COVID-19 Effects on Licensing Services
Passing the Alaska written exam has never been easier. It's like having the answers before you take the test. Computer, tablet, or iPhone; Just print and go to the DMV; Driver's license, motorcycle, and CDL; 100% money back guarantee; Get My Cheatsheet Now. Drivers are allowed across the border right now if they're headed to Alaska, but the Canadian Pandemic Act says they'd better not dawdle on the way up. By Sebastian Blanco Aug 29, 2020. Getting an Alaska state ID can be an ideal option if you do not drive but you need a state-issued photo ID. An ID card serves the same official purpose as driver’s license, but it does not allow you to operate a motor vehicle.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, state DMVs nationwide have closed driver licensing offices, extended license and registration expiration dates, and/or limited the transactions they are processing. Residents are strongly encouraged to use the state's online services. Follow the DMV's updates for the latest information.
Renew Your Alaska Driver's License
If you plan to operate a vehicle in Alaska, you must have a valid AK driver's license. When it is close to expiring or has already expired, you'll either need to renew it or apply for an extension. Fortunately, the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has a fairly simple renewal process.
For more details about other types of driver's licenses or permits, please visit our following pages:
Continue reading this page to learn how to renew your regular, non-commercial AK driver's license.
Alaska REAL ID Driver's License
The Alaska DMV has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses. As of October 1, 2021, the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—a standard license will not after this date.
You have the choice to apply for a standard license or upgrade to a REAL ID upon renewal. Details are outlined below.
When to Renew Your AK Driver's License
NOTE: If you moved to a new address and need to renew your AK driver's license, you'll need to update your address with the DMV first.
In Alaska, your driver's license will need to be renewed every 8 years. The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allows you to renew your license within 1 year of the expiration date (which is usually your birthday), and offers no 'grace period' once it expires.
If you're not sure whether your license is valid, go ahead and check your driving record.
Since the Alaska DMV allows you to renew your license so early in advance, you may not receive a renewal notice.
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver's License
If you lost your AK driver's license, you may be able to renew it instead of paying for a replacement card. Contact your local AK DMV office to check whether you're eligible for this option.
For more information on how to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license in Alaska, please read our page about Replacing a Lost License.
Expired Driver's License
If your driver's license is expiring soon but you are unable to renew it for some reason, you may be eligible to apply for an extension. See “ Out-of-State, Remote & Military Renewals' below.
If your AK driver's license is already expired, you must renew it in person (see “Renew Your Alaska Driver's License' below). In addition to meeting the regular renewal requirements, you will be required to pass the written knowledge test again.
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Renew Your Alaska Driver's License
Depending on your situation, you can renew your driver’s license in Alaska by mail, in person, or online. If you are upgrading to a REAL ID license, you MUST renew in person.
NOTE: If you need to make a name change, you MUST renew your driver's license in person and submit additional documentation.
By Mail
Understand that if you’re unable to renew your driver’s license in person, the Alaska DMV strongly encourages you to renew online (if eligible).
That said, currently you still can renew by mail if:
- You're older than 22 years old.
- None of your personal information has changed.
- You didn’t renew by mail during your last renewal.
It costs $21 to renew your driver’s license by mail.
In Person
To renew your driver's license in person, visit your nearest Alaska DMV office. You'll need to:
- Complete an Application for Alaska Driver License, Permit or Identification Card (Form 478).
- Provide your current AK driver's license.
- Show proof of your identity and residency based on whether you're renewing for a:
- REAL ID-compliant license.
- Non-compliant standard license.
- Provide proof of your name change (if applicable), such as your marriage certificate or court order.
- Pay the $20 fee.
- Pass a vision test (plus a written test, if your driver's license is expired).
- Have your photo taken.
NOTE: In the event you don't immediately receive your renewed driver's license and it doesn't arrive in the mail within a few weeks, contact the DMV office directly to check the status of your renewal.
Online
The AK DMV allows online renewal as long as you meet the following qualifications:
- You must be between 21 and 68 years old on the license expiration date.
- If you’re younger than 21 years old and have taken the Alcohol & Drug Awareness Test, you can renew online, too.
- You must have a non-commercial driver's license.
- Your last renewal must have been completed in person.
- You haven't changed your name since your last renewal.
- Your driver's license is NOT cancelled, revoked, suspended or disqualified.
If you are currently under 21 years old and you have taken the Alcohol Awareness Test, you may renew online.
To proceed, you'll need to first establish your identity with the Alaska DMV. Once you do this—and the DMV deems you eligible to renew online—you can move on with the online renewal process. The system will walk you through the process and explain all requirements.
Some details to keep in mind:
- Be prepared to pay the $21driver’s license renewal fee with a major credit card.
- After processing the renewed driver’s license, the AK DMV will email you a receipt and copy of your renewed card. Print this card and use it as a temporary card until you receive your renewed license by mail.
- The AK DMV will mail your new driver’s license to the address on file.
Alcohol & Drug Awareness Test
You must pass the Alcohol & Drug Awareness Test after turning 21 years old in order to renew your driver’s license.
If you’re out of state and haven’t passed the test, the state will send it to you. Use the contact information below to send your full name, date of birth, and how you’d like to receive the test.
- Phone: (907) 465-4361.
- Email: doa.dmv.jds@alaska.gov.
- Mail:
- State of Alaska
Division of Motor Vehicles
1300 W. Benson Blvd Suite 101
Anchorage, AK 99503
- State of Alaska
Once you complete the test, mail it along with the phone number or email address you’d like the results sent to. If you pass, you can move forward with your renewal.
ALTERNATIVELY, you can apply for a temporary license—as long as you’re NOT within 30 days of your license's expiration date. Begin the process online and have a credit or debit card to pay the $5 fee.
Out-of-State, Remote & Military Renewals
Military Stationed in Germany
If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.
If you are unable to renew your AK driver's license in person due to living outside of the state temporarily, or you do not have a DMV office near you, you may be able to renew online, by mail (see “Renew Your Alaska Driver's License' above) or apply for an extension.
Alaska Military Members
If you're in the military (or you are a spouse or dependent of a service member) and stationed outside of Alaska, you're eligible for an extension of your driver's license until 90 days after your discharge from active duty or returning to Alaska. Print out a Military Expiration Endorsement and keep it with your driver's license. You may be asked for your military ID to confirm your military status, should you be stopped by law enforcement.
Out-of-State Alaska Residents
If you are an Alaska resident temporarily out of state and your driver's license expires, you may be eligible to apply for a temporary license. To apply you will need:
- Complete the online request form.
- To provide your legal name, date of birth, driver's license number, and Social Security number (SSN).
- Payment for the $5 fee.
- Via credit card (on the form) or check/money order.
Fees to Renew Your AK Driver's License
The fee you'll need to pay for renewing your Alaska driver's license depends on the renewal method you choose:
- In person: $20.
- By mail: $21.
Acceptable Payment Methods
The Alaska DMV accepts the following payment methods:
- VISA or MasterCard.
- Personalized checks or money orders (must be made payable to the “State of Alaska or Division of Motor Vehicles').
Alaska Msq77am-a7 Drivers Test
Contact the Alaska DMV for more information.
Forms
This form is provided by your state's agency/department.
Please select one of the below to continue:
Email the link to this formLet’s try this again! On Oct. 1, 2021, every air traveler will need to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, or other acceptable form of identification, to fly within the United States.
The original deadline of Oct. 1, 2020 was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so guests can breathe easier now that they have some extra time.
The REAL ID Act is a federal law.
If you like to use your driver’s license as your main identification to get through TSA security checkpoints at the airport, it’s crucial to make sure it’ll be REAL ID-compliant and ready to fly starting Oct. 1, 2021.
To get flyers ready for this significant transition, we’re providing a resource for our guests, employees and the public to get the latest information about REAL ID and its fast-approaching changes. It’s found on the Alaska Airlines website at alaskaair.com/REALID.
Here are some key things to know:
- BeginningOct. 1, 2021, your driver’s license will need to be REAL ID-compliant if you want to use it to fly within the U.S. It’s part of a law passed by Congress. If your license is not compliant, and you don’t have another acceptable form of ID, you’ll have trouble getting through airport security.
- State licensing agencies and motor vehicle departments are expecting long lines and wait times in the months leading up to October 2021. If you want your driver’s license to be REAL ID-compliant, now’s the perfect time to make the upgrade because the rush is coming. Why not check this off your list now?
- REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and the processes to get them are different state to state, which can be confusing. In most cases, you’ll need to bring additional documentation to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, and you might even need to make an appointment. A few states, like Oregon, have not yet begun to distribute REAL ID-compliant licenses, so residents should refer to their state licensing agency or motor vehicle department websites for details and plan accordingly.
- Many states identify their REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses with a gold star in the upper right corner, which indicates they’ll be ready to use at airport security checkpoints starting Oct. 1, 2021. But some states, such as Washington, do not use gold stars for REAL ID-compliant licenses.
- You do have a choice. If you want to fly after Oct. 1, 2021, with other acceptable identification – for example, your U.S. passport or a U.S. military ID – you can do that instead. Just remember to bring that ID to the airport.
“We always want our guests to have the best possible travel experience with us and at the airport,” says Wayne Newton, vice president of airport operations and customer service at Alaska Airlines. “We want to do everything we can to help spread the word about the upcoming changes with federal laws taking effect, and how our customers can get prepared.”
Click on the state where you live to find out more on how to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Alaska Msq77am-a7 Drivers License
FAQ
Refresh my memory. What exactly is the REAL ID Act?
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 in an effort to strengthen identification rules at airports. The act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses. Under the law, state driver licenses and ID cards have to be issued only to people who can prove they are legally living in the United States. If state licenses don’t meet the standards, then federal agencies – such as the TSA – will not accept them.
So what happens in October 2021 if I show up at the airport with my standard driver license as my only ID?
You’ll be turned away and not allowed to go through a TSA checkpoint if you don’t have another form of approved identification. And you’ll miss your flight.
Alaska Msq77am-a7 Drivers
So when do the rules actually change?
Currently, the DHS has indicated the enforcement of the REAL ID Act starts on October 1, 2021. At that point, standard driver licenses issued by some states – such as Washington – will not be accepted by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) at U.S. airports. TSA will accept enhanced driver licenses, since they have established your identity and U.S. citizenship.
Am I required to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license?
No, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your travel needs. You can use a current U.S. passport or a U.S. military ID at the airport to get through TSA security after Oct. 1, 2021, just like you can right now. Just remember to bring it. Having a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license is convenient for many of us because it’s something we always carry with us. Other acceptable forms of identification is found here.
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