MOTORCYCLE LICENSE
There are 3 classes of motorcycle license depending on the engine size and configuration (2 wheel vs 3 wheel).
| CLASS | EXAMPLES | AGE REQUIRED | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
|
* If you are under 18, both parents must provide signed consent before you can get any permit or license. * Motorcycles and motor scooters with an engine displacement of less than 50cc can be operated with a basic driver license. |
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| M1 | any motorcycle | 16 and older | May operate any motorcycle with an engine displacement of over 50cc |
| M2 | motor scooter, motorized bicycle | Special permit for 14 or 15 year olds only | May operate a motor-driven cycle with an engine displacement of less than 50cc |
| M3 | 3-wheeled motorcycle | 16 and older | May operate a 3-wheeled motorcycle only with an engine displacement of over 50cc |
How do I get my Motorcycle License?
You must go your local DMV office to apply for an original driver license or motorcycle license. If you are active duty military or federal civilian Alaskan, please visit this page for information for you. You will submit form D1, which can be filled out and printed in advance. If you are under 18, you must also submit a parental consent form (form 433M),
Please note:
- Alaska law requires a DMV road test or an approved motorcycle class to get a motorcycle license. This means the DMV can not add a motorcycle class for military stationed out of state.
- Also, the DMV has developed additional services to assist Alaska's rural residents with licensing issues unique to remote communities. Please read the guide to rural driving.
What do I bring to the DMV?
If you do not have an Alaska credential already, you must bring documents that prove your name and birth date, your current residence and your social security number. Bring documents from each category.
Examples of Required Documents to get a Credential
Listed below are the types of documents and examples of each. If you are unable to obtain any of these documents, please contact us for other possible options. When applying, please bring one of each type to the DMV.
Proof of your Legal name, Date of Birth, and lawful presence (called the "primary document")
These documents are acceptable for proving your legal name and date of birth. Please bring one:
- An original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate from Vital Statistics.
- Passport or passport card issued by the United States or US Territory.
- A foreign passport with appropriate immigration status forms issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.
- A resident alien, temporary resident alien, or employment work authorization document issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.
- An Alaska instruction permit or Alaska State Identification card.
- Certificate of Citizenship, Naturalization, or Birth Abroad.
Please Note: If your legal name is different than what is printed on your primary document, you must bring document(s) that provide proof of your name change. You must update your name with Social Security before changing your name with DMV.
Proof of your principal residence
The following items are acceptable for proving your principal residence. The document must show your residence address, not a post office box or other mail cache facility. Please bring one:
- Utility bill
- Alaska voter registration card
- Alaska title and/or registration (Issued at least 30 days prior to application)
- Paycheck Stub
- 1st class mail
- Change of address confirmation from USPS
- Tribal ID card for remote address within tribal area
- School Records
- Insurance documents
- Canceled check or bank statement
- Legitimate lease or mortgage documents
- Letter from employer, bank, utility, charitable organization, etc. on letterhead verifying applicant’s residence address
Social Security Number, in accordance with AS 28.15.061(b)(4)
If you have a Social Security Number, you must put it on your application. The information on your application must verify with Social Security’s records.
If you do not have a Social Security Number, you must provide documentation from the Social Security Administration verifying that you have not been issued a number
Proof of Name Change (if you have changed your legal name)
If you have had a name change, the DMV must be able to establish a connection between your old name, new name, and any names in between through the documents below. The documents must be an original or certified copy of the original issued by a government agency.
- U.S. Passport (Must be current)
- Amended birth certificate
- Certified adoption papers, marriage certificate, court order or divorce decree
- Certificate of Dissolution, Divorce or Annulment (referencing previous and adjudicated name)
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Name Change (referencing previous and adjudicated name)
NOTE: A name may not be added that is not otherwise found in linked documents. This can be done through an amended certificate or through a court-issued Certificate of Name Change.
What tests do I take?
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Motorcycle General Knowledge Test
- may be completed in a DMV office for free or online for a fee
-
Road Test on a motorcycle
An applicant for an M1, M2, or M3 license may have the road testing requirement waived by completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course and presenting the completion certificate to DMV. The certificate is valid to waive the test for the current or previous calendar year.
Motorcycle Instruction Permit
You can apply for a permit with parental consent at 14.
If you are under 18 years old, you must have an instruction permit for 6 months before you can apply for your license.
To practice with you permit you must be accompanied by, and under the supervision and visual observation of, a rider on a separate motorcycle who is at least 21 years of age and who has a valid motorcycle endorsement; operate only during daylight hours; and carry no passengers.
To obtain your permit you must pass the following tests and provide documentation. The permit is valid for two years from the date of issue. A permit may be renewed one time only.
- Written motorcycle knowledge test
- Vision test
M1 Motorcycle License
To apply for a motorcycle license you must be at least 16 years old and, if under the age of 18, must have held an instruction permit for a minimum of 6 months. If you are under 18 years of age, you must have parental consent to obtain your license. Licenses are valid for eight years and expire on your birthday.
To test for your M1 you must pass:
- A written motorcycle knowledge test (or present a valid motorcycle instruction permit)
- A motorcycle road test with:
- an engine greater than 50 cc displacement
- motorcycle with 2 wheels
- Vision test
M2 Motor-Driven Cycle Permit
When you are 14 or 15 years old and have parental consent you can apply for your permit.
You will be required to pass the following tests prior to being issued your M2 permit:
- A written motorcycle knowledge test (or present a valid motorcycle instruction permit)
- Vision test
M3 License (3-Wheeled Motorcycle)
To apply for a motorcycle license you must be at least 16 years old and, if under the age of 18, must have held an instruction permit for a minimum of 6 months. If you are under 18 years of age, you must have parental consent to obtain your license. Licenses are valid for five years and expire on your birthday.
To test for your M3 you must pass:
- A written motorcycle knowledge test (or present a valid motorcycle instruction permit)
- A motorcycle road test with:
- an engine greater than 50 cc displacement
- 3-wheeled motorcycle (ex. trike)
- Vision test
Additional Information
Where can I take a motorcycle road test?
- Alaska DMV office
- Alaska DMV Business partner offering motorcycle testing
- Motorcycle Safety Foundation (Check MSF-USA.com for the location nearest you_
- ABATE of Alaska
- Cherokee Riders
- Valley ABATE
- Kenai Peninsula Harley - Davidson
- Denali Harley - Davidson
- Juneau ABATE, Inc
- California Motorcycle Safety Program
Who has to wear a helmet?
- Anyone under 18 operating a motorcycle
- All motorcycle passengers
- Anyone with a motorcycle instruction permit
- Anyone taking a motorcycle road test
MORE ON WHO IS AUTHORIZED TO SIGN FOR PARENTAL CONSENT:
- Natural Parents – the following documents could be presented:
- Applicant’s birth certificate* that is in English or accompanied by a certificate of translation that includes a parent’s legal name can be used to verify the relationship.
- birth certificates can be original, certified copies, or scans found in prior transactions
- Military Identification such as a Common Access Card. The card would need to:
- Identify the minor
- “Child” must be stated as the relationship
- List the parent’s legal name as a parent or “sponsor”
- Applicant’s birth certificate* that is in English or accompanied by a certificate of translation that includes a parent’s legal name can be used to verify the relationship.
Note: if a parent’s previous/maiden name appears on either document and that parent has changed their name, they must:
1. present a marriage certificate or other name change document showing the name change
2. if they’ve conducted a name change with the DMV previously, then the DMV may locate a record to support this
2. Spouse who is at least 18-years old may consent for a minor. A certified marriage certificate is required to verify the relationship.
3. Legal guardian. A legal guardian is defined as one who is appointed by the courts and presents court documents so stating. [AS 13.06.050 (20)] "Guardian" means a person who has qualified as a guardian of a minor or incapacitated person in accordance with testamentary or court appointment but excludes a person who is merely a guardian “ad litem”.
4. A person who has temporary custody of the minor while the parents are out-of-state may sign providing the person presents:
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- A notarized Power of Attorney (POA) from either parent. Generally, you will be presented with a General POA or a Limited POA. A General POA is definitely acceptable. A Limited POA, however, must specifically authorize the person to sign for the specific type of license or permit and state that they (the parent) will assume financial responsibility.
5. Employees of the Division of Family and Youth Services, Office of Children’s Services. Such employees must sign the Parental Consent Section using their own legal name (this means they would sign consent as “John James Smith” as opposed to “John James Smith/OCS”). No relationship document is needed, however they must provide proof that they are an employee of OCS. This can be done by verifying their Employee ID or you can look up their employee status in the State of Alaska Employee Directory.
6. When there is no living parent or legal guardian, a “responsible adult” who consents to accept financial responsibility for the minor may sign.
WHO IS NOT AUTHORIZED TO SIGN CONSENT FOR A LICENSE OR PERMIT:
· Step-parents
· Foster-parents
· Probation officers and correction officers (For minors in temporary custody of the Department of Health and Social Services.)
MOTORCYCLE PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT
Both parents or guardians are required to give consent for Motorcycle Instruction Permits or Motorcycle Licenses for Applicants under 18-years of age. This may be completed by submitting the Form 433M.
WITHDRAWAL OF CONSENT [AS 28.15.071(d)]
Parents or guardians may withdraw consent at any time prior to a minor’s 18th birthday by notifying the DMV in writing. (Form 424 - Withdrawal of Parental Consent)
This written withdrawal of consent must be signed by the person who originally gave consent for the license to be issued, and it must be notarized or witnessed by a DMV employee. This letter should be addressed to Anchorage Driver Services. If mailing the withdrawal, the minor’s license should be enclosed with the letter withdrawing consent. The withdrawal form may be emailed to doa.dmv.ads@alaska.gov
In any case the DMV will issue an order canceling the license or permit until such time as the licensee has reached the age of 18 or a new consent is obtained.
Motorcycle Withdrawal of Consent: While both parents/guardians are needed to provide consent, either parent/guardian may withdraw consent for a motorcycle permit/license.