Alaska Temporary License Plate

What Is a Temporary License Plate in Alaska?

The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles issues several short-term permits that allow vehicles to drive on public roads until permanent registration. The most common is the temporary permit under AS 28.10.031, which fills the gap between purchasing a vehicle and the delivery of permanent license plates.

Licensed dealers in Alaska issue temporary permits at the point of sale. The DMV itself issues trip permits for one-time movements of unregistered vehicles and temporary registrations for commercial trucks from other states. Each permit is a printed paper document placed on the vehicle.

What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Alaska?

Dealer-issued temporary permits cannot be renewed or reissued by the same dealer for the same vehicle according to 2 AAC 92.250. Trip permits are limited to three per vehicle.

When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Alaska?

• A buyer purchasing from an Alaska dealer receives a temporary permit at the point of sale while the dealer submits title paperwork to the DMV.
• A buyer from a private party who has applied for registration but has not yet received plates can obtain a temporary permit directly from the DMV.
• An owner moving an unloaded, unregistered vehicle for restoration, dismantling, inspection, or a one-time non-circular trip needs a trip permit under AS 28.10.151.
• A commercial carrier registered in another state or province entering Alaska without Alaska registration must have a Temporary Registration for Truck or Trailer before passing through Tok.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Alaska?

1. Gather the title document (title, MCO, or bill of sale), a completed Vehicle Transaction Application (Form V1), proof of liability insurance, and valid photo ID.
2. Choose your path: selling dealer’s office, local DMV office, or DMV Online Services portal at myalaska.gov.
3. Submit the application in person, through the dealer at the point of sale, or online by uploading Form V1 and proof of ownership.
4. Pay the fee described in the next section; the DMV sends an electronic invoice for online submissions.
5. Receive the printed temporary permit at the counter (in person or at the dealer) or by email (online), then place it on the vehicle.

Trip permits require an in-person visit to the DMV office with proof of interest or ownership of the vehicle.

How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Alaska?

The dealer path and DMV path have the same statutory fee for a temporary permit; the $10 visit fee applies only to in-person DMV transactions.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Alaska?

Yes, Alaska offers a 60-day temporary permit online. The DMV Online Services portal at myalaska.gov accepts applications with uploaded Form V1 and proof of ownership.

The DMV sends an electronic invoice after submission. Upon payment, the temporary permit and registration certificate are emailed for printing and placement by the owner.

Commercial carriers can purchase Temporary Registration for Truck or Trailer online through the same myalaska.gov platform. Trip permits under AS 28.10.151 are not available online and require a DMV office visit.

For a standard vehicle purchase, the dealer-issued permit at the point of sale is the fastest route; use the online portal when buying from a private party or relocating from another state.

How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Alaska?

Operating a vehicle with an expired temporary permit violates AS 28.10.031(c). Unregistered vehicles passing through Tok without a valid TRT are subject to fines from the weigh station.