FOREIGN VEHICLES

Overview

The Customs Territory of the United States includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories.
Foreign vehicles may be imported into the United States only if they were manufactured to meet U.S. safety and emission standards.

In accordance with 2 AAC 92.070, imported vehicles must be processed through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and provided with customs and importation documentation.

Exception: Trailers weighing less than 1,000 lbs (as shown by a weight slip, registration, or title/MCO) do not require customs and import documents.

Inspection: All vehicles with foreign ownership documents must be inspected by an authorized Alaska DMV inspector using (form 811).

Before You Import

If you purchase a vehicle overseas and intend to bring it into Alaska, you must first obtain customs documents from CBP before you can title or register the vehicle in Alaska.

The vehicle must:

  • Be built to federal motor vehicle safety and environmental standards, and

  • Be physically located in Alaska on the date of application per AS 28.10.201,
    unless you are an Alaska resident providing a valid Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO). An a vehicle inspection will be required prior to titling.

Vehicles purchased through overseas military sales programs (often called USAREUR or similar names) are titled and registered normally and do not require customs documents.
If you are unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, contact us at doa.dmv.webmaster@alaska.gov.

Important: Not All Imported Vehicles Qualify

Even if a vehicle is over 25 years old, it may not be eligible for title and registration in Alaska.
While the federal “25-year import rule” may allow the vehicle to enter the United States, it does not guarantee that the vehicle meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) or Alaska roadway standards.

Under 2 AAC 92.020(a)(2)(A–B), vehicles manufactured in 1981 or newer model years must:

  • Have a permanently affixed FMVSS certification label or tag under 49 C.F.R. Part 567, or

  • Provide a manufacturer’s letter confirming that the vehicle meets all FMVSS requirements for highway use.

If neither document can be provided, the DMV cannot issue a title or registration for on-road use.

FMVSS Exemptions:
If you have imported a vehicle that has been granted a special exemption from FMVSS under a notice published in the Federal Register, you must provide a copy of that exemption notice at the time of application.
The exemption must clearly identify the vehicle make, model, and VIN range covered by the notice.

Vehicles Commonly Turned Away

The following vehicle types are often presented for title or registration but cannot be accepted for roadway use in Alaska because they fail to meet FMVSS or state equipment standards:

  • Mini Trucks (Kei Trucks)
    Small right-hand-drive trucks imported from Japan.
    These vehicles typically have engines under 660cc, lack FMVSS certification, and are limited to off-road or private property use only.

  • Dirt Bikes / Off-Road Motorcycles
    Most are manufactured without DOT-approved lights, mirrors, or tires.
    To be approved for roadway use, motorcycles must meet Alaska equipment standards under 13 AAC 04.010–13 AAC 04.265.
    View Alaska Equipment Requirements

  • JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) and Other Imported Sports Cars
    Examples: Nissan Skyline, Toyota Chaser, Mitsubishi Delica (certain years).
    While these vehicles may enter the U.S. under the 25-year exemption, those manufactured after 1981 without FMVSS certification are not eligible for Alaska title or registration.

  • The above nonconforming vehicles may be eligible for Off-Highway Vehicle Registration or All-Purpose Vehicle registration, but not full registration for public roadway operation.

  • Repurposed Military Vehicles
    Surplus or modified military vehicles often lack FMVSS-compliant lighting, airbags, or emissions equipment. These nonconforming vehicles may be eligible for Off-Highway Vehicle Registration  but not full registration for public roadway operation.

Vehicles Manufactured Before 1981

Vehicles built before 1981 will be reviewed for serviceability for roadway use under 13 AAC 04.010–13 AAC 04.265, which list minimum safety and equipment requirements such as lighting, mirrors, brakes, and safety glass.
A physical inspection may be required to confirm compliance before title or registration is issued.

Documents Required

To title a foreign vehicle in Alaska, you must submit:

  1. Proof of Ownership

    • Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or comparable foreign ownership document.

    • Note: A U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) or other military region registration is not proof of ownership.

    • If no MCO is available, the vehicle must be physically present in Alaska.

  2. Proof of Transfer (If Applicable)

    • Original bill of sale, assigned title, or comparable ownership transfer document.

  3. Proof of Legal Importation

    • U.S. Customs and Border Protection Entry Summary (CBP Form 7501) and EPA/DOT compliance documents, or

    • A manufacturer’s letter confirming that the vehicle meets EPA and DOT requirements for highway use. Often times CBP will have conformance documents for many common vehicle models.

    • U.S. Customs in Alaska can be reached at (907) 271-6309.

  4. Application Forms

    • Vehicle Transaction Application (Form V1), signed by the applicant.

    • VIN Inspection (Form 811), completed in Alaska by a DMV representative, police officer, or State Trooper (no fee at DMV offices).

Foreign Military Member’s Vehicles

A vehicle owned and operated by active-duty foreign military personnel stationed in Alaska for one year or less, and not sold in the U.S., may be registered without being considered an imported vehicle.

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