You’ve got 30 days after buying an out-of-state vehicle to register it in Alaska. Take the forms and fees to the DMV or mail them if you live in a remote Alaskan city.

You might expect a lot of paperwork when you buy a car from a different state. Actually, it’s not too bad! You’ll just have to register your vehicle in the state where you plan to reside.

Jerry

, the

trustworthy car insurance app

, is here to guide you! We’ll show you how to register an out-of-state vehicle if you’re an Alaskan or if you’re from out of state and buying a car in Alaska. We’ll even throw in tips for saving on

car insurance

in the Last Frontier, so keep reading!

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How to buy a car out of state as an Alaska resident

If you’re an Alaskan who scored a great deal on a car out-of-state, how do you register the vehicle, pay taxes, or transfer the title to Alaska?

This is a pretty common situation since Alaskans frequently buy cars in the contiguous U.S. and drive them back home. Sound familiar? If it does, you’ll have to pay Alaska sales tax on the car and register it with Alaska’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Take the following forms and documents to your local DMV office. If you live in a remote part of Alaska that doesn’t have an office within 50 miles, mail the documents and fees to:

State of Alaska

Division of Motor Vehicles

ATTN: CORRESPONDENCE

3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101

Anchorage AK 99503

Otherwise, head to the DMV office with your car’s title or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin and fill out the Original

Vehicle Transaction Application Form V1

and

Title and Registration Form (Form 812)

. Include your complete contact information, the vehicle identification number (VIN), your driver’s license, and ownership information (including the address of the lienholder if you’re making payments).

Along with the completed forms, include:

Car title (hard copy)

Lien release (if you’re making payments)

$100 registration fee

$15 title fee

Motor vehicle registration taxes

(these are based on city and vehicle model year)

Unless you live in a remote Alaskan city, you must take the form, documents, and fees to the DMV in person.

If you’re buying a car out of state as an Alaskan resident and there are out-of-state plates on the car, handle the existing plates on the car according to the laws in that state. For instance, some states require that you return the plates to the DMV while others let you keep or destroy them.

After you submit your documents and fees, you’ll get an Alaska title and a set of

Alaska license plates

(which are free if you choose the basic ones).

MORE:

Title transfer Alaska

How to buy a car in Alaska if you live out of state

So what do you do if you spot a fantastic deal on a car in Alaska, and want to take it back to your home state? There are similarities to registering the vehicle, but it all depends on the state where you plan to reside. Usually, you’ll have to:

Get a valid bill of sale for buying the car (check to see if your state requires notarization)

Take the bill of sale to your local DMV along with your license or photo ID, proof of car insurance, odometer disclosure (if required), and any other documents they need

Fill out the vehicle registration application for your state

Pay vehicle registration fees and taxes

If the car you bought in Alaska has Alaskan plates, the state requires you to return them to the DMV. Since you’ll be driving around without plates, get temporary ones for driving the car home. Don’t worry—Jerry can help you get the

proof of insurance

you need before you head to the DMV.

What if I don’t have a physical title?

You’re required to show a paper copy of your car’s title or manufacturer’s certificate of origin before you’re allowed to register the vehicle. If the state where you bought the car provided an electronic title, reach out to their DMV to request a physical copy.

The dealership has to reach out to the lender if you're financing your vehicle. It’s a little troublesome, but you might be able to get a temporary registration and car insurance that allows you to drive the car home while the paperwork is being processed.

If you still can’t get a physical title, get a vehicle inspector to complete

Alaska’s Verification of Vehicle Form (Form 811)

MORE:

How to find temporary car insurance in Alaska

Tips for buying a vehicle out of state

Although buying an out-of-state car is similar to buying one in-state, we’ve got suggestions that can prevent hassle or heartache down the road. You should keep some things in mind before signing on the dotted line:

Get the vehicle history report. This is crucial if you purchase a used car from a private seller.

CARFAX

and other services give you a comprehensive vehicle history report that reveals any accidents or other issues in the car’s history.

Make a vehicle inspection appointment at home. Each state has different inspection requirements, so check that the car meets the requirements of the state you’ll be driving it in. Read up on

Alaska’s inspection requirements

here.

Schedule an emissions test if your state requires it. Alaska doesn’t require emissions testing, but if you want to register the car in another state, read up on their requirements.

Learn about your home state’s vehicle sales tax laws. Remember, you only pay taxes to the state where you’re registering the vehicle, not the state where you buy the car.

Get car insurance before you leave the dealership. Most insurance policies cover temporary car insurance for new purchases, but it’s a good idea to check with your insurer.

MORE:

Alaska minimum car insurance laws

How to save on car insurance in Alaska

You’re probably tired after doing all the research and filling out paperwork for buying your car, but you’re not done until you’ve got the right car insurance policy! Comparing multiple

car insurance quotes online

may sound like even more hassle, but it’s the only way to make sure you’ve found a good deal tailored to your driving profile.

Experts also recommend

shopping for car insurance every six months

to make sure you keep the lowest rate available. If you live in the continental U.S.,

Jerry

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