What you need to get an Alaska driver license

Alaska issues a standard driver license to residents who pass a written test, vision test, and driving test. You must be at least 16 years old to hold a learner's permit and at least 16 years and 6 months old to take the driving test. If you're under 18, you'll need a parent or guardian to sign your process.

You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of Alaska residency, and your Social Security number to the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or military ID. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days showing your Alaska address.

The written test covers Alaska traffic laws and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly to pass. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to the test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years and 6 months old to take the driving test and receive an Alaska driver license.
  • Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Alaska residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to the DMV.
  • You must pass a written test (80 percent or higher), a vision test, and a practical driving test to receive your license.
  • If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process in person at the DMV.
  • Alaska driver licenses are valid for five years for adults and four years for drivers under 21.

The learner's permit stage

Before you can take the driving test, you must hold an Alaska learner's permit for at least 30 days. You can get a learner's permit at age 16 by passing the written and vision tests. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat.

During the 30-day waiting period, you should practice driving in different conditions—daytime and nighttime, city streets and highways, light traffic and heavy traffic. This practice time helps you prepare for the driving test and builds the skills you'll need to drive safely on your own.

Passing the driving test

The practical driving test lasts about 30 minutes. An examiner will watch you perform basic driving tasks: starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate that you understand road signs and can follow traffic laws. You must show that you can control the vehicle safely and react correctly to other traffic and road conditions.

Common reasons people fail the driving test include hitting the curb while parking, failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign, speeding, and not checking mirrors and blind spots before turning. Practice these specific skills during your 30-day permit period. If you don't pass, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt.

Real ID and Alaska driver licenses

Alaska driver licenses are not automatically Real ID compliant. Real ID is a federal security standard that the U.S. government requires for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If you want a Real ID-compliant license, you must request it when you explore or renew.

To get a Real ID license, you'll need to bring additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and two proofs of Alaska residency. The process takes longer than a standard license, and the license itself costs more. Real ID licenses have a star in the upper right corner so you can see at a glance whether yours is compliant.

License renewal and expiration

Alaska driver licenses expire five years after issue for drivers 21 and older, and four years after issue for drivers under 21. You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online and mail renewals are faster and don't require a new photo or test.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online—you must visit a DMV office in person and retake the written and vision tests. If it's been expired for less than one year, you can renew without retesting.

Costs and processing time

The cost of an Alaska driver license varies depending on your age and whether you want Real ID. A standard license for an adult costs less than a Real ID license. Learner's permits and driving tests each have separate fees. You can find current fees on the Alaska DMV website.

Processing time depends on how you explore. In-person applications at a DMV office are usually processed the same day or within a few days. Mail-in renewals take longer—typically two to three weeks. Online renewals are fastest and can be completed in minutes, though you'll receive your physical license by mail.

What to do if you move to Alaska

If you move to Alaska from another state, you have 30 days to get an Alaska driver license. You can exchange your out-of-state license for an Alaska license without retaking the written and vision tests, but you must still pass the driving test. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Alaska residency, and your Social Security number to the DMV.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you'll need to retake all three tests—written, vision, and driving. If you have a suspended or revoked license from another state, Alaska will likely honor that suspension or revocation, and you may not be able to get an Alaska license until the suspension or revocation ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Alaska driver license if I don't have a Social Security number?

No, a Social Security number is required to get an Alaska driver license. If you don't have one, you'll need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can explore for a license. Bring proof of your process to the DMV if you're in the process of getting a number.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after waiting at least one day. There's no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you'll pay the test fee each time. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after more practice.

Can I renew my Alaska license online if I'm under 21?

Yes, you can renew online if your license hasn't been expired for more than one year. However, if your license expired more than a year ago, you must visit a DMV office in person and retake the written and vision tests.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my license?

If you renew in person at a DMV office, you'll get a new photo. If you renew by mail or online, your photo stays the same. You can request a new photo during a mail or online renewal, but it will cost extra.

What's the difference between a standard Alaska license and a Real ID license?

A Real ID license meets federal security standards and has a star in the upper right corner. You need it to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings. A standard license works for driving and state ID purposes but not for federal facilities. Real ID licenses cost more and require extra documents to obtain.