Chapter 10: Your Vehicle

A driver’s responsibility extends beyond their own actions to include the legal and mechanical condition of their vehicle. Ensuring your car is properly titled, registered, insured, and equipped is a legal requirement that protects you and others financially and physically. This knowledge is fundamental for the driver’s exam and for being a responsible vehicle owner in Alaska.

Every vehicle operated on Alaska’s public roads must meet specific legal and equipment standards. This includes carrying proper documentation like registration and proof of insurance, as well as ensuring all safety equipment is in good working order.

Title, Registration, and Insurance

These three components are the legal foundation of vehicle ownership and operation.

Vehicle Title and Registration

• Title: A Certificate of Title is a legal document that proves ownership of a vehicle. You receive it when you purchase a car, and you transfer it to the new owner when you sell it. It is not typically carried in the vehicle.
• Registration: Vehicle registration is the process of officially recording a vehicle with the Alaska DMV, which grants permission for it to be operated on public roads. A registration card and validation tabs for the license plate are issued upon completion. The registration must be renewed periodically and must be kept in the vehicle at all times.
• License Plates: Alaska requires non-commercial passenger vehicles to display a single license plate on the rear of the vehicle. The plate must be securely fastened, clearly visible, and have current month and year validation tabs attached.

Mandatory Liability Insurance

Alaska’s Mandatory Insurance Law requires every vehicle owner or driver to carry liability insurance to cover costs in the event of a crash where they are at fault. Proof of this insurance must be carried in the vehicle at all times and can be presented in either paper or electronic format.