If you have built your own teardrop trailer and want to explore the beautiful wilderness of Alaska, you need to register it with the state first. In this article, we will show you how to register your DIY teardrop trailer in Alaska, what forms and fees you need, and what to do after you have your license plate.
Key Takeaways
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Get your trailer inspected and assigned a VIN number by a DMV-approved inspector |
| 2 | Fill out the registration application and provide proof of ownership |
| 3 | Pay the registration fee and get your license plate |
| 4 | Renew your registration or apply for a permanent registration |
Getting Your Trailer Inspected and Assigned a VIN Number
Before you can register your DIY teardrop trailer in Alaska, you need to get it inspected and assigned a vehicle identification number (VIN) by a DMV-approved inspector. The inspector will verify that your trailer meets the safety and equipment standards, and issue you a VIN plate that you need to attach to your trailer.
The inspector will need to check the following things on your trailer:
- The VIN number matches the one on your proof of ownership
- The trailer has working lights, brakes, and reflectors
- The trailer has a safety chain, a hitch, and a breakaway system
- The trailer has a license plate light and a license plate bracket
- The trailer has fenders, mud flaps, and splash guards
- The trailer has a weight slip that shows the empty weight of the trailer
The inspector will also need to have the following documents from you:
- A completed Verification of Vehicle (Form 811)
- Proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or a manufacturer’s certificate of origin
- A photo ID, such as a driver’s license or a passport
Filling Out the Registration Application and Providing Proof of Ownership
After you get your VIN plate, you need to fill out a Vehicle Transaction Application (Form 812) and provide proof of ownership for your trailer. The proof of ownership can be a bill of sale, a manufacturer’s certificate of origin, or any other document that shows you are the owner of the trailer. You also need to provide the VIN number, the weight, and the dimensions of your trailer on the application.
Paying the Registration Fee and Getting Your License Plate
Once you have your application and proof of ownership ready, you need to pay the registration fee and get your license plate. The registration fee for a non-commercial utility trailer is $30 for a two-year registration, or $25 for a permanent registration after the first expiration. You can pay the fee by mail or in person at any DMV office. You will receive your license plate and registration sticker in the mail, or you can pick them up at the DMV office.
Renewing Your Registration or Applying for a Permanent Registration
You need to renew your registration every two years, or apply for a permanent registration if you qualify. You can renew your registration online or by mail, by providing your current registration, proof of insurance, and payment of the renewal fee. You can apply for a permanent registration if your trailer is at least eight years old, weighs less than 10,000 pounds, and is not used for commercial purposes. You need to fill out a Permanent Registration Application (Form 849) and pay a one-time fee of $25.
Forms and Fees for Registering Your DIY Teardrop Trailer in Alaska
| Form | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Transaction Application (Form 812) | Required for initial registration and title application | N/A |
| Permanent Registration Application (Form 849) | Required for applying for a permanent registration | N/A |
| Registration Fee | Required for registering your trailer for two years | $30 |
| Permanent Registration Fee | Required for registering your trailer permanently after the first expiration | $25 |
Register Your DIY Teardrop Trailer in Alaska: Contacts
Now you know how to register your handmade teardrop trailer in Alaska! Congrats. Now it’s time for some camping.
Here are some useful DMV contact information for your reference:
- DMV website: https://online.dmv.alaska.gov/DOS
- DMV phone number: (907) 269-5551
- DMV email: doa.dmv.jds@alaska.gov
- DMV mailing address: State of Alaska DMV, ATTN: Vehicle Services, 3901 Old Seward Hwy Ste. 101, Anchorage, AK 99503