Alaska
LegalAK
Kei trucks are street-legal and can be titled and registered for on-road use in Alaska as of August 2026.
Alaska permits kei trucks on public roads following SB 239, signed June 24, 2026. Before SB 239, Alaska did not align with the federal 25-year import rule — vehicles could be imported but the DMV would not register them, which stranded owners who assumed the state followed federal law. The new statute bars the department from requiring current FMVSS compliance, or from refusing, suspending, or revoking a title over FMVSS non-compliance, for vehicles at least 25 years old that were legally imported. No safety inspection requirement.
Registration Status
Street Legal
Kei Vehicles can be driven on public roads.
Titleable
You can obtain a state title for a kei vehicle.
Registerable
Kei Vehicles can be registered with the state.
Inspection Required
No vehicle inspection is required.
Minimum Vehicle Age: 25 years
The vehicle must be at least 25 years old to qualify for import and registration.
Recent News & Politics
- SB 239 — Registration of vehicles at least 25 years old
Alaska State Legislature ·
Enacted as Chapter 39 SLA 26. Aligns Alaska with the federal 25-year import rule so kei trucks and other 25+ year imports can be titled and registered as fully road legal.
- Kei to stay: new Alaska law makes import vehicles roadworthy
Alaska's News Source ·
Local TV coverage with Alaska kei owners on what changed. Notes the long-running confusion: owners imported trucks assuming the state followed the federal 25-year rule, then could not register them.
How to Register a kei vehicle in Alaska
- 1
Get insurance
Obtain liability insurance before visiting the DMV. See our insurance directory for companies that cover kei vehicles.
- 2
Gather your documents
Bring to the DMV:
- Bill of Lading (proof of shipment)
- Customs Entry Summary (CBP 7501)
- EPA Form 3520-1
- NHTSA/DOT Form HS-7
- Japanese Export Certificate
- Bill of Sale
- Proof of insurance
- 3
Visit the DMV and apply for title
Request a title application for an imported vehicle. The Japanese chassis number will serve as the VIN — clerks may need to enter it manually. If the clerk is unfamiliar with kei vehicles, ask to speak with a supervisor.
- 4
Pay fees and get plates
Pay titling fees, registration fees, and applicable sales tax. You'll receive a state title, registration card, and license plates.
For a detailed walkthrough, see our Title & Registration Guide.
Official Source
Visit your state's DMV/DOT website for the most current information on vehicle registration and titling.
Alaska DMV/DOTAlaska DMV/DOTLast verified: August 2026 · 1 month ago
Tips for Alaska
- Bring your import documents (bill of lading, customs entry, export certificate) to the DMV for titling.
- The Japanese chassis number will be used as the VIN — DMV clerks may need to enter it manually.
- No inspection is required, which simplifies the process.
Kei rules in nearby states
Legality changes at the state line, and often dramatically. If you are close to a border, or shopping across one, these are Alaska’s neighbours.