Getting an Alaska Driver's License

An Alaska Class D driver's license is the standard credential for non-commercial passenger vehicles weighing up to 26,000 pounds. New residents have 90 days from establishing residency to convert an out-of-state license, and first-time applicants of any age go through a written knowledge exam, a vision screening, and a behind-the-wheel road test administered by an Alaska DMV examiner.

Who can apply

Alaska sets a low entry age compared to most states. With parental consent, a 14-year-old can apply for an instruction permit; a 16-year-old who has held that permit for at least 6 months and logged 40 hours of supervised practice (10 at night) can move to a provisional license; and after 6 months without violations, that driver graduates to a full Class D license. Adult applicants 18 or older can pursue the license without the provisional intermediate stage but still need a permit and a passed road test.

Documents required

For a federally compliant REAL ID Alaska driver's license (the kind with a small star icon in the upper corner), bring:

• One identity document — a U.S. birth certificate (with raised seal), valid U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization.
• Proof of your Social Security number — Social Security card, W-2, or SSA-1099.
• Two proofs of Alaska residency from two different sources, dated within the past 90 days — utility bill, bank statement, lease, mortgage statement, voter registration card, or a Permanent Fund Dividend application receipt.
• A completed Form 802 application — sign it in front of the field-office staff, not at home.

Drivers who don't need REAL ID compliance can still get a standard Alaska license — useful if a passport is your federal-flight document of choice.

Fees

The Alaska first-time driver's license fee is $20 for the application plus a $15 testing fee, plus a $20 permit fee if you don't already hold one. The 5-year license renewal fee is also $20. Fees are paid at the field office at the time of issuance; the Alaska DMV accepts cash, check, money order, debit, and most major credit cards.

Knowledge test

The Alaska written knowledge exam contains 20 multiple-choice questions drawn from the current Alaska Driver Manual. You may miss no more than four questions (i.e., score at least 16/20 — 80%) to pass. The test is offered in English at all field offices and in Spanish, Russian, Korean, and Tagalog at larger offices. Topics emphasized in Alaska: winter driving rules, moose and large-animal collision avoidance, "move over" requirements for emergency vehicles, four-way stop right-of-way, school-bus passing rules, and the 0.08% BAC limit detailed in our DUI laws guide.

Road test

Alaska requires a road test for nearly every first-time applicant, regardless of age. The exam runs roughly 15-20 minutes and covers:

• Pre-drive inspection (signals, brakes, tires, defroster, headlights, windshield wipers).
• Lane changes with mirrors, signal, and head check.
• Reverse driving in a straight line for 50 feet without crossing into another lane.
• Right and left turns from the correct lane to the correct lane.
• Parking — typically angle parking; some offices test parallel parking.
• Stopping at stop signs and signaled intersections with full, complete stops.

Because Alaska tests in real Alaska weather, examiners may include conditions urban DMV tests skip — packed snow, black ice, or low-light afternoon hours during winter. The most common failure points: rolling stops, missed head checks during lane changes, and over-correction on slick pavement.

Out-of-state transfers

If you hold a valid out-of-state driver's license, Alaska accepts it for licensing purposes provided you apply within 90 days of becoming a resident. You'll surrender the out-of-state license, complete form 802, present residency documents, pass a vision screening, and pay the standard fee. Alaska may waive the written and road tests at its discretion for valid out-of-state licensees. Drivers from other countries (except Canada) typically must complete the full testing sequence.

License delivery and renewal

You'll receive a printed temporary license at the field office that's valid for 60 days. The permanent card is mailed in 2-4 weeks. Alaska driver's licenses run on a 5-year cycle and can be renewed online through the Alaska DMV's eServices portal up to one year before expiration, every other cycle (an in-person visit is required on alternate cycles for vision screening and updated photo). For details on renewal options, see our Alaska license renewal guide.