FAQs, Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Administration, State of Alaska

When must studded tires be removed?

It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle with studded tires on a paved highway or road from May 1st through September 15th, inclusive, north of 60 North Latitude and from April 15th through September 30th, inclusive, south of 60 North Latitude, except that at any latitude on a paved portion of the Sterling Highway a person may not operate a motor vehicle with studded tires from May 1st through September 15th, inclusive.

I am planning a trip to Alaska or moving to Alaska. When must I obtain an Alaska vehicle
registration?

You may drive a vehicle that is currently registered in another state for up to 60 days in Alaska. After that time, you must obtain an Alaska registration. If you obtain employment in Alaska, you must obtain an Alaska registration within 10 days. (If you are active duty military and maintain registration in your home of record or attending a college or university as a full-time student, you are not required to obtain Alaska registration.)

My child is doing a report on Alaska and would like a license plate to show with the report. Can you send a license plate?

DMV is unable to sell standard issue license plates that are new or previously used. You may obtain a SAMPLE
plate which is specially made as a souvenir.

I have traveled outside of Alaska and purchased a vehicle. How do I obtain license plates or a permit to drive my vehicle back to Alaska?

Please see the following, paying extra attention to: Additional Information Click on the following if applicable: Active Duty Military or College Student

I renewed over the Internet and have not received my registration and tab, and it has been over two weeks. What do I need to do?

Send a message over our web site. Include your license plate number and current mailing and residence address. We will check and let you know what to do to obtain the registration and tab.

Are there any discounts on registration fees for senior citizens?

Yes. Please see the following: Senior Exemption

I am in the military and am stationed outside of Alaska. I am an Alaska resident and need to renew my registration as quickly as possible. What do I do?

Update your address using our Address Change system on our home page. Once you have updated
the address, you may renew your registration. If you are unable to update your address with this system, send a message from our home page (E-mail ALASKA DMV) with your license plate number(s), current mailing and residence (physical) address and your name and date of birth. Your address will be updated and instructions for renewal will be forwarded to you.

I have moved and did not receive a renewal notice for my vehicle. What do I need to do to renew?

Update your address using our Address Change system on our home page. Once you have updated
the address, you may renew your registration. If you still have trouble, please see: Renewal Options

I have traveled outside of Alaska due to vacation, military orders or to attend college and I need to renew my registration on my vehicle. What are the procedures?

Renewal from Outside of Alaska

I just bought a new vehicle and want to transfer my license plates to the new vehicle. How do I do this?

Only Special Issue plates can be transferred. See Transfer of Plates for more information.

Can I receive a refund on registration fees that were not used because I registered my vehicle in another state or my vehicle was destroyed in a crash?

The State of Alaska does not issue refunds on partial registration. A refund can only be issued if you have acceptable written proof showing that the vehicle was registered in another state / destroyed prior to the start of the registration period. Please note that for destroyed vehicles, some insurance companies will reimburse you for unused registration fees, depending on your insurance policy.