Alaska License Plate Lookup
Buying a used car is an exciting and challenging journey. One crucial step to avoid buying junk or getting scammed by the seller is to perform a license plate lookup. With our Alaska license plate lookup, you can unlock helpful records about the car’s history.
Table of Contents
What is an Alaska License Plate Lookup?
If you are planning to buy or sell a used vehicle in Alaska, using an Alaska license plate lookup can help you check the vehicle’s background from the comfort of your home. This service allows you to search a license plate number and access a vehicle history report that shows the car’s true condition and important details.
By simply entering the plate number in the form above, you can instantly get a full vehicle history report. The report may include details such as accident history, recalls, warranty status, odometer readings, previous ownership, and other crucial information.
Is There Any Free Alaska License Plate Lookup?
Our service offers a free license plate lookup, but the information included in the free version is limited compared to the paid service.
Here’s what to expect in our free license plate lookup service
- Associated VIN number
- Year, Make, and Model
- Country of Origin
- Market Value
- Transmission Type
- Fuel Type
- Drive Type
- Body Type
- Trim Information
- MSRP
- Engine Specifications
- Dimensions
- VIN
- Engine Value
- MSRP
- Manufacturer
- Fuel Type
- Body Type
- Year & Model
- Transmission
- Vehicle Type
- Sales Record
- Drive Type
- Mileage
- Market Value
- Doors
- Country of Origin
Why Conduct an Alaska License Plate Lookup?
In 2020, Anchorage, a dealer, sold problematic used cars, such as those declared a total loss by insurance or auctioned. This is why buyers need to conduct a background check upon purchasing a used vehicle: to avoid buying a car that has been declared a total loss by insurance based on the vehicle’s history report.
What Information do You Get From the Alaska License Plate Lookup?
The Alaska license plate lookup can help you get a vehicle history report, which helps you do a self-background check at home. Here’s what you will find in the report.
Vehicle Specification
Gives detailed information about the car’s make, model, year, trim, engine type, MSRP, seating capacity, and even the country where it was manufactured.
Mileage Check
Verifies the odometer reading to ensure it hasn’t been rolled back. This section lists the dates and recorded mileage to show how much the car has actually been driven.
Ownership Timeline
Provides an overview of past ownership, including how long each owner kept the car, where it was registered, and the year it was purchased.
Title Status
Shows whether the title is clean or branded as salvage, rebuilt, or lemon. This is a key step to confirm the vehicle’s legal condition before completing a purchase.
Accident Reports
Reveals whether the vehicle has been in any accidents, with details such as the number of incidents, their dates, and the locations. This helps you assess the car’s safety history.
Damage Records
Covers any damage not only from accidents but also from natural events like floods, hail, or fire. Smaller issues like dents or scratches may also be included.
Auction History
Displays records if the car was sold at auction. You’ll see the date, location, final sale price, and even up to 10 images showing the vehicle’s condition during the sale.
Loan and Lien Records
Alerts you to any outstanding financial obligations on the vehicle. This ensures loans or liens are cleared by the previous owner before the title is transferred.
Recall Alerts
List unresolved recalls or safety issues. You’ll see when the recall was issued, the cause, and whether the manufacturer has addressed the problem
Theft Records
Checks if the car has ever been reported stolen and, if applicable, whether it was later recovered. The record shows the date, location, and source of the data.
Service History
Provides a record of past maintenance and repairs. Includes the dates, locations, and details of the services performed to help you understand how well the vehicle has been cared for.
Vehicle Usage
Shows how the car was previously used, whether for personal driving, as a rental, lease, fleet, or even for government purposes.
A Real Case of Why the Alaska License Plate is Important?
Jean wanted to buy a used 2007 HUMMER H3 before he paid for the down payment, so he decided to use the Alaska license plate lookup, and here’s what he got on the report.
Actual Condition
- 1 Record(s) of damage
- 1 specific event reported
- 45 service & repair record
- 2 lien or loan record
- 4 open recalls record
Seller’s Claim
- Privately used
- Never been in an accident
- Has no major damage
- Cheaper than the other sellers and dealers
Actual Condition
- To check if the reality matches the seller’s claim
Outcome
- Jean decided not to buy the car because the car has way too many service records
How Does the License Plate Lookup Work?
To perform a license plate lookup, follow these steps to get your report in less than a minute.
Locate the Plate
Check your vehicle for the license plate; it may be on the front, back, or both, depending on your state’s requirements.
Input the Plate Number
Type the license plate number into the search field provided above to start your lookup.
View and Save the Report
The system will process the details and create a report. When it’s ready, you can view it online, download it as a PDF, or print a copy for your records.
License Plate Regulations in Alaska
Alaska’s License Plate Types and Design
Alaska’s standard license plate features a bright yellow background, symbolizing the state’s natural beauty, with navy blue lettering and numbering. On the bottom, the slogan “The Last Frontier” celebrates Alaska’s adventurous spirit and unique geographic location. The plate design often depicts the state flag or a polar bear to emphasize its identity. The format typically includes three letters and three numbers (e.g., ABC 123).
Unlike the other states, there are only two types of license plates available in Alaska, namely:
Types of License Plates in Alaska
Standard Issue Plates
This is the generic plate design for all vehicles in Alaska, featuring the iconic slogan of Alaska, “The Last Frontier.”
The Last Frontier Plate
This is the most common license plate in Alaska. It features a yellow background with blue lettering and the slogan “The Last Frontier” at the top, symbolizing Alaska’s adventurous identity.
Bear Plate
Introduced in 2015, this design features an image of a bear, representing Alaska’s rich wildlife and natural environment.
Artistic License Plate
Released in 2018, this plate supports the arts. It showcases unique designs inspired by Alaska’s cultural and artistic heritage.
Specialty Plates
Special plates are issued for specific purposes or groups, such as firefighters, historic vehicles, or Iditarod participants. These plates often highlight unique designs or commemorate achievements, cultural significance, or professional contributions.
Firefighter/EMS Plate
These plates are available for current or retired firefighters and EMS personnel, acknowledging their contributions to community safety.
Historic Vehicle Plate
Issued for vehicles over 30 years old, these plates are reserved for cars used in exhibitions or events celebrating automotive history.
Custom Collector Plate
For vehicles with pre-1949 bodies and frames or replicas, these plates recognize classic and collector cars tailored for safe operation.
Iditarod Finisher Plate
Exclusive to participants of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, this plate features a finisher number, celebrating Alaska’s iconic event
License Plate Fee for Alaska
- Standard passenger vehicle registration (biennial): $100 for 2 years.
- Personalized plate fee: $30 (applies to many personalized styles)
- Specialty/cause plates (like “Children’s Trust”, “Blood Bank”, etc.): often between $50 $100, depending on the design.
- Title transfer fee: $15
How to Register and Transfer a Car Title in Alaska
To register a vehicle and transfer its title in Alaska, car owners must visit an Alaska DMV office or complete the process online if eligible. The steps usually include:
- Submit the current vehicle title, properly signed over to the new owner.
- Completing the Application for Title and Registration (Form 812).
- Paying all applicable title, registration, and plate fees.
- Providing proof of identity and, if needed, proof of insurance.
- Passing any necessary inspections (for out-of-state vehicles).
Once processed, the DMV will issue the new title in the buyer’s name and provide valid registration documents.
How to Transfer License Plates in Alaska
If you sell your vehicle in Alaska, the license plates usually stay with the owner, not the car. You can transfer the plates to another vehicle you own by visiting the DMV, completing the required forms, and paying the transfer fee. However, if you decide not to transfer the plates, they must be returned to the DMV. Personalized and specialty plates can also be reassigned, provided they meet the DMV’s rules for transfer.
Alaska License Plate Owner Lookup – What’s Allowed?
- Vehicle specifications (make, model, year, trim, engine type).
- Title records (clean, salvage, rebuilt).
- Accident or damage history.
- Odometer readings.
- Recall and theft records.
- Past auction listings with photos.
Fun Facts about Alaska
- The current standard license plate features the slogan “The Last Frontier,” reflecting Alaska’s remote and adventurous identity.
- Alaska first began issuing license plates in 1921, shortly after becoming a U.S. territory.
- The state offers specialty plates that feature designs such as the polar bear, gold panner, and even plates supporting the Iditarod sled dog race.
Other Vehicle Check Tools
VIN Decoder
Window Sticker Lookup
Build Sheet by VIN
Classic Car History Report
License Plate Lookup By States
Our license plate lookup service covers other states, as listed below.
FAQs About Alaska License Plate Lookup
Q. What is the rarest Alaska plate?
A. With only four known examples, the 1921 Alaska license plate is the rarest and most valuable vintage in the U.S. It marks the beginning of license plate issuance in the then-territory of Alaska.
Q. Why would someone take a picture of my license plate?
A. If you did something wrong, people might take a picture of your license plate. This could be if they saw you driving dangerously, breaking the law, or committing a crime.
Q. What is the senior exemption for vehicle registration in Alaska?
A. Alaska residents 65 and older may register one vehicle without fees or taxes, as long as it’s a personal vehicle like a passenger car, motorhome, van, pickup, motorcycle, or trailer, and not a commercial vehicle.
Q. Can I get a car window sticker from the license plate?
A. Yes. You can obtain a car window sticker by VIN, license plate, or the year, make, and model of the vehicle. Simply use our window sticker lookup tool to verify the original specification, features, MSRP, fuel economy, safety ratings, and more.
