YOUR FIRST ALASKA DRIVER'S LICENSE
Welcome to the exciting journey of becoming a licensed driver in Alaska! Gaining the ability to drive marks a significant milestone. If you're 18 or older, you're eligible to apply for your first Alaska Driver License. For those younger, with the support of a parent, you might start this journey even earlier. To secure your license, you must meet various criteria designed to ensure you're knowledgeable about driving laws, skilled behind the wheel, and prepared to drive safely on Alaska's roads.
What if I'm younger than 18?
If you are between 14 and 16, you may apply for a instruction permit.
If you are between 16 and 18, you may apply for a provisional license.
How do I get my License?
You must go a local Division of Motor Vehicles office to apply for a driver license. You will submit Form D1, which can be filled out and printed in advance.
Can I practice for the written knowledge test?
Yes, try our Online Knowledge Test.
Please note: 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 fees will I pay?
See the following page for fees.
What do I bring to the office to get a REAL ID License?
Beginning on May 7th, 2025, residents of Alaska will be required to show a REAL ID-compliant license/ID, or another form of approved identification, to access federal buildings, enter nuclear power plants, and board commercial flights.
Obtaining an Alaska REAL ID is optional. However, if you choose to get one, you must apply in person and provide the necessary documentation.
Documents Required – Click Here.
What do I bring to the DMV office to get a Standard License
To acquire your Alaska driver's license, you are required to present documents that verify your identity, including your name and date of birth, your current address, and your Social Security number. Below are the four categories of documents, along with examples for each. Should you find it challenging to procure any of these documents, please reach out to the Alaska DMV for alternative solutions. Ensure you bring one document from each category to the DMV when you apply.
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.