My License Alaska

SUMMARY: How to Apply for an Alaska Driver's License

NOTE: The State of Alaska is not responsible for the content/information on any site outside of a State of Alaska department. An Alaska business requires meticulous planning. Find out about the licenses, permits, and registrations you will need to set up shop where you live in Alaska. MyAlaska is a system for secure single sign-on and signature for citizens allowing them to interact with multiple state of Alaska services through a single user name.

  1. Administration Motor Vehicles TrackMyCards Central Issuance Card Tracking System. Please enter your Driver License or ID card number. Toll-Free in Alaska.
  2. Check your Application Status by selecting 'myPFD'.Please remember, you will need your Alaska Driver's License or ID to view your information. To attach an Electronic Signature or print a Signature Page, visit 'myPFD' and select the Document Center tab in your record.
  3. Renew Your Alaska Driver's License. If you plan to operate a vehicle in Alaska, you must have a valid AK driver's license. When it is close to expiring or has already expired, you'll either need to renew it or apply for an extension. Fortunately, the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has a fairly simple renewal process.

Applying for your AK driver's license must be done in person at a DMV office. You will need to pass driving, written knowledge, and vision tests, and pay the appropriate fees. If applicable, you may also need to pass an alcohol and drug awareness exam.

This page will help you obtain your first driver's license from the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

New to Alaska?

Just Moved?

Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

If you've moved to Alaska from another state, you can use your out-of-state driver's license to drive for up to 90 days as long as you're 16 years old or older.

NOTE: If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) from your previous state, you will need to apply for an AK CDL within 30 days of moving. For application instructions, please see our Applying for a New CDL page.

If you have an out-of-state driver's license, you will be able to transfer it for an AK license. Visit your local Alaska DMV office and:

  • Surrender your current driver's license from your previous state.
  • Pass the following:
    • Written knowledge test.
    • Vision test.
    • Alcohol and drug awareness test (21 years old or older)
    • Driving test
    • Required for licenses not from a U.S. state or territory or Canada.
    • Additional $15 fee for test.
  • Submit proof of your:
    • Name.
    • Date of birth.
    • Alaska residency.
    • Social Security number (SSN).
  • Pay the $20 fee.

NOTE: If you're under 18 years old, you may need to provide parental consent.

A complete list of required documents can be found on the AK DMV website.

Types of AK Driver's Licenses

The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has various types of driver's licenses depending on your age and what type of vehicle you will be driving:

  • Non-commercial: Class D.
  • Commercial driver's license (CDL): Class A, B, or C.
  • Motorcycle: Class M1, M2, or M3.
  • Instruction permit (if you're under 16 years old): Non-commercial or motorcycle.
  • Provisional (if you're between 16 years old and 18 years old).
  • Off-highway rural (see below for details on this license).

If you live in a rural community that doesn't currently have an AK DMV office, you may be eligible for an off-highway driver's license. For more information and application instructions, please visit the Alaska DMV website.

Additionally, the AK DMV offers REAL ID driver's licenses, permits, and identification cards. A REAL ID in AK gives you the same benefits and restrictions as your regular permit or license BUT because REAL ID meets federal identification requirements it also allows you to complete tasks such as entering federal buildings and boarding commercial aircraft without showing additional identity documents. Applying for a REAL ID in AK is similar to applying for a standard permit or license, which we've outlined below.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for an Alaska driver's license, you must:

  • Have an out-of-state driver's license.
  • Be 18 years old or older.
    OR
  • Have held your provisional driver's license for at least 6 months without receiving any traffic convictions.

For more information about provisional licenses in Alaska, please see our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) page.

How to Apply for an Alaska Driver's License

Alaska dmv driver

To apply for your first Alaska non-commercial driver's license, visit your local AK DMV office and: Download games for laptop.

  • Submit a completed Application for Alaska Driver License, Permit or Identification Card (Form 478).
    • If you're printing the form yourself, you must print it double-sided or the DMV will not accept it.
  • Submit documents to prove your:
    • Legal name and date of birth (e.g. U.S. birth certificate, passport, citizenship certificate).
      NOTE: You will need both a primary document and secondary document.
    • AK residential address (e.g. utility bill, paycheck stub, bank statement).
      • For a REAL ID, you must show 2 documents proving your residency.
    • Social Security number (SSN) (e.g. Social Security card or other official government document).
    • Name change, if applicable (e.g. court order, divorce decree, marriage certificate).
  • Pass the:
    • Written knowledge test.
    • Eye exam.
    • Driving test.
    • Alcohol and drug awareness test, if you're 21 years old or older.
  • Pay the required fees:
    • Road test: $15.
    • Driver's license: $20.

AK Driver's License Tests

Before you will be issued your Alaska driver's license, you will need to pass both a written knowledge and DMV road test.

Written Knowledge Exam

The questions in your written knowledge exam will be based on information found in the Alaska DMV Driver Manual. You will be tested on your knowledge of:

  • Traffic laws.
  • Highway signs.
  • Safe driving practices.

If you fail the exam, you can re-take it the next day. The DMV offers basic practice test to help you study.

Pass On Your First Try!

In addition to the basic practice test offered by the state, we highly encourage you to try our comprehensive online practice tests from our certified partner. It's the best way to prepare for the written exam.

Driving Test

Your DMV road test can be taken either at an AK DMV office or an approved third-party testing location. You will need your own vehicle and have proof of insurance. You will be tested on your driving skills and ability to perform various driving maneuvers, including:

  • Parallel parking.
  • 3-point turns.
  • Proper lane changes.
  • Obeying traffic signals.
  • Reversing.

If you fail your exam, your driving examiner will let you know when you can re-take the test (usually after at least 1 week).

There are various mistakes you can make that will lead to an automatic fail. For a complete list of these, read the Driver Manual.

Rural Off-Highway Licenses

Because Alaska's roadway system is often not interconnected and many residents live in far-spread rural communities without a nearby DMV office, the state DMV has a specific driver's license to make it easier to travel to and from work, school, and other important destinations.

With an off-highway license, you can ONLY drive on roads that are:

  • Disconnected from the state highway system.
  • Not connected to any road with an average daily traffic volume of 499 people.

The Alaska off-highway license has a mail-in application process. You will be exempt from the standard road test taken at the DMV, but you DO have to pass a written exam that is proctored in your area, as well as a vision test.

Gather the required documents listed above, plus proof of your written and vision exams, and mail them to:


State of Alaska
Division of Motor Vehicles
1300 W. Benson Blvd Suite 100
Anchorage, AK 99503

Forms

478
Application for Alaska Driver License Permit or Identification Card
Request a driver's license, identification card, or driver's permit from the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles. MUST be signed at the DMV.

This form is provided by your state's agency/department.

Please select one of the below to continue:

Email the link to this form
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My License Alaska

1. Get Started Online With Drivers License Renewal Assistance

In most states, you can renew your drivers license online, by mail or in person. However, be mindful that the online method is only available to certain applicants, depending on their age and citizenship status. During an online license renewal, you will be asked to identify yourself and pay the applicable service fees. To make sure that you are fully prepared to complete the process, you can download our informative online guide. Our guide contains everything you need to know to renew your driving license quickly and easily. In it, you will also get step-by-step details about how to complete other important licensing transactions, such as replacing your license or updating your name or address.

2. By Mail

Certain motorists are eligible to renew their drivers licenses by mail. If your state DMV offers this option, you will be asked to fill out a renewal notice or request form and include certain supporting documentation in your application package. Additionally, you will need to provide an acceptable payment method for the renewal fees, typically a check or money order. All of these documents must be sent to a specified DMV mailing address. It is important to note that this method includes processing times, so it may take longer than others to complete. To minimize your wait time and to avoid delays, be sure to attach the correct paperwork to your renewal form.

3. In Person at the DMV

When renewing your driving license at the DMV, you may be required to pass a vision screening, to retake your photograph and to pay a service fee. Generally, you will need to present your existing license, fill out a drivers license renewal form and assess that your information is still up-to-date on the DMV’s records. Because many drivers are typically unsure of which forms to fill out in order to complete their transactions, delays are common when applying in person. Furthermore, potential mistakes on your application may require you to visit the DMV more than once to successfully renew your license.

All licensed motorists will be required to request a drivers license renewal in Alaska whenever their credentials approach their expiration dates. While certain applicants may be able to renew a drivers license online, other motorists may not be eligible to use the state’s online portal. Overall, the state offers three different methods for residents to submit a renewal application.

In this article, you will learn about renewing your driver’s license in AK, which includes details regarding when and how you need to file this request. Furthermore, you will discover where to renew a driver’s license in the state, as well as what to do if you are out of state when your credential expires. To learn more about this license renewal procedure, read the sections below.

Eligibility for Drivers License Renewal in Alaska


Note: The expiration date of your driver’s license is located on the front of it, right under the issue date.

As a general rule, licensed motorists will need to renew an Alaska driver’s license a few times over the course of their lives. On the other hand, motorists who are younger than 18 years of age will not be able to request a DMV license renewal in AK, as these applicants are issued slightly different driving credentials. Furthermore, if you have a driver’s license when you turn 21 years of age, be mindful that the credential will expire 90 days after your birthday. Thus, you will need to renew your license within that timeframe.

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Drivers License in Alaska

Renewing an AK driver’s license that has been canceled, revoked or suspended is not possible. Instead, you will need to visit a DMV office in person and apply for the reinstatement of your license, if applicable.

On the other hand, if you have lost your driving credential or it is significantly damaged, you will need to apply for a replacement card rather than requesting a DMV license renewal.

Track My License Alaska

How early can you renew your drivers license in Alaska?

You can renew a driver’s license in Alaska up to a year before it is set to expire. In general, you will not be allowed to operate a vehicle with an expired driver’s license. However, if your license has expired less than one year ago, you will be able to get a new one without retaking any of the tests.

Alaska DMV License Renewal Options

Understanding how to renew a drivers license in Alaska is important, as there are several different methods offered to applicants with varying ages and residency statuses. The sections below detail the three most common methods for renewing your DMV license in AK.

How to Renew Your Drivers License Online

Certain motorists may be eligible to renew a driver’s license online in Alaska. While this is often the simplest method available to residents, there are a number of restrictions that make this method not available to everyone. For instance, in order to qualify for this renewal procedure, you must be between 21 and 69 years of age. Moreover, the AK DMV cannot have any questions about your identity. If you recently changed your address or legal name, you will not be able to request a driver’s license renewal online.

If you qualify for renewing a driving license online, you will need to visit the official DMV online portal and submit identifying information such as your name, Social Security Number (SSN) and driver’s license number. Then, you will need to use a credit card in order to pay for the applicable service fees.

How to Renew Your Driving License by Mail

As a general rule, the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) encourages individuals to renew their drivers license online or in person. Therefore, you may only become eligible to renew this credential by mail if one of the following circumstances applies to you:

  • You are currently out of state
  • There are no DMV locations near you

The mail-in driver’s license renewal form will require extensive personal information, including basic personal details such as your name and address, but also information about your height and hair color. You will also need to state whether you want to be registered to vote and whether or not you are an organ donor. Then, you will need to submit your expired license in order to get it renewed. To do so, you must mail all of the paperwork required for a DMV license renewal to:

How to Renew Your Drivers License in Person

In order to renew your driver’s license in person, you must visit a local DMV branch in person. Certain DMV offices offer appointments for motorists to schedule their visits in advance. However, be mindful that many other branches of the division do not.

Remembering what you need to bring to renew a driver’s license in Alaska is simple, because the only document you will be required to show to identify yourself will be your current AK license to drive. In addition, you will need to submit a completed “Application for Alaska Driver License, Permit or Identification Card” form, which requires information such as your name, address, height and hair color. Furthermore, you will be asked to pay for the applicable driving license renewal fees with an acceptable payment method.

Military & Out of State Renewal in Alaska

If you cannot request a DMV license renewal in person due to military service, college enrollment or another documented reason, you may not be eligible to renew your driving credential for the time being. That is because the drivers license renewal requirements in Alaska describe that you must be in the state to renew the credential. On the other hand, you may be eligible to apply for a temporary license that lasts for one year while out of the state. This license will allow you to drive until you are back in AK and able to request a renewal.

When filling out a drivers license renewal form, you will need to provide details such as your Social Security Number (SSN), date of birth and current license number. Additionally, the DMV will allow you to submit payment for the applicable fees via credit card, money order or cashier’s check. If you are out of state, you can send your application to the following mailing address:

Alaska Drivers License Renewal Fees

How much it costs to renew a driver’s license in Alaska will vary based on which DMV office you choose to visit. The state of Alaska does not provide a general driving license renewal fee. Thus, if you go to an establishment that processes these requests, you will have to contact that particular business in order to determine how much your renewal will cost. Below you will find the fees that are required by the state:

  • Temporary license – $5
  • Replacement license – $15

Alaska Drivers License Renewal Forms

State Of Alaska Division Of Licensing

Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.

Track My License Alaska

Sources

Professional License Search Alaska

  1. Renew Your Alaska Drivers License from Alaska.gov