What you need to know about Alaska driver licenses
Alaska issues driver licenses through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and the path to a full license depends on your age. If you are under 18, you will move through a graduated licensing system that starts with a learner's permit, moves to a restricted license, and then to an unrestricted license. If you are 18 or older, you can go straight to a full license after passing the written and road tests. Either way, you will need to visit a DMV office in person — you cannot complete the entire process online.
Alaska recognizes several license types: a standard driver license for regular vehicles, a commercial driver license (CDL) for trucks and buses, and a motorcycle endorsement if you want to ride. This guide covers the standard license path. The process takes weeks, not days, because you must wait between permit issuance and your road test, and scheduling the test itself can have a wait depending on your location.
Key Takeaways
- Drivers under 18 must hold a learner's permit for at least 12 months and 14 days before taking the road test, while drivers 18 and older can test as soon as they pass the written exam.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of Alaska residency, and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to get your free guide at any DMV office.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
- The road test lasts about 30 minutes and tests basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws in real conditions.
- Restricted licenses for drivers under 18 come with limits on night driving and passenger numbers; these restrictions lift when you reach 18 or complete the full graduated system.
Documents you need before your first DMV visit
Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need three things: proof of identity, proof of Alaska residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN.
For identity, the DMV accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, or a tribal ID card. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days that shows your Alaska address. For your Social Security number or ITIN, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a letter from the Social Security Administration.
If you are under 18, you must also bring a parent or legal guardian to sign consent forms in person. If you are 18 or older, you do not need anyone with you, but you do need to bring your own documents.
The learner's permit stage for drivers under 18
Your first step is to pass the written test and get a learner's permit. This permit lets you drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
At the DMV office, you will take the written test on a computer. The test has 40 questions about Alaska traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.
Once you pass, the DMV will issue your learner's permit on the spot. You must hold this permit for at least 12 months and 14 days before you can take the road test. This waiting period is set by Alaska law and cannot be shortened. During this time, you should practice driving with your supervising adult as much as possible.
The restricted license stage for drivers under 18
After you have held your learner's permit for 12 months and 14 days, you can schedule your road test. When you pass the road test, the DMV will issue a restricted license instead of a full license. This restricted license comes with rules that stay in place until you turn 18.
The main restrictions are: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment; you cannot carry more than one passenger under 21 years old unless they are a family member; and you must wear a seat belt and obey all traffic laws. Violating these restrictions can result in fines and suspension of your license.
You keep this restricted license until you turn 18. On your 18th birthday, you can visit any DMV office and exchange it for a full, unrestricted license at no extra cost. You do not need to take another test.
The road test: what to expect and how to prepare
The road test lasts about 30 minutes and takes place on real roads in your community. A DMV examiner will sit in the passenger seat and watch you drive. You will be tested on basic vehicle control, turning, parking, lane changes, and your ability to follow traffic laws and respond to traffic situations.
To schedule your road test, call the DMV office in your area or visit in person. Wait times vary by location and season; in busy areas, you may wait several weeks. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be tested in. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before the test begins.
Before your test, practice in different weather and traffic conditions if possible. Alaska roads can be icy or wet, and examiners expect you to adjust your speed and following distance accordingly. Common reasons people fail include hitting the curb while parking, failing to come to a complete stop, speeding, and not checking mirrors and blind spots.
Getting your full license at 18 or older
If you are 18 or older when you start, you do not go through the graduated system. Instead, you take the written test, pass it, and then schedule your road test. You can take the road test as soon as you pass the written test — there is no waiting period.
Once you pass the road test, the DMV will issue a full, unrestricted driver license with no passenger or curfew limits. This license is valid for five years. When it expires, you will need to renew it by visiting a DMV office, passing a new written test, and paying the renewal fee.
Costs and timeline for your Alaska license
The written test itself is free, but the DMV charges fees for the permit and license. A learner's permit costs around $20, and a driver license costs around $20 as well. Fees can vary slightly by DMV office, so ask when you visit. You will also need to pay for a road test, which costs approximately $15.
The total timeline depends on your age. If you are under 18, expect at least 13 months from your first DMV visit to your full license, because you must wait 12 months and 14 days between your permit and your road test. If you are 18 or older, you could have your license within a few weeks if you pass both tests on your first try, though scheduling delays at busy DMV offices can extend this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. You must visit a DMV office in person to take the written test. You cannot take it online, by mail, or through any other method. The DMV office will administer the test on a computer at their location.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test, but you must wait at least one week before scheduling another attempt. You will need to pay the road test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, so keep practicing and try again when you feel ready.
Do I need to take a driver education course?
Driver education courses are not required by Alaska law, but they may lower your insurance rates and some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete one. Check with your insurance provider to see if they offer a discount for completing an approved course.
Can I get a license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN, such as a letter from the IRS or your tax return, to your DMV visit.
What if I move to Alaska from another state?
If you already have a valid driver license from another state, you can exchange it for an Alaska license without retaking the written or road tests. Bring your out-of-state license and proof of Alaska residency to a DMV office. You will pay the license fee and receive your Alaska license on the spot.