FOREIGN VEHICLES
Overview
Foreign vehicles may be imported into the United States only if they are processed through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and provided with the required importation documents under 2 AAC 92.070.
For customs purposes, the United States includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.
Exception: Trailers weighing less than 1,000 lbs (as shown by a weight slip, registration, or title/MCO) do not require customs import documents.
Inspection: All vehicles with foreign ownership documents must be inspected by an authorized Alaska DMV inspector, law enforcement, or State Trooper using Form 811.
Before You Import
If you purchase a vehicle overseas and intend to bring it into Alaska, you must obtain the required U.S. Customs documentation before the vehicle can be titled or registered in Alaska. Customs paperwork confirms the vehicle was legally imported and meets EPA and DOT import requirements.
The vehicle must:
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Be physically located in Alaska on the date of application per AS 28.10.201, unless you are an Alaska resident presenting a valid Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO).
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A vehicle inspection (Form 811) will be required before the vehicle can be titled.
Vehicles purchased through overseas military sales programs (often referred to as USAREUR or similar programs) do not require customs documents and are titled and registered normally.
If you are unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, contact us at doa.dmv.webmaster@alaska.gov.
Legally Imported Vehicles 25 Years or Older
Alaska law (AS 28.10.068 and AS 28.10.221(e)) allows vehicles that are 25 years or older and were legally imported into the United States to be titled and registered without meeting current Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
If the vehicle was properly imported and the applicant provides the required ownership and importation documents, the DMV will issue a standard Alaska title and registration. FMVSS labels, manufacturer compliance letters, and other federal safety documentation are not required for these vehicles.
Vehicles less than 25 years old
Vehicles that are less than 25 years old must still meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) to qualify for a standard Alaska title and registration. If the vehicle does not have a permanently affixed FMVSS certification label under 49 C.F.R. Part 567, the applicant must provide a manufacturer’s letter confirming that the vehicle was built to all applicable FMVSS for highway use. If neither document is available, the DMV cannot issue a standard title or registration for on‑road operation.
Documents Required
To title a foreign vehicle in Alaska, you must submit:
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Proof of Ownership
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Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or comparable foreign ownership document.
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Note: A U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) or other military region registration is not proof of ownership.
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If no MCO is available, the vehicle must be physically present in Alaska for inspection.
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Proof of Transfer (If Applicable)
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Original bill of sale, assigned title, or comparable ownership transfer document.
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Proof of Legal Importation
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CBP Entry Summary (CBP Form 7501) and any EPA/DOT compliance documents issued by CBP
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CBP often retains conformance informationfor many common vehicle models. U.S. Customs in Alaska can be reached at (907) 271-6309.
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Application Forms
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.
Need Assistance?
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Importing a Car
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NHTSA Vehicle Import Guidelines: Importing Vehicles into the U.S.
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Alaska Equipment Requirements: 13 AAC 04 Article 1
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DMV Contact: doa.dmv.webmaster@alaska.gov