Alaska Driver's License

Non-Commercial Licenses

Non-commercial driver's licenses in Alaska are specifically designed for personal use and cover standard passenger vehicles. These licenses enable individuals to legally operate their vehicles according to their needs and lifestyles.

Non-commercial licenses in the state are classified into the following categories:

• Provisional Driver's License - A provincial driver's license allows new drivers to gain experience while minimizing distractions that could lead to illegal maneuvers and potential accidents. Responsible drivers can obtain full license privileges before reaching 18 years of age.
• Class D License (Regular Driver's License) - A Class D license is the first license for individuals in Alaska. This license permits the operation of non-commercial motor vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less, including passenger cars, trucks, and motorcycles with engine displacements of 50cc or less.
• Off-Highway License - An Alaska off-highway license allows residents of rural communities to drive on roads not connected to the state highway system or highways with high traffic volume.
• Motorcycle License - A motorcycle license allows individuals to operate motorcycles and motor scooters of various engine displacements. It can be any of the following:
• M1 License - The M1 license is specifically designed for individuals with motorcycles and motor scooters with engine displacements of over 50cc. To obtain an M1 license, individuals must meet the age requirements and pass the necessary knowledge and skills tests.
• M2 License - For younger riders aged 14 or 15, the M2 license is available. It is specifically for motor scooters with engine displacements of less than 50cc.
• M3 License - M3 license is for those interested in operating three-wheeled motorcycles, such as trikes, three-wheeled cycles, and motorized bicycles. The engine displacement must be 50cc or more.

Commercial Driver's Licenses

Alaska commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) are intended for individuals who drive professionally and carry out various transportation services. CDLs in the state can be classified into three:

• Class A - An Alaska Class A license allows individuals to operate a combination vehicle with a total weight of at least 26,001 pounds and a towed unit weighing at least 10,001 pounds. Examples of these vehicles are large trucks and trailers.
• Class B - Individuals driving any vehicle with a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of at least 26,001 pounds and a trailer having a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less can obtain a Class B driver's license in Alaska. Examples of these are drivers operating buses and delivery trucks.
• Class C - Alaska also issues a Class C driver's license for individuals driving a single motor vehicle with a maximum weight of 26,000 pounds. It includes those carrying at least 16 passengers (and the driver) or hazardous items.

Limited License

Limited licenses in Alaska are granted to individuals with restricted driving privileges due to certain offenses, such as misdemeanors and felonies.

• Misdemeanor DUI Limited License - A Misdemeanor DUI Limited License in Alaska permits driving to essential places during license suspension for a misdemeanor DUI conviction.
  If a Misdemeanor DUI/Refusal charge has been dismissed in court, an individual may not require a limited license. However, individuals with a first offense can get a limited license after the initial 30-day period and subsequent offenses after 90 days.
• Felony DUI Limited License - A Felony DUI Limited License in Alaska allows individuals convicted of felony DUI to drive to essential locations while their license is suspended or revoked.
  This license requires verification from the Alaska Court System that the individual is participating in or has completed a Wellness or Therapeutic Court program or its equivalent. This program or something similar is available in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Bethel, and Ketchikan.

Gather Necessary Documents

A regular driver's license in Alaska is non-compliant with the REAL ID Act. If an individual only needs this license, they must bring 4 or 5 documents that prove the following:

• Their name and birth date
• Current residence
• Social Security number
• Name change (in cases when the individual legally changed their name)
• Immigration status for non-US citizens, if applicable

The Alaska DMV provides a list of acceptable documents for standard non-compliant licenses. Be sure to bring one document from each category when applying at the DMV.

However, starting May 7, 2025, Alaska residents must have a REAL ID license or an acceptable alternative when they access federal facilities, nuclear power plants, or boarding commercial aircraft. While a REAL ID is not mandatory, those who wish to obtain one must apply in person and bring the necessary documents for REAL ID.

Visit a Local AK DMV Office

To apply for a driver's license, individuals must visit a nearby DMV office. It is recommended that they fill out and print Form D1 in advance, which can be obtained from the DMV website. Check the "Office Locations" page of the DVM website for a list of offices.

Note that the AK DMV has developed additional services to assist rural residents with unique licensing issues in remote communities. For more information, read the "Guide to Rural Driving Information" page on the official AK DMV website.

Take and Pass the Necessary Tests

Individuals aiming for a regular or Class D driver's license in Alaska are required to take and pass the following tests:

Written Knowledge Test

A written knowledge test assesses the individual's understanding of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It checks if the individual has a solid foundation of information before getting behind the wheel. To take the test, individuals must pay $10 to $15.

Individuals over 21 or who want to upgrade directly from a permit must also take a free Alcohol and Drug Awareness Knowledge Test. This test focuses on the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving and the legal consequences of impaired driving.

Vision Test

The vision test is free and measures an individual's visual acuity and peripheral vision. To pass the test, individuals must have a 20/40 vision. Individuals can use corrective lenses to qualify for the test.

Road test

The road test evaluates the individual's practical driving skills. An examiner will accompany the individual in a vehicle and assess their ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic rules, and make appropriate decisions while driving.

Individuals must pay the $15 fee and schedule their road test in person or online through the "Schedule Road Test" page on the DMV website. They can also check out this list of DMV partners offering road tests.

Pay the License Fee

After passing the tests, there is a license fee of $20 for a standard non-compliant license and $40 for a REAL ID-compliant license. Individuals can pay the license fee in cash at the DVM office, by checks or money order, and by credit or debit cards. After paying, the individual's picture will be taken for the license.

Receive the License

After payment, individuals can claim their temporary license first, as the new regular or Class D driver's license will be delivered in the mail within two weeks.

To know more about obtaining a Class D Alaska driver's license, refer to the Alaska Driver Manual. For getting a CDL, read the Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual. Meanwhile, for a motorcycle license, check the Alaska Motorcycle Operator Manual.

In-Person Renewal

If the test is taken in person, individuals must follow these steps:

• Go to the nearest DMV office in person.
• Complete Form D1 (the same form filled out during the application).
• Bring the necessary documentary requirements.
• Pass the vision test to ensure adequate visual capability.
• Take the alcohol and drug awareness test for those over 21 who have never taken the test, except for those with licenses before October 21, 2008.
• Surrender the current Alaska driver's license.
• Take a photo and pay the renewal fee of $20 for a non-compliant license and $40 for a REAL ID-compliant license.
• Receive a temporary license, with the new license arriving by mail within two weeks.

Online Renewal

Note that only individuals who pass the following requirements can renew online:

• The individual is between 22 and 68 years old.
• The individual did not change their personal information before renewal.
• The individual's last renewal was done in person and not by mail.
• The individual is a confirmed U.S. citizen, and their last issued driver's license must have been an Alaska driver's license.
• The individual's current license is not suspended, canceled, disqualified, or revoked.

Individuals who fully meet the requirements above can proceed with these steps:

• Complete the form on the "Alaska DMV license renewal" page.
• Pay the license renewal fee for a standard non-compliant or REAL ID-compliant license.
• Once successful, wait for a temporary copy of the renewed driver's license via email.
• Receive the renewed physical license card through mail within two weeks.

Renewal by Mail

Individuals over 22 years old with no change in personal information and who did not renew their last license by mail are encouraged to renew online. If the individual will push through with renewal by mail, they can follow these steps:

• Complete the Form D1.
• Compile all the necessary documentary requirements. Check the section "How to Obtain a Driver's License in Alaska" for details.
• Pay the license fee and the additional $21.
• Mail the D1 form, required documentation, and the current driver's license to:

State of Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles

4001 Ingra Street, Suite 101

Anchorage, AK 99503

If, by chance, the individual is out of state and cannot renew their expiring driver's license, they can apply for an Out-of-State Temporary paper license. The AK DMV will email the temporary license, which will cost $15.

License Replacement

If an individual loses or damages their driver's license or it is stolen, they can go to a DMV office and get a replacement. The process is the same as renewing the ID in person.

The individual can also request a replacement online by applying for an online duplicate license and paying the $15 fee. The duplicate license will be sent via email in 3-5 business days. However, if the individual lost a regular license and wants to upgrade the replacement into a REAL ID version, they must do so in person and pay the $35 fee.

Note that the individual must be eligible for online replacement. For more information, visit the requirements listed under this article's "Online Renewal" section.