Car Registration Requirements for New Alaska Residents
Individuals moving to Alaska must register their vehicles with the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles. The state establishes specific deadlines, documentation requirements, and fee structures that apply to all residents operating motor vehicles on public roadways.
Timeline for New Alaska Residents
Alaska requires new residents to register their vehicle within 10 days of entering the state or accepting employment in Alaska. This 10-day deadline applies to vehicles currently registered in other states that new residents bring with them.
Establishing Alaska Residency
Alaska defines residency under AS 01.10.055 as physical presence in the state with intent to remain indefinitely and make a home in Alaska. The Division of Motor Vehicles evaluates residency based on multiple factors including employment location, voter registration, property ownership, and tax filing status.
Residency indicators include:
- Securing Alaska employment
- Enrolling dependents in Alaska schools
- Registering to vote in Alaska
- Filing Alaska state income taxes
- Obtaining Alaska driver credentials
- Maintaining a dwelling in Alaska
The state examines these factors collectively when determining residency status for vehicle registration purposes.
Required Documentation for Car Registration in Alaska
New residents must provide specific documents when registering a vehicle in Alaska.
Title and Ownership Documentation
- Current out-of-state registration
- Title if there is no lienholder
- Lien release documentation when applicable
- Power of attorney if a representative submits the application
Identity and Residency Verification
- Alaska driver's license or identification card
- Proof of Alaska residence address
- Social Security number
Vehicle Identification Requirements
- Completed Vehicle Transaction Application (Form V1) signed by the vehicle owner
- Vehicle verification inspection (Form 811) conducted by law enforcement or DMV personnel
- Odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old
Insurance Requirements
Alaska law requires vehicle owners to maintain liability insurance meeting minimum coverage levels:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury per Person | $50,000 |
| Bodily Injury per Accident | $100,000 |
| Property Damage | $25,000 |
Insurance providers must electronically file proof of coverage with the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles.
Application Submission Methods
New residents may submit registration applications in person at DMV offices located throughout Alaska. Applications may also be submitted electronically through the Alaska DMV online portal for certain transactions. Mail submissions are accepted at:
DMV headquarters in Anchorage
4001 Ingra Street, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503.
In-person transactions incur an additional $10 walk-in fee. Required forms including Form V1 and Form 811 can be downloaded from the DMV website.
Registration Fees and Costs in Alaska
Alaska calculates registration fees based on vehicle type, weight, model year, and municipal location. The state provides an online fee calculator for determining registration costs.
Registration costs include:
- Biennial registration fee for two-year registration periods
- $100 title fee when obtaining Alaska certificates of title
- $15 lien recording fee when applicable
- Motor Vehicle Registration Tax assessed by participating municipalities
- $10 walk-in fee for in-person transactions
Commercial vehicles face different fee schedules under AS 28.10.421(c).
Vehicles with expired registration are charged the full biennial fee starting from the expiration month when the lapse is less than one full year.
Contact Information
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
4001 Ingra Street, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: (907) 269-5551
Official Website: Alaska DMV
