What do I need to renew my license in Alaska?

You can renew in person at your local DMV office. Walk-ins are welcome, but some offices offer online scheduling as well. Fill out and submit the form. Provide the documentation required: one primary document, e.g., driver's license, birth certificate or passport, etc. One secondary document, e.g., school ID, health insurance card, employee ID, etc. Proof of your residence, e.g., utility bill, paycheck stub, mortgage or rental documents. Proof of name change (if you changed your name). You must have Social Security update your name before you can have the Alaska DMV update your name. Immigration status documents (for non- U.S. citizens.) Pass a vision test. Pass an alcohol and drug awareness knowledge test if you haven't taken it yet. (Exception are the drivers that obtained their Alaska driver license prior to October 21st, 2008). Surrender your current Alaska license. Have your photo taken and pay the $20.00 renewal fee by Visa, MasterCard, a personal check or money order made out to the State of Alaska or the DMV. You will receive a temporary license. Your new license should arrive in mail within 2 weeks.

What is the grace period for an expired license in Alaska?

There is no grace period in Alaska.

How to Get a Driver's License in Alaska [2024]

How Does It Work?

If you are an Alaska driver or want to become one, this guide will help you learn all you need to know about DMV requirements for your situation. Pro tip: If you're planning a road trip through Alaska's picturesque landscapes and might be driving a manual transmission vehicle, make sure you're equipped with the right skills. Learn the essentials with our How to Drive a Stick Shift guide.

Get an instructional permit

Allows you to practice driving under supervision.

Get a provisional license

Allows you to drive unsupervised with restrictions.

Get a Full (Adult) License

Allows you to drive with no restrictions.

Pro tip: As you prepare for an adventure across Alaska's vast terrains, ensure you're adept in driving techniques. Enhance your driving skills with our tutorials on manual transmissions and parking skills. Gain knowledge on reversing into a parking lot and executing efficient three-point turns. Perfect your mirror adjustments for safe driving. Refine your abilities with our Online Driving Simulator, and if you're from abroad, check out the international driver's license guidelines for Alaska.

Types of Licenses

For each license type there's a corresponding type of instruction permit

Class D

Allows you to operate any non-commercial motor vehicles with the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less, including passenger cars or trucks, vehicles designed to carry 15 passengers or less including the driver, recreational vehicles, mopeds, small scooters or motorcycles 50 cc or less. Read the AK Driver Manual or take a free AK practice test.

Off-Highway

It allows residents of rural communities to apply by mail in order to drive on roads that are not connected to the State highway system and on roads that are not connected to a highway or vehicular way with an average daily traffic volume greater than 499. Read the AK Driver Manual or take a free AK practice test.

A/B/C (Commercial)

Class A allows you to operate a combination vehicle with the GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more with the towed unit (GCWE 10,001 pounds or more). Class B is for operating any vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more with a trailer with GVWR of 10,000 or less. Class C is for driving any single motor vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less, or a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or hazardous materials. Read the AK CDL Manual or take a free AK CDL practice test.

How to Apply for Your Instruction Permit

An instruction permit is required for everyone learning to drive on a street or highway. While you are learning to drive, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver. The licensed driver must be at least 21 years of age and have at least one year of driving experience.

A special instruction permit may be issued to those enrolled in an approved high school, community college, commercial driver training course, or approved medical program.

1Apply in person

Visit your local DMV office. To locate a nearby DMV office, check here. Walk-ins are welcome, but some offices offer online scheduling.

2Complete the application form

You can download form 478 and complete it at home, however, you are required to sign it in front of a DMV representative.

3Provide your parent or guardian consent

As you are under 18, your parent or guardian is asked to complete form 433 and sign it in the presence of a Notary Public or DMV employee.

4Bring the documentation to verify the following:

Your legal name, date of birth and citizenship. You must bring one primary and one secondary document.
Primary documents: a U.S. birth certificate or passport, foreign passport with appropriate immigration status, a resident alien, temporary resident alien, or employment work authorization document issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Secondary documents: school ID, medical records, health insurance card, employee ID.
Your principal residence. Choose just one of the following: utility bill, paycheck stub, mortgage or rental documents, medical assistance card, letter from employer on letterhead verifying your residence address.
Your Social Security Number. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you must provide documentation from the Social Security Administration verifying that you have not been issued a number.
Proof of name change (if you changed your name).

5Pass a vision test

To qualify you must have, in each eye or with both eyes together, at least 20/40 vision. If you need corrective lenses to qualify, you must wear them while driving.

6Pass the written knowledge test

The written test covers only information found in the Alaska DMV manual, including traffic laws, safe driving practices, and highway sign recognition. If failed, the test may be retaken the following day.

7Pay the fee of $15.00

Pay by Visa, MasterCard, a personal check or money order made out to the State of Alaska or the DMV.

8Get your instruction permit

Your permit will be valid for two years and you will be able to renew it once only.

Do I have to get an instruction permit if I live in an Alaskan rural community? No, you are not required to get an instruction permit. However, the DMV strongly encourages you to get one so that you can practice supervised driving. You can apply by mail by doing the following:

Pass the written test at a Proctor in your area.
Pass a vision test at a doctor, nurse, or other qualified person of your choice.
Complete form 480.
Provide original documents verifying date of birth, social security number, identity and parental consent.
Pay the fee of $15.00
Mail your application and supporting documents to:
Juneau Driver Services
State of Alaska
Division of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 110221
Juneau AK 99811-0221

Provisional Licenses

If you are between 16 and 17, you can apply for a provisional license. It allows you to drive unsupervised most of the time, but with some significant restrictions: you may not carry non-sibling passengers under the age of 21 or drive between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless:

accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age
driving to or from your place of employment
driving within the scope of your employment

Hold an instruction permit for at least 6 months
You must make sure you have practiced driving and haven’t been convicted of traffic law violations in 6 months.
Practice supervised driving and get it certified
Provide written certification from your parent or guardian that you have had at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours of driving at night or in poor weather.
Apply in person
Visit your local DMV office. To locate a nearby DMV office, check here. Walk-ins are welcome, but some offices offer online scheduling.
Complete the application form
You can download form 478 and complete it at home, however, you are required to sign it in front of a DMV representative.
Provide your parent or guardian consent
As you are under 18, your parent or guardian is asked to complete form 433 and sign it in the presence of a Notary Public or DMV employee.
Bring your instruction permit
Alternatively, you can bring proof of your scores on the written knowledge test.
Pay the road test fee
$ 15.00 paid by Visa, MasterCard, a personal check or money order.
Pay the license fee
$20.00 by Visa, MasterCard, a personal check or money order made out to the State of Alaska or the DMV.
Get your provisional license
After you turn 18 and have held your provisional license for at least 6 months, you can visit your local DMV office to exchange your provisional license for a full Class D driver's license.

Exceptions for residents of Alaskan rural communities:

You can get a provisional license without the usual restrictions if you use it in the areas not connected to the land highway system or is not connected to a highway where average daily traffic volume is 499 or greater. Requirements:

Hold an instruction permit for 6 months
Get certification, from a parent or guardian, of at least 40 hours of driving experience with 10 hours of challenging circumstances, such as bad weather
Have no convictions for traffic violations in the last six months
Apply by mail

Over the Age of 18

You can apply for a full driver’s license at the age of 18. If you have never held a license or you hold a learner permit, start with step 1 of the following guide. If you have held your provisional license for at least 6 months, visit a DMV office to exchange your provisional license for a full Class D driver’s license.

1Apply in person for a leaner permit

Visit your local DMV office. To locate a nearby DMV office, check here. Walk-ins are welcome, but some offices offer online scheduling.

2Complete the application form

You can download form 478 and complete it at home, however, you are required to sign it in front of a DMV representative.

3Bring the documentation to verify the following

Your legal name, date of birth and citizenship. You must bring one primary and one secondary document.
Primary documents: a U.S. birth certificate or passport, foreign passport with appropriate immigration status, a resident alien, temporary resident alien, or employment work authorization document issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, an Alaska instruction permit or Alaska State Identification card.
Secondary documents: school ID, medical records, health insurance card, employee ID, IRS or state tax form.
Your principal residence. Choose just one of the following: utility bill, paycheck stub, mortgage or rental documents, medical assistance card, letter from employer on letterhead verifying applicant's residence address, Alaska title and/or registration (Issued at least 30 days prior to application), canceled check or bank statement, mortgage or rental documents
Your Social Security Number. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you must provide documentation from the Social Security Administration verifying that you have not been issued a number.
Proof of name change (if you changed your name)
Immigration status documents (for non- U.S. citizens)

4Pass a vision test

To qualify you must have, in each eye or with both eyes together, at least 20/40 vision. If you need corrective lenses to qualify, you must wear them while driving.

5Pass the written knowledge test

Your test will be waived if you show your instruction permit or bring proof of your scores. The written test covers only information found in the Alaska DMV manual, including traffic laws, safe driving practices, and highway sign recognition. If failed, the test may be retaken the following day.

6Pass alcohol and drug awareness knowledge test

You must take this test if you are older than 21 or upgrading from a permit to a license. You can take it as many times as necessary until you pass.

7Pay the road test fee

$ 15.00 paid by Visa, MasterCard, a personal check or money order.

8Pass a road test

Bring a vehicle that qualifies for the road test with proper registration and proof of insurance. You can schedule your road test in person or online. Alternatively, you can take your road test at a DMV-authorized third party (each is an independent business and sets its own fees). If you fail, you will have to wait for 7 days before the next attempt.

9Pay the license fee

$20.00 by Visa, MasterCard, a personal check or money order made out to the State of Alaska or the DMV.

If you are a resident of an Alaskan rural community and would like to get an Off-Highway Class D license, you must surrender your instructional permit or provisional license and submit a new Application for Remote Area Driver License (Form 480) to:

Juneau Driver Services
State of Alaska
Division of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 110221
Juneau AK 99811-0221

The Off-Highway restriction can be removed at any time following the successful completion of a road test at a DMV office or at a Third-Party Testing Provider.

Get Started

Take a free practice test

What does the test include?

You will have 25 minutes to complete 20 multiple-choice questions testing your knowledge of traffic laws, safe driving practices, and highway sign recognition. All the necessary information is covered in the AK Driver Manual. To pass the knowledge portion of the DMV driving test, you must answer 16 questions correctly.

How to prepare for the test?

Study the AK Driver Manual then take free practice tests available here. When you feel comfortable with your score, you are ready!

What common mistakes should I avoid?

The most common mistake comes from not knowing enough information out of the manual. This happens when people study solely with practice tests. Make sure you read the manual first. Another problem is rushing through questions. Take your time and remember what you have studied.

Can I use the driver's manual when I take the actual test at the DMV?

Absolutely NOT! This is not an open book test. The purpose of the test is to make sure you understand and apply the rules of the road.

Can I take the test if I can’t read?

If you can understand the English language, but are unable to read or have difficulty reading, you may bring someone who may read the questions to you, but you must independently answer the questions.

What happens if I fail?

If you fail, you can retake it as early as the next day.

Road Test

Step-by-Step Guide

What to expect during AK road test

This test will examine your ability to drive safely and accurately. It will last about 30 minutes. Driving tests are available at most DMV offices or through state approved third party testers. Schedule your road test online or in person and pay a nonrefundable driving test fee of $15.00 prior to taking the driving test. Fees vary through third party testers. You may reschedule your road test at a DMV office 24 hours before your scheduled appointment for no fee.

What to bring

Instruction permit or current (within one year) knowledge test scores
Corrective lenses if applicable
If under 18 years of age, parent or legal guardian or a notarized Parental/Guardian Consent for Minor (Form 433).
Current vehicle registration
Printed proof of insurance
Rental agreement where you are included as an authorized driver (if renting a car)
A vehicle in working order

Before the test

Your car will be checked for the following equipment in working condition:

All lights must be actual lenses not tape
Windshield (cannot have cracks in the field of vision)
Working windshield wipers
Defroster
Muffler
Good tires
Brakes (including emergency/parking)
All mirrors in working order
A working horn
Passenger seat and seat belts for driver and examiner
Front and back license plates with current month & year tabs on rear plate
Working speedometer
Doors must open from inside and outside
Enough fuel for a 30-minute exam (1/4 tank)
Studded snow tires can only be used where and when legal
No tinted windows

Consider the following:

Animals and passengers are not allowed to accompany you on a road test.
Your cell phone must be turned off during the test.
Please do not wear perfume or cologne.
All audio or visual devices that assist in performing driving maneuvers such as backing or parallel parking should only be used as assistive devices.

During the test

Listen to the examiner and follow the instructions. You should be able to demonstrate the following maneuvers:

Parallel parking
Backing
Quick stop
Left and right turns
Changing lanes
Entering and exiting a freeway
3-point turn
Traffic signals
Speed control
Following a vehicle
Intersection observance
Stop sign procedure
Use of vehicle equipment (mirrors, brakes, etc.)
Proper head position

Critical Errors

You will automatically fail if you commit one of the following:

Violate a traffic law
Perform a dangerous driving action
Do not cooperate with the examiner or refuse to perform
Contribute to a crash
Fail to perform a required driving task
Do not have the driving ability to meet required standards

After the test

Upon your return to the DMV office, the examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed the test and advise you how to correct any errors. You will learn what maneuvers you should practice to improve your driving skills. If you fail, the examiner will tell you when you may return for another test. Normally, you must wait seven days to retake the test.

Moving from Out-of-State

Moving from another state? Welcome to Alaska!

You can transfer your license at any DMV office. Walk-ins are welcome, but some offices offer online scheduling as well.

Plan of Action

Fill out and submit the form.
Provide the documentation required:
- one primary document, e.g., birth certificate, U.S. or foreign passport, etc.
- one secondary document, e.g., school ID, health insurance card, employee ID, driver’s license etc.
- proof of your residence, e.g., utility bill, paycheck stub, mortgage or rental documents
- Social Security Card (original) or some other document issued by the Social Security Administration or IRS that shows your name and SSN
- proof of name change (if you changed your name). You must have Social Security update your name before you can have the Alaska DMV update your name.
- immigration status documents (for non- U.S. citizens)
Pass a written knowledge test. If failed, the test may be retaken as early as the following day.
Pass a vision test.
Pass an alcohol and drug awareness knowledge test when you reach the age of 21.
Surrender your out-of-state driver's license.
Have your photo taken and pay the $20.00 transfer fee by Visa, MasterCard, a personal check or money order made out to the State of Alaska or the DMV.

You will receive a temporary license. Your new license should arrive in mail within 2 weeks.

How to Get a Driver’s License in Alaska [2024]

Time is of the essence?

How Does It Work?

Types of Licenses

Class D

How to Apply for Your Instruction Permit

Supercharge your chances of passing the DMV test

Provisional Licenses

Over the Age of 18

Get Started

Pass the first time with our help!

Road Test

New Residents:

Moving from Out-of-State

I've Got a Valid Foreign License