How to Get and Renew Your Alaska Driver's License

What you need to get an Alaska driver's license

Alaska issues driver's licenses through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which operates in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Ketchikan, plus smaller offices in other towns. You will need to visit in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. Bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Alaska residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present. If you are renewing and your license is not expired, you can renew by mail or online through the Alaska DMV website, though you will still need to renew in person if you are changing your address, adding a Real ID endorsement, or if your license was lost or suspended.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DMV office in person to get your first Alaska driver's license, bringing proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
Alaska offers standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses; the Real ID version is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 2025.
If your license is not expired, you can renew by mail or online, but in-person renewal is required if you are changing your address or adding Real ID.
The written test covers Alaska traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the Alaska DMV handbook available free on the DMV website.
A standard Alaska driver's license costs around $20 for a four-year license, though fees vary slightly by office and license type.

The written test and road test

Before you receive your license, you must pass a written test on Alaska traffic laws and road signs. The DMV provides a free handbook on its website that covers everything on the test. You can take practice tests online through the Alaska DMV site to prepare. The written test is given at the DMV office on the day you explore.

After passing the written test, you will take a road test with a DMV examiner. The examiner will ask you to demonstrate basic driving skills — starting the vehicle, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you fail either test, you can retake it, though there may be a waiting period between attempts.

Real ID versus standard Alaska driver's license

Alaska offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The main difference is that a Real ID license meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes after May 7, 2025, though it remains valid for driving.

Getting a Real ID license requires the same documents as a standard license, plus one additional document proving your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). The Real ID license costs slightly more than a standard license. If you already have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at your next renewal or by visiting a DMV office before the important date.

Renewing your Alaska driver's license

If your license is not expired, you can renew it by mail or online through the Alaska DMV website. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person. You will receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks. Mail renewal is also available and takes about the same time.

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you are changing your address, if you want to add or change the Real ID endorsement, or if your license was lost, stolen, or suspended. In-person renewal at a DMV office typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Alaska driver's licenses are valid for four years, and the DMV will send you a reminder before your license expires.

What to do if your license is lost or suspended

If your license is lost or stolen, visit a DMV office in person to report it and request a replacement. Bring the same documents you used to get your original license. The DMV will issue a new license with a new number. There is a replacement fee, which is lower than the cost of a new license.

If your license is suspended, you cannot drive legally in Alaska or most other states. Suspensions happen for reasons such as unpaid traffic tickets, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. To learn about your license is suspended, check the Alaska DMV website or call your local DMV office. To restore your license, you must resolve the reason for the suspension — usually by paying fines, appearing in court, or completing a defensive driving course — then visit a DMV office to request reinstatement.

DMV office locations and hours

The main DMV offices are in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Anchorage and Fairbanks have the longest hours and handle the most transactions. Smaller communities have part-time DMV services, often through a local trooper post or city office. Hours vary by location, and some offices close for lunch. Before visiting, check the Alaska DMV website for the hours and services available at your nearest office.

Wait times can be long during peak hours, especially in Anchorage. The DMV does not take appointments for most services, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning typically means a shorter wait. If you live far from a DMV office, renewing by mail or online (if you are not expired) can save you a trip.

Costs and how long it takes

A four-year Alaska driver's license costs around $20, though the exact fee depends on the type of license and your age. Real ID licenses cost a few dollars more. Replacement licenses for lost or stolen licenses cost less than a new license. Fees are paid at the DMV office when you explore.

Getting your first license takes one visit to the DMV office, where you will take the written test and schedule your road test. The road test is usually scheduled within one to two weeks. Once you pass both tests, your license is issued on the spot or mailed to you within a few days. Renewing by mail or online takes two to three weeks from the time you submit your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Alaska driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. Bring documentation of your ITIN, such as a tax return or letter from the IRS. The rest of the process is the same.

What happens if I fail the written or road test?

You can retake the test after a waiting period, which varies by office. There is usually a fee to retake the test. Study the Alaska DMV handbook before your next attempt, and consider taking practice tests online to prepare.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to six months before your license expires by mail, online, or in person. This is useful if you are traveling or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date.

Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Alaska?

No. A standard Alaska driver's license is valid for driving anywhere in the state and the United States. You only need Real ID if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025.

What if I move to Alaska from another state?

You must get an Alaska driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident. Bring your out-of-state license along with proof of Alaska residency and identity. You will need to pass the written test but may not need to take the road test, depending on your driving record and the other state's requirements.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.