What to Do If You Have Not Received Your Registration Sticker in Alaska
A missing Alaska registration sticker not received in the mail will not exempt you from receiving fines or penalties. Vehicle registrations in Alaska can be renewed by mail, online or in person at a local AK DMV. If you renew your registration documents and replace the sticker online for renewal purposes, you should expect your new decal to be sent within two to three weeks of the application being processed. Registration renewals that are submitted by mail may take up to six weeks to reach you. This is partly due to the time spent in transit on both ends of the application process. It is recommended that all mail-in application should be carried out earlier to avoid late fees and penalties.
Vehicle registrations in Alaska expire on the last day of the month listed on the sticker. The Alaska DMV requires that all vehicles have two license plates (unless exempt) and one registration sticker attached to the rear license plate. Only one sticker is needed regardless of whether the vehicle has more than one plate. If your application was received by the DMV but your updated AK DMV sticker was not received, you may be subject to fines if you do not inform the DMV or order duplicates. Having the correct registration information on your vehicle is mandatory in Alaska, and postal delays will not make you immune to penalties.
Common Reasons for a Registration Sticker Not Being Received in Alaska
A license plate sticker that was not received may have been caused by a recent change of address. The law states that if an applicant has not informed the DMV of a new address, the DMV is not required to send a renewal notice to that new location. The Alaska DMV is allowed to cross-check new addresses with the United States postal service database 40 days before a vehicle registration is about to expire. Make sure that all of your current addresses are up-to-date and entered correctly in the DMV system.
Additionally, make sure all information is correct when filling out paper forms or typing in your details online. Any errors made in the application could cause it to be rejected or sent to the wrong address. When using the online system, make sure you read all of the confirmation information to ensure you have completed the process in full. An incomplete application will not issue a new DMV registration sticker.
Can I legally drive if my Alaska registration sticker was not received?
The law in Alaska states that you must show all current title and registration documents if stopped by a law enforcement officer. In the case of a DMV registration sticker not being received in the mail, applicants must either cease driving until the new documents arrive or carry proof of their registration renewal with them. Failure to do so may result in penalties and fines. Contact your local AK DMV office for information on driving your vehicle past the expiration date while waiting for your car plate sticker renewal to be processed.
Those who are residents of Alaska but who have temporarily left the state are still required to renew their registrations and follow up with any lost registration stickers. Being absent from the state does not exempt anyone from these rules. If your license sticker was not received while you are away, you must still contact the AK DMV and order a duplicate if necessary. Exceptions may apply.
Additional Consequences of a Car Sticker Not Received Alaska
If your stickers have not arrived because you did not update your address with the DMV, you may be subject to a fine. Alaska law states that all drivers must inform the AK DMV of a new address within 30 days of the change. Failure to do so could result in an infraction penalty.
A DMV registration sticker not received in the mail may have included other documents. When ordering a new or replacement sticker, you will also be issued a new registration document. Alternatively, there is an option to just replace your registration and not your stickers. Make sure you are aware of which documents you are waiting for, so you can order the correct replacements as necessary.
Steps to Take If Your Alaska DMV Sticker Was Not Received
If it has been more than two weeks since you renewed your registration sticker online and it has still not arrived, you will need to contact the AK DMV. You must provide the following information:
- Your current mailing address.
- Your current residential address (if different to the above).
- The license plate number for the vehicle.
Once the AK DMV has received the above information, they will check the status of your order and inform you on what needs to be done next. A duplicate car tag sticker may need to be issued. You may be required to pay the $5 fee for a replacement tab.
Where to Get Registration Sticker Replacements in Alaska
You can apply for an AK DMV sticker replacement by mail, online or in person at a local DMV office. The fees will differ depending on whether you are replacing the registration certificate or both the certificate and the stickers.
In-person applications for duplicate registrations require either a completed replacement form or current vehicle information, such as VIN or plate numbers. The only acceptable payments for mail-in applications are check and money order. Typically, the DMV requires that motorists come in to the office for the replacement decal. If you are out of state or if you live in a remote part of the state with little to no access to a DMV, you can access the online and mailing options.
Related Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- How do I request a Replacement Tab, Plate or Registration from Alaska.gov