In AK for less than 1 year | Odometer Requirements | I/M Non-comply | Surety Bond

A foreign vehicle is one that is purchased or owned by an individual in any country other than the U.S. and is imported into the U.S. This includes vehicles purchased or registered in Canada. This does not include foreign made vehicles that are built to meet U.S. safety and emission standards and imported for sale by dealers in the U.S. An example of a vehicle that would not need customs documents would be a vehicle that has an MSO from OMSC (Military) Dealership, Switzerland. The person took delivery of this vehicle from a Dealership in Alaska.
If a person has a USAEUR registration, they must still obtain the original MCO or title from another state. A USAEUR registration is not proof of ownership.

Entry papers are not required for small trailers under a 1,000 lbs. (Example: Costco or Fred Meyer trailers).

The following documents are required [02 AAC 92.070] to title a foreign vehicle in Alaska:

1. Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin or foreign ownership documents.
2. An original bill of sale, assigned title, or comparable document evidencing a transfer of ownership to the applicant.
3. Documents evidencing legal entry into the U.S. (Customs will assure that the vehicle meets EPA and DOT requirements.)
4. A completed Application for Title and Registration (Form 812) signed by the applicant. [AS 28.10.211]

Note: The vehicle must be physically in Alaska before it can be titled and registered in Alaska.

The Polk Foreign Vehicle Manual is the standard reference to determine valid ownership documents and to determine the documents needed to prove legal entry into the U.S.

A surety bond may not be used to obtain a title for a foreign vehicle in lieu of customs documentation. A surety bond may be used to obtain a title if the customer has the proper customs documentation but does not have everything required to prove ownership.

Note: Canada does not import pre-1981 vehicles.

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ODOMETER REQUIREMENTS

Foreign documents do not always contain odometer (T-25) information. In these instances, the applicant may make a statement as to the current odometer reading. If there is an odometer reading and it is in kilometers, multiply the number of kilometers by .62 to obtain the odometer reading in miles. Have the applicant enter this information on the application for ALVIN entry.

VEHICLE THAT WILL BE IN ALASKA LESS THAN ONE YEAR

A person may bring a vehicle into Alaska without customs documents as long as the vehicle will not be in Alaska for more than a year. In these cases, issue an NTI and place a STOP on the record stating that the vehicle cannot be renewed or sold. In order for the vehicle to be renewed or sold, customs documents are required. No exceptions. Register for 13 months. (R-180)

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VEHICLES THAT CANNOT OBTAIN CUSTOMS DOCUMENTS DUE TO I/M STANDARDS

If a person is unable to obtain clearance from customs because of the U.S. I/M standards for EPA, refer them to the vehicle manufacturer. They would need to request a written statement from the manufacturer stating that the vehicle meets U.S. I/M standards. Once they have the statement, they should be able to obtain the required document(s) from customs.

If the person is unable to obtain a letter, refer them to the Northwest regional “Office of Air Quality” in Seattle. 1 (800) 424-4372 or 1 (202) 564-9240

Customs - 271-6309

Cross Reference:

HISTORY:

07/01/06 - Changed regulation from 13 AAC 70.105 to 02 AAC 92.070

Changed procedure for vehicles in AK less than 1 year from charging biennial registration to charging for 13 month registration

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