Motor Vehicles

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

Alaska State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Active-duty members who maintain residency in another state and hold a current driver’s license of that state will not be required to obtain an Alaskan driver’s license.  Be sure to follow the process of license renewal for the state in which you are registered if it appears your license is scheduled to expire during your tour-of-duty in Alaska.

Motor vehicle registration by the Eielson Security Forces is no longer required but individuals are still required to show a Common Access Card, and/or Dependant ID at entry point. All privately owned vehicles driven on Eielson must be properly registered in their home state.

Registration fees for vehicles in Alaska are based on the class of vehicle and on the weight of a vehicle in cases of trucks, buses and for hire vehicles. If your auto is registered in another state, in the active duty member's name, and the member maintains residency and a current driver's license for that state, you will not be required to purchase Alaskan license plates.
The license plates that are presently on your auto must be current at all times. If you intend to register your auto in the state of Alaska, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) prefers that you register your vehicle through the U.S. postal system rather than in person, as it adds to the congestion at the DMV. After the initial registration of your vehicle(s) at the DMV office, a fee of $10 is charged to you if reregister in person. 

An instruction permit is required for everyone learning to drive on a street or highway. If you are 14 years of age or older, you may obtain the permit which is valid for two years and you can renew it one time.

If you are 16 or 17, you must have a valid instruction permit for 6 months before the DMV can issue you a provisional Class D license.

For additional information, please refer to: http://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.

According to the State of Alaska Driver’s Manual, Alaska law AS 28.05.095 requires everyone in a motor vehicle to use a safety belt. Drivers must wear a safety belt. The driver is also responsible for all passengers under the age of 16 years. The law requires federally approved child restraint devices for passengers under four years old. Passengers aged from 4 up to 16 must wear a seat belt or a child restraint device; whichever is age appropriate.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

Many states and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands-free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

Seat Belts -- Alaska state law requires the use of seat belts in all vehicles equipped with them.

Helmet -- Alaska state law does not require helmets to be worn when riding a motorcycle. However, AF regulation does require all persons operating or riding on a motorcycle or ATV to wear a helmet. All bicycle riders must wear a helmet.