Alaska VIN Lookup

Buying a used car is one of the most affordable ways to own a vehicle, but it comes with certain risks. In Alaska, where there are over 20 used car dealers and the average price of a used vehicle is around $29,656, buyers need to be vigilant and cautious. Unfortunately, Alaska does not have a lemon law to protect buyers of used cars, thereby placing the responsibility on the buyer to verify the condition of the vehicle before making a purchase.

One of the best ways to achieve this is by conducting a thorough check, including a VIN lookup, before purchasing a used car. This information can help in making a well-informed decision by revealing essential details such as inspection records, recalls, existing liens, accident history, and other important information.

Why Performing an Alaska VIN Check Is Important

A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a 17-character alphanumeric code assigned to a vehicle that serves as its unique identifier and provides access to vital information regarding its history, specifications, and current status. Conducting VIN checks before finalizing your purchase is crucial when buying cars, especially used ones, as it can safeguard you from potential risks. Some of the vital information you can get when you run an Alaska VIN check includes:

• Registration and Title Verification: Under Alaska Statutes Title 28, Chapter 10, all vehicles operating in the state must be properly titled and registered with the Department of Administration Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Failure to register a vehicle can result in penalties, including fines ranging from $500 to $5,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. A VIN check can confirm a car’s registration status, verify its title, and ensure that the seller has the legal right to transfer ownership.
• Title Brands: VIN checks are crucial in verifying a vehicle’s title brand and revealing its history, condition, and potential risks. If the brand is labeled as “salvage,” “flood damaged,” “junk,” “rebuilt,” or something similar, this is usually an indication of significant damage and repairs.
• Theft Checks: Alaska has a car theft rate of 270.0 per 100,000 inhabitants. A VIN check can reveal whether a car has been reported stolen, thereby ensuring that you avoid the legal and financial complications associated with buying stolen property.
• Auto Fraud Prevention: Auto-related fraud accounts for three percent of all fraud cases in Alaska, making it a significant issue to look out for when buying used cars. A VIN check can help you spot discrepancies like rolled-out odometer readings and washed or forged titles, ensuring that you are not scammed.
• Odometer Verification: Odometer fraud is a common scam, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimating that over 450,000 vehicles are sold annually with deliberately altered odometer readings, costing buyers approximately a billion dollars. VIN checks are a good way to avoid falling for these scams and ensure that you pay a fair market price for a used car, as they help verify the actual mileage.

How To Perform an Alaska VIN Check

Various state and federal agencies provide resources that can be used to perform VIN checks in Alaska. These include:

Alaska DMV:

The Alaska Department of Administration Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers access to an online service center, where you can verify a vehicle’s title. This requires submitting a Request for Research or Verification of Motor Vehicle Record form and paying a $10 search fee.

The NHTSA VIN Decoder:

The VIN Decoder from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides details such as the manufacturer, model year, manufacturing plant, engine and transmission information, safety features, ratings, and recalls. It accepts both full and partial VINs.

The NICB VINCheck:

The VINCheck service from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) lets users check if a vehicle has been reported as stolen or salvaged. You’ll need the full VIN, and searches are limited to five per day.

National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS):

Authorized NMVTIS providers give access to title-related data sourced from the U.S. Department of Justice. While NMVTIS doesn’t directly offer free reports, some approved third-party providers may offer low-cost or free vehicle history reports.

Free vs. Paid VIN Check Services in Alaska

While some government agencies and nonprofit organizations offer free VIN checks, these services may not always provide the comprehensive details needed for a fully informed decision when buying a used car. Government-approved or sponsored VIN checks are generally free, but for a more detailed report, you might need to use a paid third-party service.

Platforms like GoodCar, CarFax, AutoCheck, EpicVIN, VinAudit, and iSeeCar are among the most popular paid VIN check services in Alaska. For a small fee, these platforms offer comprehensive vehicle history reports, including:

• Title history and title branding
• Ownership records
• Sales history
• Odometer verification
• Vehicle specifications and features
• Service and maintenance records
• Accident reports
• Inspection records
• Salvage and rebuild records
• Recalls and safety defects
• Crash test ratings
• Natural disaster damage reports

What Used Car Scams Are Common in Alaska?

When buying used cars, Alaskans should be mindful of various fraudulent schemes, ranging from fraudulent online car listings to unlicensed dealers selling "lemons." Recently, the Alaska Department of Law’s Consumer Protection Unit exposed a dealer engaging in bait-and-switch tactics, advertising vehicles it did not possess to lure customers and then pressuring them into purchasing different models at higher prices. Also, the dealer refused to honor advertised prices unless buyers purchased expensive add-ons.

Some of the most common used car scams in Alaska include:

Title Washing:

Altering a vehicle’s title to remove negative labels such as “salvage” or “flood-damaged” to hide past damage and make the car appear in better condition than it is.

VIN Cloning:

Copying the VIN from one vehicle and using it on another car (usually a stolen or salvaged one) to mask its true identity.

Curbstoning:

Illegally selling used cars for a profit; this is usually perpetrated by unlicensed dealers posing as private sellers.

Odometer Fraud:

Rolling back a vehicle’s odometer to make it appear less used and increase its market value.

Fake Vehicle Histories:

Providing fake accident reports or maintenance records to make a car appear more well-maintained and valuable than it is.

Unfortunately, scams like these are prevalent in the used car market. In most cases, they result in significant financial loss and legal implications for unsuspecting buyers, emphasizing the need for vigilance when buying vehicles. To this end, you should consider taking the following precautions when buying a vehicle in Alaska:

1. Be certain of the kind of vehicle you wish to buy, its estimated cost, and its features.
2. Insist on a written warranty.
3. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
4. Request and review all relevant documentation.
5. Use reputable sites like GoodCar to conduct a thorough VIN check on the vehicle before finalizing the purchase.
6. Make sure to have the car checked by a trusted and reliable mechanic.

How Do I Check the Status of My Vehicle's Title in Alaska?

In Alaska, there are several ways to verify the status of your vehicle’s title:

• You can request certified copies of vehicle records, such as title and registration, through the MyDMV portal. If approved, you’ll receive a reference ID to access and pay for the documents. A complete title history spanning the past 10 years typically costs around $15.

• You may also submit a research request for vehicle title records, including lienholder details, via the DMV’s online services. Due to privacy laws, personal data is only released to authorized individuals. Fees are $5 for electronic records and $10 for paper copies.

• Another option is to check your vehicle’s title history using the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). This federally regulated system aggregates title and history data from participating states, including Alaska. You can access reports via an NMVTIS-approved data provider on the Research Vehicle History page.

Make sure to have your vehicle identification number (VIN) or title number handy when making inquiries.

How To Register a Brand New Car in Alaska

Once you purchase a car in Alaska, you must register it with the Department of Administration Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before legally driving it on public roads. If you purchase a car from an Alaska dealer, that person can usually handle the vehicle's title and registration paperwork, but ultimately, the buyer is responsible.

To register a new car in Alaska, you must visit the vehicle licensing office in your county, complete the required paperwork, and pay the necessary fees. Here are the key steps:

• Obtain the required documents: You will need the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) if the vehicle is new, which serves as proof of ownership. If the vehicle was previously titled, you will require a duly assigned vehicle title from the previous owner. If neither is available, a vehicle inspector may need to complete a Verification of Vehicle (Form 811), which is free at the DMV office.
• Provide a bill of sale or dealer invoice: A notarized bill of sale or dealer invoice is needed to verify purchase details, including the seller’s information and the price paid. For vehicles under 12,000 pounds and less than 20 years old, an odometer disclosure statement is also required.
• Submit an application for a clear title: Submit the necessary documents at the DMV office, including a completed Vehicle Transaction Application (Form V1), proof of identity, and lienholder information (if applicable). If your vehicle has a lienholder from another state, you may receive a registration-only status until the title is transferred.
• Pay applicable fees: Fees include a title fee of $15, a lien recording fee of $15 (if applicable), and registration fees based on vehicle type, weight, and location. A license plate fee and issuance fee are typically around $24.25 total. Additionally, ad valorem taxes apply and are calculated based on your vehicle’s market value, assessment rate, and local millage rate.
• Receive your documents and plates: Once the process is complete, you’ll receive a registration certificate and license plates. If you are transferring plates from another vehicle, extra fees may apply.

Vehicle registration in Alaska is generally valid for two years and must be renewed biennially. Renewals can be done online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

What Are the Requirements for Registering a New Car in Alaska?

With more than 5.4 million vehicles registered in Alaska, the state makes the requirement for registering a new car rather straightforward. Registrations are handled through your county’s vehicle licensing office. Here are the requirements necessary to register a new car in Alaska:

• The vehicle's title or, instead of title, a manufacturer's statement of origin instead. You can submit an Alaska Title Application (MVT 20-1) if you don’t have either.
• A bill of sale.
• The vehicle owner’s current driver's license or non-driver identification.
• The car’s insurance policy number or National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) code (5-digit number found on the vehicle’s insurance card.

In Alaska, vehicle registrations are renewed annually, and the renewal month is based on the first letter of the owner's last name, as follows:

Registrations expire on the last day of the renewal month. The registration fee starts at $24.25 but increases based on local taxes and fees calculated using the vehicle's market value and the owner's tax district.

Does Alaska Mandate Vehicle Inspection?

In Alaska, there is no mandatory statewide inspection program for emissions or safety checks for passenger cars. However, there are specific situations in which vehicle inspections are necessary, including:

• If you need to obtain a VIN for your vehicle or home-built trailer.
• If you need to register a reconstructed vehicle.
• If you purchased a vehicle from an impound lien or purchased a vehicle through a U.S. government auction.
• If you imported a car from another country.

When vehicle inspections are required, they focus on the vehicle’s condition, evaluating features such as the brakes, exhaust system, steering, suspension, lighting devices, and emissions systems (if applicable) to ensure they meet state safety and environmental standards. Additionally, VIN and odometer verifications play a critical role in confirming the accuracy of vehicle records and preventing fraud.

Does Alaska Mandate Vehicle Inspections?

In Alaska, there is no mandatory statewide inspection program for emissions or safety checks for passenger cars. However, specific inspections are required under certain circumstances, such as:

• To obtain a VIN for your vehicle or home-built trailer
• To register a reconstructed vehicle
• When purchasing a vehicle from an impound lien or through a U.S. government auction
• When importing a vehicle from another country
• To sell, transfer ownership, or rebuild a salvaged vehicle (Rule 810-5-1-.247)

Inspections are conducted at one of ALDOR’s motor vehicle title and tag offices and typically evaluate:

• Brakes, exhaust system, steering, suspension, and lighting devices
• Emissions systems (if applicable)
• Odometer reading
• Number of cylinders
• The vehicle's make, model, and color
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Visible damage
• Safety features, such as turn signals and seat belt systems

These inspections, especially VIN and odometer checks, help protect used car buyers from fraud and ensure that vehicles meet safety and environmental standards when required.

How Do I Get a Replacement VIN in Alaska?

If your VIN is missing, damaged, or altered, or if you have built a homemade vehicle or rebuilt one from salvage, you will need a replacement VIN. In Alaska, the Department of Administration Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles this process, and there are a few key steps to follow:

• Contact the Alaska DMV for specific instructions on obtaining a replacement VIN. The DMV will provide guidance on the necessary forms and documentation required.
• Complete the Application for Alaska Assigned Vehicle Identification Number (INV 26-3) and gather supporting documents such as a bill of sale or title.
• Request a VIN inspection, which is typically conducted by a certified law enforcement officer or DMV-approved inspector. They will verify the vehicle’s identity and condition.
• If applicable, submit a Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) form to correct an incorrect VIN or engine number on a title.
• Provide proof of ownership and any other relevant documents, such as the original certificate of title, manufacturer’s statement of origin, or an incident report if the vehicle was stolen and recovered.
• Submit your application and documents through the MyDMV portal.
• Once approved, the DMV will issue a new VIN plate or decal, which will be affixed to your vehicle by an authorized agent.

How Do I Get a Replacement VIN in Alaska?

VIN inspections for out-of-state vehicles are mandated under Alaska Statutes Title 28 before they can be registered in the state. This inspection ensures that the vehicle's identification number matches the provided documentation. When registering an out-of-state vehicle, you must indicate the jurisdiction where the vehicle was previously registered and submit any evidence of out-of-state registration that is in your possession.

If you are unable to provide the necessary ownership documentation, the DMV may permit the registration of your vehicle. However, a title will not be issued until you provide additional required documents.

For vehicles previously registered in states that do not issue titles, alternative documentation such as proof of ownership and details of any liens must be provided. Alternatively, you may be required to post a surety bond to verify ownership.