 |
| Powered boat (3 years) | $24.00 |
| Non-powered boat (3 years) | $10.00 |
| Barge (3 years) | $75.00 |
Commercial Vehicles (by Unladen Weight)
| Weight / Type | Biennial Fee |
|---|---|
| 5,000 lbs or less | $180.00 |
| 5,001–12,000 lbs | $268.00 |
| 12,001–18,000 lbs | $516.00 |
| 18,001 lbs and over | $662.00 |
| Tour bus less than 20 passengers | $100.00 |
| Tour bus 20 or more passengers | $300.00 |
| Trailer/semitrailer (one-time fee) | $20.00 |
Dealer Plates
Used for demonstration and delivery. May not be used for pleasure. Fee $88.00 for first set; $50.00 for each subsequent set. Out-of-State Dealer Plates: Reciprocal.
Plate Transfer
A V1 is submitted with a copy of the Alaska registration and a $5.00 fee to transfer personalized or specialty license plates. No fee for Disabled Vet, Gold Star Family, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Disability, or Former POW plates.
Reduction of Fees
Alaska residents at least 65 years of age or with a permanent mobility disability may register one noncommercial vehicle exempt from registration fees and MVRT. A Senior Citizen Registration Exempt Affidavit (807) must be completed.
Official Forms & Resources
Links to official Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles forms and resources. Key forms include the Vehicle Transaction Application (V1), Boat Title and Registration Application (B1), and various affidavits. Always verify you have the most current version before submitting.
Alaska Department of Administration — Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4001 Ingra Street, Suite 101
Anchorage, AK 99503
Make checks payable to State of Alaska DMV.
Helpful Links
Alaska DMV — Division of Motor Vehicles
Main resource for titling and registration
Online Services
Title applications, registration renewals, and more
DMV Forms Library
All Alaska DMV forms and applications
Fee Calculator
Alaska DMV fee calculator for registration and MVRT
MVRT Tax Charts
Motor Vehicle Registration Tax rates by municipality
Find a DMV Office
Locate your nearest Alaska DMV office or Business Partner
Need Help with Alaska Titling?
Illinois Title Services processes Alaska titles for consumers and dealerships. We handle the paperwork so you don't have to.
Contact UsGeneral Information
Lease Information
Same forms and procedures apply to leased vehicles as any other vehicle; however, leased vehicles are considered commercial vehicles and pay commercial fees. Names of the lessor and the lessee are shown on the title specifying the position of each. Registration may be issued jointly, in the name of the lessee, or in the name of the lessor c/o lessee.
Leased vehicles are subject to Motor Vehicle Registration Tax (MVRT) if lessee resides in a borough with MVRT. Some municipalities levy an excise tax on the total costs and fees charged for the lease or rental of a passenger or recreational vehicle for 90 consecutive days or less.
Financial Responsibility Laws
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury / Person | $50,000 |
| Bodily Injury / Accident | $100,000 |
| Property Damage | $25,000 |
Insurance is mandatory. Drivers must certify that there is a policy in effect. Proof of insurance must be carried in the vehicle. Failure to maintain liability insurance may result in suspension of driver license.
Safety / Emission Inspection
Not required in Alaska.
Records
On file by VIN, registration number, license number, and name. Title and registration records are retained for three years after registration expires. A Request for Research or Verification of Motor Vehicle Record (851) must be submitted with a $10.00 fee; $5.00 for an electronic record.
Enforcement
Alaska State Troopers, 5700 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507, 907.269.5511.
Alaska Department of Administration — Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4001 Ingra Street, Suite 101
Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone:
907.269.5551Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Fees, requirements, and procedures may change. Always verify current information with the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles — or contact Illinois Title Services for professional assistance.