Alaska VIN Check

What to know when buying used cars in Alaska 

The used car market in Alaska, the Last Frontier, contains among the most expensive in the US. Based on a CBS42 report, the Alaskan secondhand vehicle market has the highest average used car prices currently recorded. If you entertain plans of buying a used auto in Alaska and you want to run a Free Alaska VIN check on it, consider some of the few points here. 

Alaska Vehicle History: Before buying a used Alaska car, you must conduct research and determine its vehicle history. It is crucial to establish if the vehicle still contains its authentic components or if it sustained any severe damages. One way for buyers to obtain comprehensive Alaska vehicle history report information is to check with the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) or private companies like Carfax or Autocheck using Alaska VIN Check. 

An Alaska vehicle history report by Alaska VIN Check may show these details:

• Vehicle specifications – this encompasses the basic functions, measurements, paintwork for both the inside and outside, type of vehicle, motor, gear system, safety components, entertainment amenities, and other features.
• Accident history – the record of previous incidents on any collisions or damage that has been caused to the automobile.
• Title information – this shows whether a car possesses an untainted title record or if it has undergone salvage, reconstruction, or total loss.
• Ownership history – this indicates the total count of past owners and the duration for which they possessed the automobile.
• Mileage history – this records the mileage recorded on the odometer throughout the years and can be used to determine if a vehicle’s mileage has been altered.
• Vehicle use – this indicates the purposeful use of a vehicle, whether it was employed for private or business needs, and if it had ever been utilized for rental, taxi, or transportation reasons.
• Manufacturer recalls – this displays a record of any recalls initiated by the automaker, along with the reasons for recall and fixes.
• Theft record – this determines whether the car has been flagged as stolen or if it has a history of being recovered from theft.
• Liens and finance history – this shows whether the vehicle has any unpaid debts/liens or if it has been seized due to non-payment of loans.
• Others – data on active & expired warranties and car insurance.

Required Documents: When buying a previously owned vehicle in Alaska, it is important for buyers to ensure that the seller provides all the essential paperwork such as the title, registration papers, and bill of sale, in order to steer clear from any legal complications. Additionally, sellers should remove any liens or other burdens regarding the vehicle’s ownership prior to selling it.

Inspection Requirements: Although emissions testing is not mandatory in Alaska, buyers must arrange for a mechanical check conducted by a certified technician to confirm that the vehicle complies with all safety standards.

Lemon Law Protections: Alaska guarantees protection against lemons under Lemon Law (AS 45.45.300). However, this applies only to new vehicles. While general consumer protection laws are in place, be warned they may not be sufficient to protect you in the case of used lemons.

Before purchasing a used car in Alaska, it is imperative to conduct a thorough investigation to confirm vehicle condition, legal ownership, and other aspects worth checking out. An Alaska vehicle history report by Alaska VIN Check can aid in getting you informed regarding an Alaska car on time. If the VIN is not available, you can also run an Alaska license plate lookup to get a vehicle report.

Safeguard Your Purchase with an Alaska VIN Check

Are you planning to purchase a used car in Alaska? Well, buckle up and prepare yourself for some essential advice – you’d better run an Alaska VIN check on an Alaska used car before setting off! Why? Because who knows what kind of wild and adventurous history that vehicle might have had, so you would surely want to discover its dark secrets through an Alaska vehicle history report. Plus, it’s always best to make sure your ride stays on the good side of the law. So, don’t be silly – check that Alaska VIN number and save yourself from embarrassing run-ins with the police!

Alaska DMV

If you were an Alaska car buyer or owner, you must register your vehicle with the Alaska Department of Administration’s Division of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of entering the state. Meanwhile, you need to title the vehicle within 30 days of purchase. 

Here is a quick list of Alaska DMV vehicle-related services car buyers and owners can take advantage of:

• Title and registrations for vehicles.
• Title transfers and lien releases.
• Replacement/Renewals of titles and registrations.
• Issuance of license plates and tabs.
• Vanity or Personalized License Plate Requests.
• Motor Vehicle Records.

Alaska DMV FAQs

How to register and title a vehicle in Alaska?

Here is a general overview of the process in Alaska:

1. Obtain insurance: Before registering your vehicle, you need to obtain auto insurance that meets Alaska’s minimum requirements. Make sure to get proof of insurance.
2. Get a vehicle inspection: In Anchorage and other cities, you need to get a vehicle inspection done, which checks the roadworthiness and emissions level of the vehicle. You can get the inspection done at an authorized office, and you will receive a certificate of completion and a window sticker upon completion. 
3. Obtain a vehicle title: If you are transferring ownership of the vehicle, you need to get a new title. If you had purchased the vehicle from a dealer, they would have provided you with the title. If it is a used car, you need to complete the transfer of ownership. To get a title, you have to complete and submit your request on Form 182. 
4. Complete the registration application: You also need to fill out the Form 812 for this. You can either get the form from the Alaska DMV office or download it online from the Alaska DMV website.
5. Pay the fees: After completing the application, you need to pay the fees prescribed by DMV agents. 
6. Submit the documents: Once you have completed the application and paid the fees, submit the registration application, proof of insurance, vehicle inspection report, proof of ownership (e.g. past registration, past title, bill of sale), proof of identity (e.g. work ID, driver’s license), and others (if applicable) at a local DMV office.
7. Get the DMV materials: After submitting all the required documents, they will issue your registration card, title, plates, stickers, and others. The plates and stickers need to be affixed to the back of your vehicle before you can operate it legally on Alaskan roads.

How much does it cost to register and title a vehicle in Alaska?

The cost required to register and title a vehicle in Alaska is subject to various factors based on certain factors like the age and weight of the vehicle. Nevertheless, there are general benchmarks that provide some idea of the registration and titling fees in Alaska.

Vehicle Registration Fee: The registration fee varies depending on the type of vehicle, but it usually falls at $100 for passenger cars. Vehicle type, purpose, model year, and location may influence the total cost. You can find out more here.

Title Fee: For the vehicle title of a regular car, $15 is generally charged for a single copy. 

Sales Tax: On a statewide level, Alaska does not impose a sales tax. However, municipal governments may impose their own sales tax on a car sale, which can possibly amount to a high 7.5%, as in the case of Homer. Besides that, the majority of the cities stick to the 0% rate. For more information on local sales tax, check out the 2021 Alaska Tax Report. 

Other Fees: There may be additional fees for other services, such as a late registration fee and transfer fee. 

Please be aware that the fees mentioned are subject to changes and can differ on a case-to-case basis. It is advisable to be acquainted with the current registration and titling expenses by getting in touch with the Alaska Department of Administration DMV.

What are the usual requirements when registering or titling a vehicle in Alaska?

Typically, the standard paperwork that is required for vehicle registration or titling includes:

• Proof of ownership: Bill of sale, past registration, and past title qualify. 
• Proof of identity: The driver’s license or any government-issued ID.
• Completed application form(s): Document(s) required for the official DMV recognition of ownership. 
• Insurance: Proof of liability insurance, such as insurance card, is required in some states.
• Smog/Safety certification: A must in select states that have emissions/roadworthy testing programs. 
• Payment of fees/taxes: Fees and taxes must be settled to complete the process.

What is the minimum car insurance requirement in Alaska?

The minimum car insurance requirement as per Alaska Statute 28.22.101 is as follows:

Bodily injury liability: 

$50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident

Property damage liability: 

$25,000

Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: 

$50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. 

It should be emphasized that the requirements stated are just the bare minimums, and people have the option to acquire higher coverage limits if they so desire.

Other Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

Automotive review sites are online platforms where consumers can read informative reviews of various vehicles on the market. These sites provide detailed information about a car’s features, specifications, and performance, along with expert opinions and ratings. Users can compare and contrast different vehicles, making it easier for them to make informed purchase decisions. These sites serve as valuable resources for people looking to buy a car, offering vast data in one convenient location. Edmunds, Car and Driver, and Motor Trend are good examples of automotive review sites. 

Vehicle safety rating sites are an invaluable resource for anyone who is looking to purchase a new or used vehicle. These sites provide critical information on the safety ratings of different makes and models, allowing consumers to make an informed decision when it comes to their next car purchase. Most safety rating sites use a variety of factors to determine a vehicle’s safety rating, including crash test results, safety features, and overall safety performance. They will typically provide ratings on a scale from one to five, with five being the best possible rating. NHTSA and IIHS are popular examples of vehicle safety rating sites.

Automotive market value sites are online resources that provide detailed information about the value of vehicles. These sites are incredibly helpful for individuals who are looking to buy or sell a car, as they provide reliable and up-to-date information about the fair market value of vehicles. One of the key features of automotive market value sites is their ability to take into account various factors that can impact a car’s value. For example, they may consider the make and model of the vehicle, the year it was manufactured, the mileage, and any special features or upgrades it has. They may also factor in the condition of the car, as well as the demand for that particular make and model. Two examples of automotive market value sites include Kelley Blue Book and NADA Guides.

Alaska crash report. When you’re buying a vehicle, it’s crucial to inspect it for any previous accidents that may have caused significant damage, rendering it hazardous to operate. To guarantee your safety while driving, it’s advisable to acquire cars with high-quality safe components. Getting Alaska vehicle history report through Alaska VIN check can assist in detecting past accidents as well as some data from police records. As per the FARS report of 2019, 67 deaths were caused due to 62 fatal accidents in Alaska. Out of all the deaths, about 24 percent of fatalities were the result of accidents involving car passengers. Consequently, any of these cars could be repaired and sold in the second-hand car market.

Alaska crime report. According to the 2019 US Crime report by the FBI, there were a total of 2,617 instances of auto thefts recorded in Alaska within the same period. Remain vigilant of automobiles that may have been stolen and subsequently sold by secondhand car sellers. Get an Alaska vehicle history report through Alaska VIN Check to verify incidents of theft status. 

Alaska natural disasters. Primal Survivor claimed that a disaster is declared every 90 days in Alaska. When taking into account earthquakes, storms, typhoons, and floods, the odds increase exponentially that your target car might be one of those affected by them. Stay safe and get an Alaska car report!