Last Update: August 24, 2026

Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Alaska

Alaska issues temporary credentials that allow limited vehicle operation before permanent registration is completed or, for commercial carriers, before full registration is in place. For private vehicles, the credential is typically a 60-day temporary registration permit. For commercial operations, the applicable credential may be a trip permit for non-commercial transport or a temporary registration for truck or trailer (TRT) for commercial use.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Alaska?

In Alaska, a temporary vehicle permit for a standard motor vehicle is typically a 60-day registration for private vehicles or a 30-day registration for commercial vehicles. Under Alaska Statutes 28.10.152, a commercial vehicle registered outside the state may be temporarily registered if the operator provides proof of valid registration in another jurisdiction and any other documentation required by the Department of Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles.

For non-commercial vehicles, Alaska provides trip permits that are issued for specific purposes, such as transporting unladen non-commercial vehicles on a single trip by a noncircular route, valid for up to 20 days, with a maximum of three per vehicle. For commercial vehicles, Alaska distinguishes between trip permits for non-commercial use and temporary registrations for truck or trailer (TRT) permits for commercial carriers.

Who May Need a Temporary Permit

A temporary permit may be required in the following situations:

• A private vehicle has been purchased, and permanent Alaska registration cannot be issued immediately.
• A nonresident operator desires to operate a private vehicle that is registered outside the state.
• Ownership or registration documents needed for title or registration are delayed.
• A commercial vehicle enters Alaska, but full credentials from another jurisdiction are not active.
• An unladen non-commercial vehicle requires transportation on a single trip.
• A vehicle requires inspection, weighing, or other Department of Administration requirements.
• A vehicle undergoes rebuilding, dismantling, or removal from highways.
• A commercial vehicle is not registered in Alaska and requires temporary operating authority.

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Alaska

For private vehicles, Alaska allows a temporary registration permit valid for 60 days for limited operation until permanent registration can be completed. The 60-day temporary permit may be issued for an unladen vehicle or to facilitate registration of a vehicle to be permanently licensed in Alaska or in another state. Applicants must provide proof of vehicle ownership or interest in the vehicle. The temporary permit must be displayed on the vehicle in accordance with Department guidelines.

For trip permits, which provide an alternative temporary operating authority, a designated agent or licensing official may issue a permit for specific purposes, including the following situations:

• Transporting a non-completed vehicle under construction.
• Facilitating inspections, weighing, or other requirements of the Division.
• Rebuilding, dismantling, or removing a vehicle permanently from highways and vehicular ways.
• Transporting an unladen non-commercial vehicle on a single trip by a noncircular route, valid up to 20 days, with a maximum of three per vehicle.
• Transporting an unladen commercial vehicle making a single continuous trip by a noncircular route, valid up to 10 days.
• Obtaining an emission inspection for a vehicle with an expired registration, valid up to 5 days.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Alaska

Commercial vehicles may require temporary operating authority in place of full credentials. Alaska recognizes the following temporary commercial permits:

• Trip permit for non-commercial single trips of limited duration.
• Commercial trip permit for commercial vehicles not registered in Alaska but registered in another jurisdiction.
• Temporary registration for truck or trailer (TRT) for commercial carriers, valid for up to 30 days.

A commercial trip permit (Temporary Registration for Truck or Trailer (TRT)) must be obtained before a commercial vehicle enters Alaska. The temporary registration is issued upon proof of the vehicle's valid registration in another jurisdiction and any other documentation required by the Department. Under Alaska Statutes 28.10.152, a certificate of temporary registration, valid for 30 days, is issued to commercial vehicles and must state both the date of issuance and the expiration date.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may need a temporary permit after purchase if permanent Alaska registration cannot be issued immediately. Alaska also provides nonresident vehicle operation privileges, allowing a nonresident owner to operate a vehicle with current out-of-state registration for up to 60 days after entry into the state if the vehicle has displayed upon it a currently valid registration plate issued by another jurisdiction. However, if a nonresident becomes gainfully employed or indicates an intention to acquire residence in the state, compliance with Alaska's registration provisions is required within 10 days of commencement of employment or taking action indicating such intent.

A commercial vehicle may need a temporary permit when:

• The vehicle is registered in another jurisdiction and is not fully registered in Alaska.
• The operator requires authorization for limited movement into the state pending full registration processing.
• The commercial vehicle operation occurs before permanent registrations are activated.

How to Get a Temporary Permit in Alaska

Where to Apply

For private vehicles, an application for a 60-day temporary permit may be made through the DMV Online Services portal or through a local DMV office. For trip permits, an application is generally made at a local DMV office.

For commercial carriers, temporary registrations for truck or trailer (TRT) are obtained through the DMV Online Services portal or through the Tok Weigh Station at (907) 883-4591.

Documents Commonly Required

Depending on the transaction type, the required records may include:

• Vehicle Transaction Application (Form V1), completed in full.
• Proof of vehicle ownership or interest, such as a title, bill of sale, or other ownership documentation.
• Current out-of-state vehicle registration.
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification.
• For commercial vehicles, proof of valid registration in another jurisdiction.
• For commercial carriers, the operator's USDOT number or other documentation required by Department regulation.
• Proof of liability insurance, if state verification cannot confirm coverage with minimum amounts of $50,000 for bodily injury or death of any one person, $100,000 for bodily injury or death for any accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

Temporary Permit Fees in Alaska

The following table summarizes principal permit costs in Alaska:

Can an Alaska Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, Alaska states that a trip permit or 60-day temporary permit may be issued for a vehicle to be permanently licensed in any state, not exclusively in Alaska. For commercial carriers, a current and valid temporary registration authorizes both intrastate and temporary interstate movement in Alaska if all applicable regulatory requirements are met and the vehicle maintains valid registration in its home jurisdiction.

Oversize and overweight movement remains subject to separate permitting through the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities using the State-Wide Oversize and Overweight Online Permit System (AKSWOOP), available online at AKSWOOP.COM or by calling (800) 478-7636.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

Alaska imposes penalties for driving without a valid registration or proper temporary credentials.

Under Alaska Statutes 28.10.461, a person may not drive or move, nor may an owner knowingly permit to be driven or moved, any vehicle unless valid registration plates, decals, or permits are displayed. Violation of this provision constitutes driving a vehicle without evidence of registration. According to the Alaska Traffic Bail Forfeiture Schedule, the following penalties apply:

• Failure to register a vehicle carries a bail/fine of $90.
• Failure to carry evidence of registration in the vehicle carries a bail/fine of $75.
• Operating a vehicle with expired registration carries a bail/fine of $90.
• Plates, decals, or permits must be properly attached and displayed; violations carry a bail/fine of $75.

Under Alaska Title 28 provisions, violation of registration statutes constitutes a misdemeanor unless otherwise specified by statute or regulation. Bail amounts are doubled for violations committed within highway work zones or traffic safety corridors as defined by statute.

Contact Information

Alaska Department of Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles
4001 Ingra Street, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: (907) 269-5551
Official Website: Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles