An Alaska motorcycle license is required before you can operate a motorbike on public roadways. There are three different classes of motorcycle licenses to choose from depending on your needs including the M1, M2 and M3. The M1 credential can be used for any size and type of motorcycle, while M2 licenses can only be used for motor-driven cycles with an engine displacement of 50cc or less. M3 licenses, on the other hand, are for three-wheeled cycles.

A motorbike license in AK must be obtained from the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person. If you live in a rural area without access to one of the licensing office locations, then refer to the special instructions for getting an off-highway license. Getting a motorcycle license from the DMV will require that you provide proof of your identity, pay the necessary fees and pass tests relevant to the class of motorcycle you wish to operate. Below, learn everything you need to know about meeting these requirements.

What is an Alaska motorcycle endorsement?

In some states, a DMV motorcycle endorsement can be added to a regular license in order to operate both motorcycles and passenger vehicles. Unlike a license class such as M1 or M2, an M endorsement is simply added onto an existing license. In Alaska, you must obtain a separate motorcycle credential in addition to your regular AK driver’s license.

Requirements for Motorcycle Permit Credentials in Alaska

A motorcycle permit will be required if you are younger than 18 years of age when you apply for your first motorbike credentials. The minimum motorcycle permit age is 14 years of age, but keep in mind that you must have your parent or guardian’s consent before you can apply as a minor.

If you are between 14 and 15 years of age, then you can alternatively choose to get an M2 license, which is a special permit that allows you to operate motor scooters, mopeds and motorized bicycles with an engine displacement of less than 50cc. However, this is not a substitution for a learner’s permit, which you will still need if you want to operate a full-sized motorcycle before turning 18 years of age.

Required Documents

Document requirements for motorcycle permit credentials include an application (form 478) and a parental consent document (form 433M) if you are younger than 18 years of age. In addition, during the motorcycle permit application process, you must show documentation that verifies your identity, citizenship, residence and Social Security Number. Be prepared to show the following:

• A “primary” document such as a certified birth certificate, passport, resident alien card, Alaska instruction permit or certificate of citizenship or naturalization
• A “secondary” document that verifies your identity, such as an out-of-state permit or license, an IRS form, a school ID card, a military ID or an employee ID
• A document showing your residence, such as a utility bill or voter registration card that has your address on it
• Evidence of your Social Security Number or a letter from the Social Security Administration verifying that you do not have a number
• If your name has changed recently, then a document showing the connection between your old and new name

Alaska Motorcycle Permit Rules and Restrictions

After you get your credentials, you might wonder “what does a motorcycle permit allow you to do?” Understanding the motorcycle permit restrictions is important so that you can stay safe and avoid receiving a citation. When riding with a permit, you must:

• Be accompanied by a rider on a separate motorcycle who is 21 years of age or older and has a valid motorbike endorsement or license.
• Not carry any passengers.
• Only ride during daylight hours.

How to Get a Motorcycle Permit in Alaska

In order to get an M1 learner’s permit, you must pass a motorcycle knowledge test, pay a fee and undergo a vision screening. If you do not already have an instruction permit for driving a passenger vehicle, then you must also complete a generic driving knowledge test. When applying for any type of motorbike permit in Alaska, you will have to submit application form 478 and your signed parental consent form.

Getting the M2 motorcycle permit requires you to pass the same knowledge tests, but you will also need to complete a road skills test using a motor-driven cycle with an engine displacement of less than 50cc to get this credential. The application can be printed from the DMV website and filled out in advance to save time. Due to the fact that you must take tests to get your permit, you can only apply in person. However, remember to review the special instructions for rural residents if you do not have access to a DMV office.

Alaska Motorcycle License Requirements

The minimum motorcycle license age in Alaska is 16 years of age. If you are applying for your M1 or M3 license when younger than 18 years of age, then remember that you must obtain a motorcycle learners permit and hold this credential for at least six months before you will be eligible for a license with full riding privileges. Furthermore, when applying as a minor, you will need to have a parental consent form that verifies you have permission to get a license.

Required Documents

Even if you already showed proof of your identity, residency, Social Security Number and legal presence when applying for a permit, you should be prepared to show this documentation again when applying for a license. It is especially important to bring the required identity documents if you are applying for a motorbike license without having held a permit before. Remember, you will need a primary document, a secondary document, proof of your Social Security Number and a document verifying your physical address in AK.

How to Get a Motorcycle License in Alaska

To get motorcycle license credentials you will need to submit the application (form 478) and, if you are younger than 18 years of age, then the parental consent document (form 433M). Be sure to bring in your identity and residency documents as described above. For an M1 or M3 license, you will need to pass a vision test, written test and road test on a motorcycle with an engine displacement of more than 50cc.

Motorcycle licenses can only be obtained in person, but remember that special conditions apply if you live in a rural area without access to a DMV. Once you get your license, it will remain valid for a period of five years, after which you must renew it in order to continue riding legally.

Getting Your Alaska Motorcycle License as a New Resident

You may use an out-of-state motorcycle license in Alaska temporarily, provided that you are at least 16 years of age and your license is currently valid. The DMV requires that you get an Alaska motorbike license if you will be riding in the state for more than 90 days. The process of transferring an out-of-state license includes:

• Surrendering your old license.
• Passing a knowledge and vision test.
• Taking a drug and alcohol awareness test if you are 21 years of age or older.
• Showing evidence of your identity, residency and Social Security Number.

A motorcycle skills test may also be required if you are transferring an out-of-country license from any jurisdiction other than Canada.

Note: If you need to register a motorcycle as a new resident of the state, then you will need to obtain Alaska motorcycle insurance.

Required Motorcycle Classes in Alaska

You may choose to take a motorcycle safety course in Alaska if you want to supplement your knowledge and become a better rider. A motorcycle class is not required, but it will allow you to waive your road skills test as long as your course is completed through an approved program. Taking a class through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) will provide you with a certificate (valid for one year) that you can present to the DMV to waive your skills test.

Alaska DMV Motorcycle Test Details

When applying for a license, you must successfully complete a vision test, a knowledge test and a road skills test. Read more about these requirements below.

Motorcycle Written Test

The written motorbike license test covers information provided in the Alaska Motorcycle Operator Manual, so it is important to review this guide before attempting the exam. The manual contains practice questions, but you can also take a practice test online on the DMV website. You must take a general driving knowledge test and a motorbike written test if you do not hold any DMV credentials yet.

However, if you already have a permit or driver’s license and want to obtain your motorcycle credentials, then you will only need to take a knowledge test relating to motorcycle riding.

Motorcycle Driving Test

You will need to take an on-bike motorcycle test upon passing the vision and knowledge tests. Road tests can be completed at various locations around the state including:

• An Alaska DMV office.
• A DMV business partner that offers motorcycle driving tests.
• A Motorcycle Safety Foundation location near you.
• The California Motorcycle Safety Program (CMSP), which is recognized in Alaska.

Under Alaska laws, you will need to wear a helmet when taking a skills test no matter your age. If you are younger than 18 years of age when you get your license, then you are also required to wear a helmet anytime you ride your motorcycle.

Do you need a motorcycle license to drive a scooter in Alaska?

You do not need to have a separate motorbike endorsement or license in order to operate certain types of scooters if you already have a regular class D license. With this type of credential, you can operate a motor-driven cycle with an engine displacement of 50cc or less without obtaining a special license. To drive motorcycles with a larger engine or to use a three-wheeled bike, you will need the appropriate license first.

Alaska Motorcycle License Cost

When asking “How much does it cost to get a motorcycle license?” note that the fees vary depending on what type of license you are getting. A regular motorbike license costs $20 or $40 if you want a Real ID-compliant credential. Instruction permits, on the other hand, cost $15. If you need to take a road test, then be prepared to pay an additional $15 fee.

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