Alaska Driver's License
Requirements
In Alaska, driver's licenses are issued by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (AK DMV) — under the Alaska Department of Administration. The standard non-commercial credential is a Class D Driver License. Alaska operates a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for drivers under 18: an Instruction Permit at 14 (with parental consent), a Provisional License at 16 with strict passenger and night-driving restrictions, and a full Class D License at 18 (or 16.5 if six consecutive months pass on the Provisional License with no convictions). Driver Education is not state-mandated, but completion of a state-approved program qualifies for an insurance discount. Alaska's vast geography means DMV offices are concentrated in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and a handful of other communities — the state has aggressively built out the myAlaska.gov online portal (sometimes called "DMVNow") to handle most renewals, change-of-address, and many duplicates without an office visit. Alaska issues federally-compliant REAL ID licenses (the gold star) — required to board domestic flights starting May 7, 2025.
Requirements Overview
Must be an Alaska resident. The AK DMV requires two documents proving Alaska residency. New residents from another state must transfer their out-of-state license within 90 days of establishing residency. Alaska does NOT issue licenses to undocumented immigrants — proof of lawful presence is required.
Required Documents
Bring original documents only — photocopies are not accepted. Verify the complete current list at the official Alaska DMV website.
- Proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or valid permanent resident card)
- Social Security number — SSN card, W-2, 1099, or paystub showing the full SSN
- Proof of name change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree) if applicable
- Two proofs of Alaska residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or current AK vehicle registration in your name)
- Parental/guardian consent signed in person at the DMV — required for applicants under 18
- Driving Log signed by parent confirming 40 supervised hours (10 at night)
- Vehicle for road test with valid AK registration and proof of insurance
Fees & Costs
Fees change frequently. Always verify the current fee at the official Alaska DMV website before your visit.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to get your Alaska driver's license. Steps may vary based on your age and residency status — always confirm with the official DMV.
Study the Alaska Driver Manual
Download the current Alaska Driver Manual from dmv.alaska.gov. The written knowledge test is 20 questions covering AK traffic laws, road signs, snow and ice driving safety, wildlife collision avoidance (especially moose), and the state's Move Over law. You need 80% (16 correct) to pass.
Apply for an Instruction Permit at 14
Visit any Alaska DMV office with your parent/guardian, required documents, and $15 fee. Pass the vision test and the written knowledge test. The Instruction Permit allows driving only when supervised by a licensed driver age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
Pro tip: Use myAlaska.gov DMVNow for appointments and to check office wait times. Anchorage Benson and Fairbanks Pioneer DMVs typically book 4–6 weeks ahead.
Log 40 Supervised Hours (10 at Night)
During the Instruction Permit period, log at least 40 hours of supervised driving — including 10 hours at night — using the Alaska Driving Log. The supervising driver must be 21+ with a valid license. Both you and your parent sign each entry.
Hold Permit for 6 Months
Alaska requires a 6-month Instruction Permit period for under-18 applicants. The clock resets if the permit holder is convicted of any moving violation during the period.
Pass the Skills (Drive) Test at 16
Schedule the drive test through dmv.alaska.gov. Bring your Instruction Permit, signed driving log, parent consent, vehicle insurance/registration, and a sober adult sponsor. The 15–25 minute test covers parallel parking, three-point turn, controlled intersections, lane changes, and basic city driving (with potential winter-driving conditions in winter months).
Receive the Provisional License at 16
Pay the $20 Provisional License fee. The Alaska Provisional License has restrictions: no driving 1am–5am unless accompanied by a parent/guardian or going to/from work or school. No more than ONE non-family passenger under 21 at any time. Cell phone use of any kind (even hands-free) is prohibited.
Comply with the Provisional Period
Hold the Provisional License with no convictions for 6 consecutive months. Any moving violation during this period resets the 6-month clock and may result in additional restrictions.
Upgrade to Full Class D at 16.5 or 18
After 6 consecutive months on the Provisional License with no convictions, applicants 16.5+ can upgrade to a full Class D Driver License. Applicants who incur convictions during the Provisional period must wait until age 18. Pay the $20 (5-year) license fee at any DMV office. Standard renewal cycle begins; restrictions lift completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alaska's vast geography means DMV offices are concentrated in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Wasilla, Soldotna, and a handful of smaller communities. The DMV operates 25+ in-person sites, but many smaller villages rely on Field Examiners who travel to remote communities periodically. The myAlaska.gov DMVNow online portal handles most renewals, change-of-address, and many duplicates without an in-person visit — making Alaska one of the most digitally-advanced state DMVs.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official Alaska DMV to start your application with the correct, up-to-date requirements.
This website is not affiliated with any government agency or DMV office. Information is for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official DMV website before taking action.