Getting your first Alaska drivers license is an exciting process. However, it can feel slightly complicated if you are unaware of the steps that must be taken to obtain that license. Therefore, it is essential that you understand what is required of you when completing the application process so that you can expect a faster and less-stressful experience overall.

Also, it is crucial to understand that the steps for getting a DMV license in Alaska vary depending on how old you are. There are different types of permits and licenses that can be attained at different ages, and the requirements set in place for those licenses vary greatly between them. Because of these differences, you must do your research beforehand so that you know where to get a drivers license, what the eligibility requirements are for each permit or license and more. To learn more, read the sections below.

How to Apply for a Drivers License in Alaska as an Adult (18 or Older)

If you have the question “What do you need to get your license?” it is important to understand that the requirements vary depending on whether you are an adult or not. If you are 18 years of age or older, you do not have to meet certain requirements in order to get your license, and it is essential that you are aware of all the steps involved before you start the process.

When applying for a regular license through the drivers license services DMV office, you must meet certain eligibility requirements before you will be able to get the license. These requirements include that you can pass the required written, road and vision tests, you are at least 18 years of age, and you are legally present in the United States.

If you are an adult over the age of 18 and want to get a regular (non-provisional) DMV drivers license in the state of Alaska, you must follow certain steps. This includes the following:

1. Go to your local DMV office. Currently, you are not able to get a drivers license online. Thus, the process must be completed in person.
2. Provide a completed Application for Alaska Driver License, Permit or Identification Card (form 478) – this can be filled out and printed in advance.
3. Present valid documentation:
   1. Primary document for proof of legal name, date of birth and citizenship, such as:
      1. A certified U.S. birth certificate
      2. A passport
      3. A resident alien or employment work authorization document
      4. An Alaska instruction permit
      5. A certificate of citizenship
   2. Secondary document to verify primary document, such as:
      1. A permit or license from another state
      2. An employee ID
      3. A health insurance card
      4. A school ID
      5. A U.S. military ID
   3. Proof of residence, such as:
      1. A utility bill
      2. An AK voter registration card
      3. A paycheck stub
      4. Mortgage or rental documents
4. Proof of Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card, provide documentation from the Social Security Administration verifying that you have not been issued an SSN.
5. Pass a written knowledge test, vision test and road test. The written test is not a requirement if you have received an Alaska instruction permit. Simply present your permit and the test will be waived.
6. Pass an alcohol and drug awareness knowledge test. This is only a requirement if you are upgrading from a learner permit to a license.
7. Pay the applicable fees.

Getting an Alaska Drivers License as a New State Resident

If you are a new resident of Alaska, you must get a new Alaskan driving license as soon as possible after becoming a resident. To do so, you must visit any DMV office and do the following:

1. Surrender your out-of-state license.
2. Pass a written knowledge test, an alcohol and drug awareness test if you are 21 years of age or older and a vision test.
3. Provide proof of legal name, date of birth, current residence address and Social Security number.

If you are from a country other than Canada or a U.S. territory, you must also pass a road test in addition to the steps listed above.

How to Apply for a Drivers License in Alaska as a Teen (Younger Than 18)

Only after you are 18 years of age may you obtain a regular drivers license as long as you meet the other qualifications. If you are younger than 18 years of age, you must first obtain an instruction/learners permit and then a provisional license. These licenses are part of a graduated licensing program that helps you to build up driving experience before you are awarded with your official license.

You must meet certain drivers license eligibility requirements to get a provisional license, the license provided to teens under the age of 18. These requirements include the following:

• You must be between the ages of 16 and 18 years old.
• You must have held a valid learner’s permit for at least six months.
• When practicing driving, you must have been accompanied by an adult aged 21 years or older who had a valid driving license for at least one year.
• Your parent, legal guardian or employer must provide proof that you have had at least 40 hours of driving experience, with at least 10 hours of driving in weather or nighttime conditions.

If you meet the criteria listed above, you may then apply for a provisional license in the state of Alaska. You should note that drivers education courses are NOT one of the mandatory requirements for getting your license.

However, even though participating in drivers ed is not necessary before you can obtain a provisional or regular license, it is still recommended. Enrolling in a qualified drivers education course can help you to be better prepared for both the written and driving tests and can also help you to be a much more confident driver, as well.

Steps for Getting a Drivers License in Alaska as a Teen (Younger Than 18)

To apply for a drivers license as a teenager, you must apply for a learners permit first. The learners or instruction permit is a permit that allows anyone aged 14 years or older to drive a motor vehicle as long as a licensed driver at least 21 years old with at least one year of driving experience is in the passenger seat at all times.

After you have held the learners permit for at least six months and you meet the other drivers license requirements, you can apply for a provisional license. This license allows you to drive with fewer restrictions than a learner’s permit. The steps for getting this license include:

1. Go to your local DMV office.
2. Provide a completed Parental Consent (form 433).
3. Provide a completed Application for Alaska Driver License, Permit or Identification Card (form 478).
4. Present valid documentation for proof of legal name, date of birth and citizenship;
5. Provide proof of Alaska residence and a Social Security number.
6. Pass a road test.
7. Pay the applicable fees.

Alaska Drivers License Costs

Another valuable piece of drivers license information involves the drivers license cost that you must pay when you obtain your learners permit or license. The fees include the following:

• Standard driver license: $20
• Real-ID compliant driver license: $40
• Instruction/learners permit: $15
• Instruction/learners permit renewal: $5
• Road test fee: $15

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