Alaska VIN Check
How to Perform a VIN Lookup in Alaska?
registered in the state. It is a great way to reveal the full history of the vehicle, if there have been title concern, mileage, crash reports, recalls from manufacturers, damage related to natural disasters, and other related information. Aside from providing buyers with information about a car, it also safeguards parties from the liability of purchasing a vehicle with major issues. There are several options to conduct a VIN check which include state authorized inspections sites, online and third party platforms such as GoodCar which has been approved by the NMVTIS.
How to Find Your Car's VIN Number?
The VIN is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle by the manufacturer. VINs provide vital information concerning the vehicle, such as engine type and the vehicle make and model. It also shows when or where the vehicle was produced. VINs may be located on the engine firewall, the driver’s door jamb, or the dashboard where it would meet the windshield on the driver’s side. Placement can vary slightly dependent upon manufacturer.
Why Should I Run a ak VIN Check?
An AK VIN check provides useful information about vehicle specifications which can help you avoid upcoming risks associated with the vehicle. The information gained by running a VIN check can be instrumental in verifying that a vehicle listing is accurate when considering purchasing a vehicle.
Vehicle History
It is important to run an AK VIN Check before you sign the contract for a new vehicle with any of Alaska's 20 car dealerships. This check reveals a detailed history of the vehicle.
Title Verification
A car’s detailed history will show past records of registrations and confirm that its current title is free of any encumbrances for a new buyer. Alaska currently has 562,100 registered vehicles.
Accident History
A vehicle’s history will also show records of past accidents; these collision records are the best signal for future liability on the ownership of such a vehicle. Though Alaska has one of the lowest rates of car accidents in the country, the Alaska Department of Public Safety encourages new owners to do these checks to ensure a vehicle has a clean history. Annually, an estimated 80 car crashes occur in Alaska.
Mileage Verification
Being a victim of odometer fraud in Alaska may cost you up to $4,000 on the purchase of a used car. A quick VIN Check will save you this much money and heartache. Note that an odometer fraud in Alaska should be reported to the State’s Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division. The penalty for rollbacks is $2,000 and three years in prison.
Recalls and Safety Standards
In Alaska, there are up to 50,000 recalls since 2023. A typical recall, either by the manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), concerns defects that present a safety threat. The VIN check will reveal not only the number of such recalls on a car but also the nature of such defects. You can find additional resources to handle recalls on the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities website.
Theft Check
Motor vehicle theft is a very common national issue, with over 1 million cars stolen in the US annually. Though the rate of car theft is somewhat low in Alaska, 1,800 cars are still stolen in the state every year. A VIN check may save you from buying a stolen car in Alaska and ending up with a police case.
Natural Disaster-Related Reasons
Extreme cold, flooding, storms, erosions, and ground failures are common geological conditions in Alaska. These natural disasters also damage local vehicles. A VIN check will reveal if the car was subject to a natural disaster.
Alaska Lemon Laws
and How They Relate to VIN Checks
Alaskans are dependent on motor vehicles for their daily affairs. Hence, there is a need for the Lemon law to help citizens who have to deal with defective vehicles. The Lemon Law in Alaska protects vehicle owners if the car has a significant defect. If the manufacturer does not take the appropriate steps to repair or after a certain number of tries is not able to, they are mandated to issue refunds or replacement vehicles.
The Lemon law does not apply to used vehicles, though. It also covers vehicle problems that come up within a year. Similarly, a vehicle returned as per the AK 45.45.305 statute cannot be resold by the manufacturer in the state unless there is full disclosure of the reason for the return to the potential buyer before a resale is done.
The Title Transfer Process
As a resident in Alaska, when a party buys a vehicle, they are responsible for transferring the title in their name within 30 days of the sale. To begin the title transfer process, the title must be signed by both the buyer and the seller. Bring the essential documentation to the local DMV, including documents such as the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin and vehicle title. Print out an Application for Title and Registration and take it to the DMV office.
A notarized power of attorney and lien release is also required if the vehicle has financial issues. The vehicle title fee is $15, along with the registration fees and related taxes. If the party lives in a remote state region without access to a DMV branch, they can mail the documentation and fees to the Anchorage University Center DMV.
Alaska Insurance and Registration Requirements
Alaska requires that registered vehicles be insured. Insurance coverage must satisfy the minimum amounts: $100,000 for bodily injury or death by accident, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of one individual, and $25,000 for property damage. Failure to have liability insurance could result in a driver’s liense suspension. Individuals working in Alaska or establishing residency must apply for vehicle registration within ten days of entering the state. A non-resident can operate the vehicle with the registration of another state for 60 days. To register the vehicle, you must submit the current out-of-state registration, title, application for title, form 812, and fees. It costs $100 to register a vehicle in Alaska for passenger vehicles.
Alaska Titling Requirements and Sales Tax
When a title already exists in the name of an individual from another state and the lienholder happens to be holding the original title outside of Alaska, the DMV will issue a registration-only status. The vehicle has to physically be in the state, as per state regulations. That means the buyer has to provide the current out-of-state registration showing the lienholder or a photocopy of the title, showing it is in the person's name in the other state. The title fee is $15, with an additional $15 lien recording fee. Regarding sales tax, Alaska is one of the few states with a 0% sales tax for all vehicle purchases.
Alaska-Assigned VINs
Typically, the manufacturer of the vehicle assigns vehicle identification numbers. However, there are cases where a law enforcement agency may assign a VIN to a vehicle after the original stamped VIN plate is removed when it has been stolen and subsequently recovered. Similarly, the state may assign a VIN if the VIN plate has been damaged during a collision.
Why Choose GoodCar for Alaska VIN Lookup?
GoodCar is the one-stop shop for comprehensive vehicle history reports and contains everything from ownership data, vehicle specifications, fire damage, and accident history to the title history of the vehicle. The data provided is of the highest industry standards, placing customers in the best position to make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
about Alaska VIN Checks
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Who Issues A Vehicle's VIN Number In Alaska?
The manufacturer typically assigns VINs in Alaska. However, the state government may issue a VIN where the vehicle was stolen, or the plate was damaged during an accident.
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How do I verify a VIN number in Alaska?
A law enforcement officer or an official designated by the state can perform a VIN verification.
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Is it safe to check an Alaska VIN online?
It is safe to check a VIN in Alaska using reputable third parties. They provide comprehensive information on vehicle records, history, and pricing.
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Do I need a VIN inspection in Alaska?
The vehicle should be in good working condition, with all parts operating optimally to pass VIN inspection during titling and registration.
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Are Alaska VIN checks necessary for out-of-state vehicles brought into Alaska?
Alaska VIN verification is required for out-of-state vehicles brought into the state. This will be conducted by authorized inspectors.
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What does an Alaska VIN check reveal?
An Alaskan VIN check reveals a comprehensive record of specifications, accidents, recalls, mileage information, and disaster related damage.
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Can you ask for the VIN from an Alaska seller?
Yes, it is advisable to ask for the VIN from a seller in Alaska. This is for accountability to verify the vehicle satisfies their claims concerning specifications and previous experiences.