Car Registration

The following vehicles are required to be registered in Alaska: cars, trucks, vans, snowmachines, ATVs, motorcycles, trailers, and boats. All registrations expire on the last day of the registration month. Registrations are valid for two years and are paid in advance.

If establishing residency in Alaska, you must register your vehicle within ten days of moving here or becoming employed here. If you have just purchased a vehicle, you have 30 days to have the title transferred into your name (unless there is a lienholder). To register a vehicle, submit to DMV:

• Your current title (if there is no lienholder)

• Your current out-of-state registration (new residents)

• A completed Application for Title and Registration

• If applicable, an emissions inspection (I/M) certificate if you live in Municipality of Anchorage or Fairbanks North Star Borough

Keeping Your Address Current

Your address must be correct on DMV records in order to renew over the Internet. You will know whether your correct address is on record if you receive a registration pre-bill at your current address. If you do not, or if your pre-bill is forwarded from your previous address, do not renew using the DMV's online services without first updating your address. If your address is incorrect and you are unable to update it online, you must renew by mail.

If your registration is expired or due to expire within 30 days, e-mail Alaska DMV for procedures. You must provide your current mailing and residence addresses, along with the license plate number of the vehicle you wish to renew.

How to Renew Your Registration

Online

Your can renew your Alaska car registration online. You must have a valid MasterCard or VISA credit card (debit cards not accepted) and your address must be correct before you renew. Your registration and tab will be mailed within two business days from successful renewal. If you do not receive the items within 14 days, e-mail: dmv_webmaster@admin.state.ak.us

The online application works best with Netscape or Microsoft browsers 4.0 or above. You must have cookies selected in your browser. The DMV uses JAVA applets. These features must be selected in your browser.

By Mail or in Person

To renew by mail or in person, send the following, or take them to your local DMV office:

• Pre-bill

• Copy of your last registration

• Vehicle Transaction Application or a letter (including license plate number) requesting a renewal

• Personalized check or money order

• $10 service fee for renewing in person (unless your registration has been expired for more than an entire year)

Mail requests to:

• State of Alaska, Division of Motor Vehicles

• Attn: Mailouts

• 1300 W. Benson Blvd. Ste. 200

• Anchorage, AK 99503-3600

I/M Stations

Finally, you can also renew at an I/M Station when your I/M test is done. Some stations charge an additional fee for processing the registration. You may contact the station directly before renewing your registration to find out about any processing fees.

If you do not have a pre-bill, some I/M stations can still issue you a registration. However, if you do not have two license plates, the I/M station cannot process your registration. If your address has changed, you may update it on the pre-bill, on your previous registration, or in a letter.

Vacationers, Military, and Students

If you are traveling outside of Alaska and your registration is going to expire soon, see the Alaska DMV Web site for more information. Military personnel and college students also have additional instructions.

Contact your local DMV for more information.

Nonoperational Vehicles

You do not have to register your vehicle while it's in storage or in a nonoperable condition, provided you do not operate it on a public road.

When you take your vehicle out of storage, follow the regular registration renewal procedures to legally operate it.