Visiting or New to Alaska
Whether you’ve just made Alaska your new home or are visiting to experience all our state has to offer, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is here to help you navigate your transportation needs.
This page is designed especially for newcomers and visitors. You’ll find clear guidance on how to transfer your out-of-state driver license, register a vehicle in Alaska, obtain a non-driver ID, and understand local driving laws. If you're a visitor planning to drive, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about using an out-of-state license, rental cars, and insurance requirements while you're here.
Alaska is unique—and so are our roads, weather conditions, and DMV requirements. We’re here to ensure your transition or visit is safe, legal, and stress-free.
Explore the sections below to get started.
Yes. If you are becoming a resident of Alaska, you must transfer your out-of-state driver license within 90 days (or 30 days if you're a commercial driver). This involves passing a written test on Alaska driving standards, a vision test and you must provide acceptable identity and residence address documents.
A list of required identity documents and residence address documents can be found here:
Written Test (Note: You may only attempt this test once per day)
Visitors with a valid out-of-state or foreign driver license may drive in Alaska for up to 90 days. If you're moving here, you'll need to get an Alaska license once you establish residency.
Active duty military service members and their spouses receive special exemption from this requirement. More details for Active duty military in Alaska can be found here.
Yes. A valid motorcycle license or endorsement from another jurisdiction will transfer to a new Alaskan credential. To transfer this credential you will be required to pass the Alaska Motorcycle Knowledge test in addition to all other license requirements.
The Motorcycle Rider manual is available here to prepare for this test.
If you hold or have held a license from a US state, US territory, Canada, or South Korea in the last 5 years you will not be required to take a driving test. At the time of application for your first Alaska driving credential provide evidence of this previous license by physically surrendering your out of state credential or if you have lost that credential, provide a certified driving record.
Alaska’s Implied Consent Law means that by operating a motor vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft in the state, you automatically agree to take a chemical test (such as a breath or blood test) if a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe you are under the influence of alcohol, inhalants, or controlled substances.(AS 28.35.032)
If you refuse to submit to a chemical test when requested by a law enforcement officer:
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Your driver’s license or privilege to drive will be denied or revoked.
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Your refusal may be used as evidence against you in court for related civil or criminal proceedings.
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Refusing the test is a crime in itself under Alaska law.
More information about transferring your vehicle to Alaska can be found here.
If you intend to establish residency, you must apply for registration within 10 days of entering the state or taking a job within the state. A non-resident may operate a vehicle with a current registration from another state for 60 days.
For information on applying for registration and titles here.
No. If you're a visitor and your vehicle is legally registered in another state, you may drive on that registration for up to 60 days. If you wish to establish residency you must apply for registration within 10 days of entering the state or taking a job within the state.
Details for obtaining registration and an Alaskan vehicle title can be found here.
Active-duty military stationed in Alaska may retain their home-state registration as long as it remains valid and unexpired. You may choose to register your vehicle in Alaska and may be eligible for an exemption of some fees. See more details here.
Yes. In most scenarios you may obtain registration in Alaska while your vehicle is still in transit. You must provide the most current vehicle title or Manufacturer Certificate of Origin (MCO). If your title is currently being held by your lienholder while you make payments you may present your registration from another state that has not been expired more than 60 days.
Some scenarios may involve additional documentation requirements and you may be issued temporary registration if the vehicle must be inspected.
Yes, all trailers regardless of size must be registered.
Registration is generally for a two year period from the date of application and fees vary depending on location and vehicle type. Please utilize the registration calculator for your specific vehicle here.
