Anchorage Daily News

There have been 18 basic plates issued in Alaska over the years. Four of them, including the new statehood plate, are valid for current use. See more Alaska plates online at www.akplates.org.

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1966

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2008

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1998

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1975

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1965

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1976

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1998

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1959

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Plate Q&A

Q. My plates are current, but I want the new statehood ones. Can I do that?

A. Yes, DMV will sell you a new set for $5. Personalized plates are $30.

Q. In Alaska, do I have to attach a license plate to the front and back of my vehicle or only the back?

A. Except for motorcycles and trailers, all vehicles registered in the state must bear two plates, one in front and one in back. Expiration month and year tabs, issued when the vehicle is registered, are worn on the rear plate only.

Q. Do prisoners make Alaska's plates?

A. No. The Irwin-Hodson Co. in Portland, Ore., has manufactured them for decades.

Q. How many vehicles are registered in Alaska?\

A. Between 600,000 and 700,000.

Sources: Daily News archives, Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles; Michael Wiener, New Mexico collector and plate authority; Royce Williams, Anchorage "taxonomist" of Alaska plates. Photos courtesy of American Childrens Safety Network and Royce Williams.