Alaska driver license guide

The basics for Alaska, in plain English. Every fact links to the official page it came from, so you can confirm it yourself. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.

Getting an Alaska instruction permitSteps and official links →Getting your first Alaska driver licenseSteps and official links →Renewing an Alaska driver licenseSteps and official links →Getting a REAL ID in AlaskaSteps and official links →Moving to Alaska: transferring your licenseSteps and official links →Replacing a lost Alaska driver licenseSteps and official links →

Facts

Alaska at a glance

Rules and fees change. Use the source link to confirm before you go.

Minimum age for an instruction permit: 14.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Instruction permit fee: $15 for an original instruction permit (no REAL ID version of the permit).Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Instruction permit renewal fee: $5.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Parental consent: Required on every driving credential application for anyone under 18 (form 433; both parents for motorcycle).Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Instruction permit validity: Valid for two years; it can be renewed one time.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Who must ride with you: A licensed driver at least 21 years old with at least one year of experience in that type of vehicle, seated in the passenger seat.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Time on the permit (ages 16-17): At least six months before a provisional license, with no traffic convictions in the previous six months.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Supervised driving (under 18): A parent, legal guardian or employer must certify at least 40 hours of driving, including 10 hours in progressively challenging conditions such as bad weather and night.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
What the written test covers: Only material from the Alaska Driver Manual: traffic laws, safe driving practices and highway sign recognition.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Online knowledge test: The permit written test can be taken online through the KnowToDrive system (ak.knowtodrive.com) on your own device.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Retaking the written test: If you fail, you can retake the written test the following day.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Test languages: The online KnowToDrive test offers multiple languages with audio playback; applicants who cannot read well may bring someone to read the questions aloud.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Vision standard: At least 20/40 in each eye or both eyes together; a vision test is required for original, renewal and duplicate licenses.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Documents to bring: One document from each category: identity/date of birth/lawful presence, Alaska residence address, Social Security number, and name change (if applicable).Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Accepted payment: All credit cards, personal checks, or money orders payable to the State of Alaska.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Road test appointments: Road tests are booked online (24 hours to up to 60 days ahead at some offices) or through third-party testers; the DMV road test fee is paid in advance and is non-refundable.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Road test fee: $15 for a non-commercial road test at DMV; third-party testers set their own fees.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Road test vehicle: Bring a currently registered vehicle with proof of insurance; it must pass an equipment check.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Retaking the road test: Normally two business days (Monday to Friday, excluding holidays).Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Provisional license limits: Until 18 (minimum six months): no passengers under 21 except siblings unless a parent, guardian or adult 21+ is aboard, and no driving 1-5 a.m. except for work or with an adult 21+.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Provisional night limit: No driving between 1:00 and 5:00 a.m., except with a licensed adult 21+ or for employment.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Moving off the provisional license: You must hold the provisional license at least six months, conviction-free, before getting a full license (new parental consent, $15).Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Driver license fee: $20 standard or $40 REAL ID for a non-commercial driver or motorcycle license.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
License term: A new license expires on your birthday in the eighth year after issuance.Source: akleg.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Drivers under 21: Licenses issued under 21 expire 90 days after the 21st birthday; you must pass an alcohol awareness test before renewing.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
How early you can renew: Up to one year (minus one day) before expiration.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Online or mail renewal: Allowed only every other renewal: not if your last renewal was online or by mail.Source: akleg.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Age limit for online/mail renewal: Not available if you are 69 or older on the expiration date; renew in person.Source: akleg.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Renewal fee: $20 standard or $40 REAL ID; add $1 when renewing by mail.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Is REAL ID required?: Optional for non-commercial license holders; CDL holders must be REAL ID compliant.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
REAL ID fee: $40 for a REAL ID non-commercial license versus $20 standard.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
REAL ID documents: Proof of citizenship or lawful status, name change proof if needed, 2 Alaska residency documents and your SSN, presented in person even if submitted before.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
New residents: You may drive on a valid out-of-state license for up to 90 days, then need an Alaska license (CDL: 30 days after becoming a resident).Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Tests for out-of-state license holders: The driving test is usually waived for a valid out-of-state license, but the written test is required for anyone not currently licensed in Alaska, plus a vision test.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Written test for newcomers: Required for applicants not currently licensed in Alaska or whose privileges expired over one year ago.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Out-of-state license: You may have to surrender your out-of-state license before Alaska issues one.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Duplicate license fee: $15 standard or $35 REAL ID.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Out-of-state temporary license: Residents temporarily out of state who cannot renew online can get an emailed temporary paper license for $5.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Name or address change: Notify DMV in writing within 30 days.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Alcohol awareness test at 21: Required before renewing a license after your 21st birthday.Source: dmv.alaska.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Official links

Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (Department of Administration)

Agency home pagedmv.alaska.gov ↗Appointmentsdmv.alaska.gov ↗Driver handbookdmv.alaska.gov ↗Driver handbook (PDF)dmv.alaska.gov ↗Online renewaldmv.alaska.gov ↗REAL IDdmv.alaska.gov ↗Permit and first licensedmv.alaska.gov ↗New residentsdmv.alaska.gov ↗Replace a licensedmv.alaska.gov ↗Feesdmv.alaska.gov ↗

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