After purchasing your vehicle, you can use temporary tags to drive until you register and obtain new license plates.
If you intend to own a vehicle in Alaska, you must register it at the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
There are two standard types of plates to choose from:
You can also choose from a range of specialty license plates. See below for more options.
In Alaska, you can choose from a range of different license plate styles with elaborate decals and designs. Depending on which plate you want, pricing will vary. Here is a list of the options available in Alaska:
If you plan on getting a custom style plate with a unique design, there are a few guidelines to follow from the DMV:
Applying for a special plate is as simple as checking off the box and paying any associated fees. If you want to see which names are available for your custom plate, you can use FindByPlate.com's free license plate search tool.
When you've registered your vehicle, you will be expected to pay a fee based on the weight of your vehicle and the type of license plates you want. The costs of license plates in Alaska are as follows:
Remember, these fees don't include any additional taxes charged based on the type of vehicle you drive.
In Alaska, you are not permitted to transfer your standard license plates. This means that when you purchase a new vehicle, you have to get a new set of plates. Or, if you sell your car, your license plates will remain with that vehicle.
However, you are permitted to transfer your personalized or any other specialized plates made for your vehicle.
If you change your license plates, you must surrender your previous plates. You can send your old plates to a local DMV office in person or by mail.
Should your Alaskan license plate get stolen or lost, make sure you immediately inform the local authorities. By law, you are not required to report stolen plates, but doing so could prevent them from being abused or used by others.
Afterward, you can apply for replacements by visiting the DMV in person or sending an application by mail.
If you have to obtain new license plates, you’ll need the following:
If you’re traveling to Alaska, you are permitted to drive through the state for only 60 days with your out-of-state license plates.
If you're living in Alaska, you're required to register your vehicle and obtain the right plates within 30 days of purchase. Remember, to legally drive your car, you need temporary plates when returning from a dealership and driving to the DMV.
If you establish residency in Alaska, you are obliged to register your vehicle within 10 days.
There are many remote locations throughout Alaska. For those who live more than 50 miles from a DMV location, you can register, renew, and apply for plates by mail.
For anyone living within 50 miles of a DMV office, they must visit the office in person to register their vehicle and apply for their plates.
When you’re applying for an Alaskan license plate in person, be sure to bring the following:
For more details, contact your local DMV.
In the event that you have to leave Alaska during the registration, you can apply for a refund. Not all situations are eligible for a refund, but to see if you can get your money back you have to fill out the Customer Refund Request. Afterward, your case will be reviewed and responded to as soon as possible.
If you want to get more information about a vehicle, such as obtaining a vehicle history report before purchasing, you can use this free license plate search tool.
This tool allows you to search for available license plate numbers, review a car’s history, and find other information about the plate or vehicle associated with it (including stats, facts, and figures).
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to look up Alaska License Plates and report bad drivers:
