Updated on July 12, 2021
In Alaska, a vehicle registration is needed for so many types of vehicles. From cars to trucks, buses and motorcycles, motorhomes, even snow mobiles, ATVs, and dirt bikes. Registration is not required for manufactured homes or house trailers, but titles for proof of ownership are.

Snow vehicles or snow mobiles in the Last Frontier State get two decals when you first register them. The number of your decal becomes your permanent registration for your snow mobile. You have to place the decals on both sides of the tunnel, which is right above footrests.

Anyone moving to Alaska needs to register their vehicle within 10 days of becoming resident. If you’re not permanently moving to the Land of the Midnight Sun, you can use your out-of-state registration for 60 days. Continue reading for more details about Alaska vehicle tags.

Alaska Vehicle Registration Renewal Guide

How to Renew Your Car Registration in Alaska

The state of Alaska requires that you renew your vehicle registration every two years. A reminder is mailed out by the Alaskan DMV 30 days before the registration renewal month, whichever that may be for the vehicle in question—this is called a mail out or pre-bill.

The pre-bill will include your registration fees and the vehicle information.

Should you wish to renew your vehicle registration in Alaska online, you simply need to visit the DMV website of Alaska and:

• Make sure that you have your current address on file with the Alaskan DMV (old or outdated addresses may be updated).
• Enter your license plate number or your registration renewal number as well as the last 2 numbers of your VIN.
• Pay the renewal fees and any motor vehicle registration taxes if applicable.

Registration documents and stickers for your license plate will generally be mailed out within two days.

In order to complete the vehicle registration process in person or by mail, you will need the following information:

• Registration renewal notice.
• Copy of your current registration.
• A renewal request letter that has your license plate number or a vehicle transaction application completed.
• Your payment.

In almost all cases, the registration fee for a motorhome, passenger vehicles, cargo vans and trucks less than 10,000 pounds is $100. The cost for registering a motorcycle is $60.

How to Replace Car Registration Paperwork in Alaska

Are you in Alaska and want to know how to replace a vehicle registration in Alaska? Despite the fact that you live in the largest state in the Union, it’s not a complicated process when you have the right info. We’re here to help with that.

First off, the government agency that handles your driver’s license, motor vehicle registration, and title is the Division of Motor Vehicles. This also applies to any off-road or snow machine that you might use on public lands.

If you have any questions, feel free to give the DMV a call at (855) 269-5551 or email them by clicking here. It may take up to a week to receive an email response.

Replacing Your Registration vs. Vehicle Registration Renewal

What’s the difference between replacement or duplicate registration and renewing my vehicle registration in Alaska?

If you received a renewal notice through the mail or noticed that yours is recently expired, you can renew online.

The cost of a renewal runs from $100 and up depending on the age of your vehicle and any local taxes that are due. If you simply lost your registration document, you don’t need to spend all that extra cash. You only need a replacement car registration.

In Person Replacement Registration In Alaska

So, you tossed out the paper registration when you cleaned out the car after Mud Season. Not to worry, this isn’t a big thing. Many city halls across the state have a DMV office in them.

In order to get an immediate Alaska replacement registration, just bring your driver’s license, the vehicle identification number, and the current plate number for the vehicle to your local DMV. They can print one out for you on the spot.

Alaska DMV Hours

When is the Alaska DMV office open?

If you live in one of the big cities like Anchorage or Fairbanks, your DMV will be open 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. In more rural areas, your DMV may have restricted hours, close for lunch, and be unattended when conducting road tests. Make sure to check with your location before heading out to do some errands.

Third Party Registration Renewal In Alaska

The Alaska DMV has connected with a wide variety of third-party business partners across the state to offer most DMV services, including a replacement car registration, in your neighborhood.

There may be an additional service fee for the convenience, but when it’s two hours or more to the closest official DMV location, this can be a huge time saver.

DMV too Far Away? Request a Replacement Car Registration by email

With the extreme weather conditions and massive stretches of wilderness, it’s possible that it isn’t possible for you to reach a DMV office for several months. If this is the case, the DMV welcomes you to apply for a for your duplicate registration via email.

Send a message to doa.dmv.correspondence@alaska.gov with your request. Make sure to include:

• What item needs replacing: the license plate decal, vehicle registration or license plates.
• Vehicle identification including the license plate number and VIN.
• Your name, address and phone number.

The DMV will call you to collect the credit card payment.

Lost Your License Plate? Order a Replacement in Person or Through the Mail

Only have a post office in the village? You can order it through the mail. Send your request including all the information from the email above, completed Form 812, and payment to:

Replacement Vehicle Registration Fees In Alaska

How much will a replacement or duplicate vehicle registration cost in the state of Alaska?

This fee will vary depending on what you are looking to replace through the Alaska DMV. Required registration fees are as follows:

• Duplicate registration costs $2.
• Duplicate Year Tab is $5.
• Duplicate plates are $5.

Order a Personalized or Special Alaska License Plate Online

Maybe you really just want to add a little personality to your ride. You can order a personalized plate through the DMV website or by visiting one of their offices.

Your Alaska DMV is available to help you any way possible. If you have any questions about how to complete your request for a replacement vehicle registration just pick up the phone and give them a call at (855) 269-5551.