Alaska Vehicle Registration Cost by Borough (2026)
Alaska's $100 state registration (two years) is the same statewide, but each borough adds a Motor Vehicle Registration Tax (MVRT) that varies — $0 in Fairbanks and Valdez, up to $140+ in Kodiak. No state sales tax. Find your borough below.
MVRT verified July 2026 from the Alaska DMV MVRT-by-location table. Amounts are for a typical 5–8-year-old passenger car (biennial); newer cars pay more.
| Borough (main city) | MVRT | Total (state + MVRT) |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorage (Anchorage) | $70+ | $170+ |
| Matanuska-Susitna (Wasilla / Palmer) | $70+ | $170+ |
| Fairbanks North Star (Fairbanks) | None | $100 |
| Kenai Peninsula (Soldotna / Homer) | $30+ | $130+ |
| Juneau (Juneau) | $70 | $170 |
| Ketchikan Gateway (Ketchikan) | $18+ | $118+ |
| Sitka (Sitka) | $16+ | $116+ |
| Kodiak Island (Kodiak) | $140+ | $240+ |
| Bethel (Bethel) | $20+ | $120+ |
| Nome (Nome) | $16+ | $116+ |
| Valdez (Valdez) | None | $100 |
| Bristol Bay (Naknek) | $70+ | $170+ |
| Unalaska (Dutch Harbor) | $116+ | $216+ |
| Dillingham (Dillingham) | $19+ | $119+ |
| Haines (Haines) | $22 | $122 |
Boroughs shaded green charge no MVRT — the cheapest registration in the state.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Alaska vehicle registration cost vary by borough?
The $100 state registration fee (for two years) is the same everywhere, but most boroughs add a Motor Vehicle Registration Tax (MVRT) collected by the DMV. The MVRT is set by each borough and depends on the vehicle's age, so the total differs a lot by where you live — and a few areas charge no MVRT at all.
Which parts of Alaska have no MVRT?
The Fairbanks North Star Borough and Valdez charge no MVRT, so residents there pay only the $100 state fee. Many unorganized rural areas also have no MVRT.
Does Alaska have a sales tax on cars?
There's no statewide sales tax in Alaska. Some municipalities levy a local sales tax, but it generally doesn't apply to the DMV registration transaction — the MVRT is the local charge that matters for registration.
Is the MVRT higher for newer cars?
Yes. The MVRT is age-based — newer vehicles pay more and it declines as the car ages. The figures here are for a typical 5–8-year-old car; a brand-new car pays more.