How to Get and Renew Your Alaska Driver's License

What You Need to Know About Alaska Driver's Licenses

An Alaska driver's license is issued by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and serves as your legal permission to drive in Alaska and most other U.S. states. You will need one before you can legally operate a vehicle on public roads. Alaska offers both standard licenses for regular driving and commercial licenses for operating trucks or buses, and the process and documents required differ between the two.

Alaska licenses are valid for four years from the date of issue for most drivers, though some categories have different renewal periods. You can renew by mail, in person, or online depending on your situation and how much time has passed since your last license was issued.

Key Takeaways

You must visit an Alaska DMV office in person for your first license, and you will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
Alaska offers online renewal for licenses that are not yet expired and do not require a new photo, which takes about two weeks and costs less than in-person renewal.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it by mail or online and must explore in person as if getting a new license.
Alaska DMV offices are located in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Palmer, and wait times vary by location and time of day.
You must pass a written test and vision screening for your first license, and a vision screening for most renewals.

Getting Your First Alaska Driver's License

To obtain your first Alaska driver's license, you must visit an Alaska DMV office in person. You cannot get a first license by mail or online. Bring the following documents: a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license), proof of your Alaska residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return).

At the DMV office, you will take a written knowledge test covering Alaska traffic laws and road signs, pass a vision screening, and have your photo taken. The written test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no additional cost. The vision screening checks that you can see well enough to drive safely; if you do not pass, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving.

The fee for a four-year standard license is $20. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card at most offices. Your license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while waiting for your permanent card.

Renewing Your Alaska License Online or by Mail

If your license is not yet expired and you do not need a new photo, you can renew online through the Alaska DMV website or by mail. Online renewal is faster and costs $15 for a four-year renewal. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The process takes about two weeks, and your new license will be mailed to you.

Mail renewal takes longer — typically three to four weeks — and also costs $15. You will need to send in your current license along with a completed renewal form (available on the Alaska DMV website or at any DMV office). Do not send cash; pay by check or money order made out to the State of Alaska.

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your name, or if you have medical conditions that require a new vision screening. In those cases, you must visit a DMV office in person.

Renewing Your License in Person

Visit an Alaska DMV office if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if your vision has changed. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number if your information has changed. You will have your photo taken and pass a vision screening.

In-person renewal costs $20 for a four-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office and your permanent card will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you are over 65 years old, you may be required to pass a written test as part of your renewal; ask the DMV staff when you arrive.

Alaska DMV Office Locations and Hours

Alaska has five DMV offices open to the public: Anchorage (downtown and midtown locations), Fairbanks, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Palmer. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some offices closing for lunch. The Anchorage downtown office is typically the busiest and has the longest wait times, especially on Mondays and Fridays.

You can check current wait times and hours on the Alaska DMV website before you go. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. If you live in a remote area without a local DMV office, you may be able to renew by mail or online, or you can contact the nearest office to ask about alternatives.

Common Reasons Your License process May Be Delayed

Your license may take longer than expected to arrive if the DMV needs to verify your documents, if there is a discrepancy in your name or Social Security number, or if the mail is delayed. If you have not received your license within 14 business days of your visit or online process, contact the Alaska DMV to check the status.

If you are moving out of Alaska, you do not need to return your Alaska license, but you should obtain a license from your new state within the timeframe required by that state (usually 30 to 60 days). Driving with an expired license or a license from a state where you no longer live can result in a traffic citation.

Scam Alert: Fake DMV Websites and Phishing Emails

Scammers create fake Alaska DMV websites that look nearly identical to the real one and charge fees to "process" your renewal or license process. The real Alaska DMV website is dmv.alaska.gov. Do not use any other website, and do not click links in unsolicited emails claiming to be from the DMV. The DMV will never email you asking for your Social Security number, driver's license number, or payment information.

If you receive a suspicious email or find a website that looks like the DMV but has a different web address, report it to the Alaska Attorney General's office. Pay your DMV fees only at an official DMV office, by mail to the address listed on official forms, or through the verified online renewal portal on dmv.alaska.gov. Never pay a third-party website or service to renew your license on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alaska license if I am out of state?

Yes. If your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is faster and costs $15. If you need a new photo or your license has been expired for more than two years, you must visit an Alaska DMV office in person when you return to the state.

What happens if I drive with an expired license?

Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Alaska and can result in a fine, a citation, or both. If you are stopped by police, your vehicle may be impounded. Renew your license before it expires to avoid these penalties.

Do I need a new license if I change my name?

Yes. You must visit an Alaska DMV office in person to update your name on your license. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. The fee is $20 for a new four-year license.

What if I fail the written test on my first try?

You can retake the test the same day at no additional cost, or you can return to the DMV another day to try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt if they study the Alaska Driver's Manual before returning.

How do I replace a lost or stolen Alaska license?

Visit an Alaska DMV office in person with proof of identity and proof of residency. You will have a new photo taken and pay a $20 replacement fee. Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while waiting for your permanent card.

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.