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updateUpdated 2026-10-09

Alaska License Plate Lookup

Run a free Alaska license plate lookup above. Decode any AK plate for make, model, year, trim, open recalls, and crash safety ratings — sourced directly from NHTSA. No account, no credit card.

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ALASKAABC 123

740K

Registered Vehicles

Alaska (FHWA)

Since 1921

Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles

ABC 123

Alaska (AK) License Plate Lookup: Quick Facts

Agency	Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Issuance year	1921
Current format	ABC 123 — Six characters on the current 'Last Frontier' Northern Lights design: three letters, a space, and three digits. Alaska is a two-plate state.
Plates required	Two (front and rear)
Replacement fee	$5
Registration validity	2 years
Registered vehicles	740K (approx.)
DMV contact	1-907-269-5551 · doa.alaska.gov/dmv/

How do I look up an Alaska license plate?

A alaska license plate lookup (or AK license plate lookup) takes under 10 seconds. No account, no credit card, no upsells for the standard vehicle report.

1
Enter the Alaska license plate number in the search field above. Spaces and dashes are optional.
2
Confirm AK is selected in the state dropdown — plate numbers can repeat across states, so the state is required for accurate matching.
3
Press Search Plate. You'll see make, model, year, trim, engine, open recalls, and NHTSA crash safety ratings in seconds.

Run a AK plate lookuparrow_forward

What does an Alaska license plate lookup reveal?

Alaska License Plate Lookup (free) returns vehicle-level data only. Personal driver and owner information is protected under the federal DPPA and is not accessible through this site or any other free lookup.

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DPPA notice — vehicle data only

This Alaska license plate lookup returns vehicle information only — make, model, year, recalls, and safety ratings from NHTSA's public database. We do not return the registered owner's name, address, phone number, email, driving record, or any other personal information about the driver. Personal driver and owner information is protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and is not lawfully accessible through any free public lookup.

Free — available here

check_circleMake, model, year, and trim
check_circleBody style, doors, curb weight
check_circleEngine size, cylinders, fuel type
check_circleTransmission and drivetrain
check_circleOpen NHTSA safety recalls
check_circleNHTSA crash test ratings
check_circleEPA fuel economy (MPG)
check_circleManufacturing plant & country

Paid — via NMVTIS partners

boltTitle brand history (salvage, flood, rebuilt)
boltReported accident history
boltOdometer rollback detection
boltNumber of previous owners
boltLien and loan history
boltAuction & insurance records
boltState of registration history
boltTheft / total-loss records

Registered owner name, address, contact details, and driving records are protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and are not returned by this site or any other free public lookup. This tool provides vehicle-level data only — make, model, year, recalls, safety ratings, and EPA fuel economy — sourced from NHTSA and EPA public databases.

What does an Alaska license plate format look like?

Six characters on the current 'Last Frontier' Northern Lights design: three letters, a space, and three digits. Alaska is a two-plate state. The Alaska license plate number lookup tool above accepts spaces, dashes, and historical Alaska plate formats.

ALASKAABC 123

Alaska license plate number lookup: format history

Era	Format	Example
1921–1949 (Territorial)	Sequential numeric (Alaska Territory plates)	12345
1949–1976 (post-statehood)	Sequential numeric / 'North to the Future' tagline	AB 1234
1976–1981	3 letters + 3 digits (gold rush centennial)	ABC 123
1981–2008	3 letters + 3 digits ('The Last Frontier' yellow/blue)	ABC 123
2008–present	3 letters + 3 digits (Northern Lights / current design)	ABC 123
Specialty (national parks, military, university)	Up to 7 characters with cause backgrounds	ABC 1234

Alaska license plate laws you should know

Below are the four laws that most often trip up Alaska drivers. Rules are enforced at the stop, the inspection station, and at registration renewal.

Two plates required

Alaska requires two plates — front and rear — on every passenger vehicle under AS § 28.10.171. Failure to display either plate can result in fines.

Front plate rule

No exemption exists for vehicles lacking a front mounting bracket. Owners must install a bracket or face a citation under § 28.10.171.

Registration stickers & display

Alaska issues a registration sticker affixed to the upper-right corner of the rear plate showing the month and year of expiration. Plates are valid for 2 years.

Inspection / smog check

Alaska does NOT require statewide emissions testing or safety inspections for passenger vehicles. The Anchorage municipality's I/M program was discontinued in 2010 — the state has no I/M program today.

Types of Alaska license plates

Alaska issues dozens of plate designs. These are the main categories you'll encounter on the road or see at the DMV counter.

Standard Alaska / Last Frontier

Default plate with the Northern Lights design and 'The Last Frontier' tagline issued in the ABC 123 format. Two plates required.

Personalized / Vanity

Up to 7 characters on the standard or specialty backgrounds. $30 initial + $30/year through Alaska DMV.

Disabled / Disabled Veteran

ISA wheelchair symbol; qualifies for accessible parking statewide. DV plates carry waived fees for qualifying veterans.

Military specialty

Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, POW, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Gold Star Family, and branch-specific plates.

Special interest

Denali National Park, U of Alaska, Alaska Wildlife Conservation, Iditarod, and dozens of cause plates.

Historic Vehicle

For vehicles 25+ years old used primarily for exhibitions, parades, and club events. Restricted to occasional use.

How much does a Alaska license plate cost?

Typical Alaska DMV fees for plates, registration, and related services. Always confirm current amounts on the official DMV site before paying.

Biennial registration (passenger)	$100 every 2 years ($50/year equivalent)
Replacement plate (per pair)	$5
Personalized plate (initial)	$30
Personalized plate (annual)	$30
Title fee	$15
Motor vehicle registration tax (varies by borough)	Set by local borough; some have no MV tax

Source: Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles — https://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/

What if my Alaska plate is lost, stolen, or damaged?

Follow these steps to replace a Alaska license plate. Do not keep driving with a missing plate — it is a citable offense in most states.

1
File a police report immediately if the plates were stolen.
2
Visit any Alaska DMV office (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, etc.) or use the online portal at doa.alaska.gov/dmv.
3
Complete the Application for Duplicate Plates (Form V1) with vehicle information.
4
Pay the $5 replacement fee.
5
Surrender any remaining plate from the pair before substitute plates are issued.

Alaska DMV contact & privacy

Official agency

Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles

call1-907-269-5551

languagedoa.alaska.gov/dmv/

DPPA privacy notice

Personal information tied to a Alaska license plate — driver name, address, date of birth, phone number, email, and driving record — is protected by the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and is not returned by this site. This page and the lookup tool provide vehicle-level data only: make, model, year, trim, recalls, and safety ratings from NHTSA's public database.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about Alaska license plate lookups, DMV rules, and plate replacement.

How do I run an Alaska license plate lookup?expand_more

Enter any Alaska plate in the search field above and press Check Plate. You'll get the vehicle's make, model, year, trim, open NHTSA recalls, and crash ratings — free, no signup required. Vehicle data only; personal driver information is not returned.

Does Alaska require a front license plate?expand_more

Yes. AS § 28.10.171 requires passenger vehicles to display two plates — one on the front and one on the rear. There is no exemption for vehicles sold without a front bracket.

How much does a replacement Alaska plate cost?expand_more

The replacement fee is $5 for a new plate pair. Replacements are processed at any Alaska DMV office or online through doa.alaska.gov/dmv using Form V1.

What is the current Alaska license plate format?expand_more

The standard Alaska passenger plate uses a 6-character format: three letters, a space, and three digits (e.g., ABC 123) on the 'Last Frontier' Northern Lights design.

Does an Alaska license plate lookup show driver or owner information?expand_more

No. This lookup returns vehicle-level data only — make, model, year, recalls, and safety ratings. Personal driver and owner information is protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and is not returned by free public lookups.

Does Alaska require an inspection or emissions test?expand_more

No. Alaska does not require statewide emissions testing or safety inspections for passenger vehicles. The Anchorage I/M program ended in 2010 and the state has no I/M program today.

How do I get a personalized Alaska plate?expand_more

Personalized plates are ordered through Alaska DMV at doa.alaska.gov/dmv for $30 initial fee and $30 annual renewal. Up to 7 characters are allowed.

How often do I renew my Alaska registration?expand_more

Alaska vehicle registration is valid for 2 years ($100 per renewal). The DMV mails a renewal notice approximately 60 days before expiration. Renewal can be done online, by mail, or in person at any DMV office.

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