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Frequently Asked Questions

Address Questions

I renewed my driver license and gave you my new address, but I did not receive a renewal notice for my vehicle. Why?

All of our records are separate. Changing your address on your driver license does not change the address on your vehicle record(s). Changing your address on your vehicle record does not change your address on other vehicles or on your driver license.

Vehicle Questions

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.

Driver License Questions

I am moving to Alaska or am on vacation in Alaska, must I obtain an Alaska driver license?

You are welcome to drive in Alaska for up to 90 days with a valid out of state license. You would need to obtain an Alaska license at that time. For Commercial driver licenses, you must obtain an Alaska CDL within 30 days of becoming a resident.

I have moved from Alaska and need a copy of my driving record to obtain employment or to obtain a driver license in another state. Can you send a copy?

Driving Records

Are there any discounts for Senior Citizens?

You may obtain a State Identification card at no fee provided you are at least 60 years old. Also check out our Senior Vehicle Registration Exemption.

My driver license will expire while I am on vacation. How early am I allowed to renew?

You can renew up to 1 year minus one day prior to expiration. For example, if your birthday is February 14th and your license expires in 2007, you may renew on February 15th, 2006.

General Questions

What forms of payment does DMV take?

DMV accepts Visa or Mastercard, personalized checks or money orders made out to the State of Alaska or Division of Motor Vehicles.

Should I be concerned about my elder's driving?

To some extent, driving improves with age. Mature drivers are typically more experienced and cautious.

However, studies show that vision, hearing, reflexes, and cognitive abilities may deteriorate with age, and the proportion of people over age 75 who drive and are in accidents is comparable to younger drivers.

In addition, older drivers are more susceptible to injury. What a younger driver might consider a minor accident could result in an elder person's injury or death.

More information about Senior Drivers

How do I talk to my elders about driving?

Studies show that senior drivers give the least credibility to family members who criticize their driving. These drivers show much more willingness to suggestions from law enforcement officers, doctors, and friends.

If you find yourself in the position of talking to an older family member or friend about their driving, approach the issue with sensitivity. A driver’s license signifies more than the ability to drive a car; it is a symbol of freedom and self-sufficiency.

Some older drivers may be aware of their faltering ability, but still be reluctant to give up driving completely. Another person’s concerns may force the senior driver to act. They may even feel relieved to have someone else help make the decision to stop driving.

Some seniors may forget that they aren’t supposed to drive. If that is the case, it is even more important to remove the car or the keys to make it impossible to drive.

More information about Senior Drivers

Refund Information

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, sold, or destroyed prior to the start of the registration period.

The State of Alaska does not issue refunds for online transactions unless the application is rejected by DMV. Please read the information on our website carefully to ensure you are aware of application requirements, processing time, etc. before submitting an application and payment online.

Refund Questions

Can I receive a refund on registration fees that were paid before I registered my vehicle in another state?

If the registration you paid for has not yet gone into effect you can apply for a refund. You must provide proof of your new out of state registration.

Can I receive a refund on registration fees that were paid before I sold my vehicle?

If the registration you paid for has not yet gone into effect you can apply for a refund. You must provide proof of sale as well as the plates and tabs from the vehicle.

Can I receive a refund on registration fees that were paid before my vehicle was destroyed in a crash?

If the registration you paid for has not yet gone into effect you can apply for a refund. You must provide proof of the vehicle being declared as “junked” or “totaled” by your insurance company, as well as the plates and tabs from the vehicle.

Can I receive a refund on registration fees that were paid before I learned about an exemption I qualify for?

If you were eligible for the exemption at the time you registered your vehicle, you can apply for a refund. You must provide proof of eligibility for the exemption, as well as the plates and tabs from the vehicle.

Revised 5/6/2022 14:13