Military & Veteran Licensing Services
What do I do if my license expires while I am stationed outside of Alaska?
You do not need to do anything.
As active duty military, you and your spouse’s non-commercial driver license are valid for 90 days after your discharge or return to the state, whichever comes first.
However, if you want documentation in addition to your license, print the military expiration endorsement and carry it with your license.
Can I get an extension for my commercial driver license?
No. If you are stationed outside of Alaska and you hold a commercial license, your Alaska license is not eligible for renewal. You must surrender your Alaska license to the state where you are currently living and obtain a commercial license in that state.
Can I get an extension for my non-commercial driver license?
Yes, if you are not eligible to renew/duplicate your license online. You can apply for a license extension letter online.
Can I renew my license remotely?
Alaska military members and their spouses with noncommercial licenses, stationed outside of Alaska, may be able to renew their Alaska license. This applies to the standard (non-REAL ID) driver license. Dependent children are not eligible.
What are the requirements?
- Driver License Application Form D1 (noncommercial only)
- Copy of two forms of Identification – such as the expiring card, passport, birth certificate
- Copy of military orders – that includes date deployed and date to return and the oversea deployment area
- Copy of Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) listing Alaska as State of Residence
- If not US Citizens; verification of legal presence will be needed
- Vision test dated within the last six (6) months. This test will need to show that the person has with the best possible corrections in both eyes together vision results of at least 20/40
- For spouses of military members proof of relation to the military must be provided(example: military dependent ID, copy of marriage certificate, etc.)
- Fee is $20 for standard license. An electronic invoice will be emailed for payment.
The items can be emailed to doa.dmv.ads@Alaska.gov
Motorcycle Licenses for Military Members
In Alaska, a motorcycle license is a class of license and not an endorsement. This requires:
- Passing the motorcycle knowledge test which can be taken online here: https://k2do-ak.iti4dmv.com/at-home/Welcome
- Successful completion of a motorcycle road test. A road test can be satisfied by the completion of a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course: https://www.msf-usa.org/
- Applying for M1 license by completing a D1 application
- Paying license fee.
Email the passing knowledge and road test results along with the documents listed above in the renewal section to doa.dmv.ads@alaska.gov. You will receive an electronic invoice in your email for the fee.
Do I need an Alaska license?
No. If you are active duty, stationed in Alaska, and choose to remain a resident of another state, you are not required to obtain a license in Alaska, nor is your spouse. However, your dependents are required to surrender their out of state license and obtain a license in Alaska.
Please check directly with the state you are a resident of to determine if they have a military extension policy or what is required to renew your license in that state while living in Alaska. If you hold a commercial driver's license, be sure to specify in your request as there are differences in the military policy for commercial and non-commercial licenses.
How do I get a veteran designation on my license?
If you are a retired veteran, or a veteran of the armed forces discharged under honorable conditions, you are eligible for a veteran designation on your license or ID card.
To receive the designation, you apply for a driver license or state ID card
(Form D1), and provide one of the following documents:
- Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or DD Form 215);
- Report of Separation and Record of Service, Departments of the Army and Air Force, National Guard Bureau (NGB22 or NGB22A);
- A letter signed by the Veterans Department that identifies yourself as a retired veteran or veteran discharged under honorable conditions;
- A valid military identification card that identifies yourself as a retired veteran or veteran discharged under honorable conditions.
CDL ROAD SKILLS TEST WAIVER
If you are a service member, currently licensed, and drove a military motor vehicle equivalent to a commercial motor vehicle within the last year, you can apply for a CDL without taking a road skills test. You are still required to pass all knowledge tests. This waiver does not apply to endorsements.What are the requirements to receive a road skills test waiver?
- 21 years old with a valid non-commercial driver license
- Have driven a CDL in the last year and not more than 1 year of separation from service
- A US citizen or non-US citizen with a valid permanent resident card
- Two years commercial driving experience upon discharge from the military
- A minimum two years good driver record immediately preceding CDL application date
- Certification from your commanding officer with number of years of operating the vehicle and type of vehicle operated to determine appropriate CDL classification.
- Pass all knowledge tests
How do I apply for the road skills test waiver?
Complete the application for military skills test waiver (form 416). Page two of form 416 should be filled out and signed by your commanding officer.Bring this form with you when you apply for your CDL, it will subsitute for the road skills test.