Drivers who need to make a drivers license name change in Alaska must do so through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) under the state Department of Administration (DOA). When motorists submit an application to change name on driving license, they must provide the DMV with original and certified documentation to support the legal name change. In addition to the application to complete a name modification on the driving credentials and card, drivers will need to furnish other paperwork, which will vary based on the reason for the change. Likewise, if a driver is making other alterations such as a change of address on a drivers license, then he or she will have to furnish more documents.

Drivers who need to make a DMV name change will follow many of the same application procedures as that of obtaining a new drivers license. Motorists must pass a vision test and pay a fee for the new drivers license. To learn more about how to change name on drivers license in Alaska, review the sections below.

Instances Where You Must Change Your Name on Your Alaska Drivers License

Drivers must apply for a change of name on driving license in Alaska if they change their name due to marriage, divorce, legal separation, adoption or after filing a name change in court. In addition to applying for a name change on drivers license, motorists must change the name on their state identification card or driving permit as well.

In addition to changing the name on a drivers license, drivers must update their identification details through the DMV whenever they change their address, Social Security Number, drivers license number or gender.

Alaska Drivers License Name Change Time Limits

Under state law, motorists must apply for a driving license name change within 30 days of making the legal name change. When motorists fail to change the name on an Alaska driver license, the state considers it a traffic offense of the Alaska Statutes. The DMV name change violation is a misdemeanor and may include a mandatory court appearance and possible penalty fees. However, the violation does not result in any additional driving points.

How to Change Your Name With the Social Security Administration

When changing your name on driving license, permit or state identification card, you do not need to provide the DMV with proof of modifying your name through the Social Security Administration (SSA), which is a name change requirement in many other states. However, when you change your name in Alaska, you must apply for a new Social Security card through the SSA after making the legal name change to avoid future complications. If you do not change your name through the SSA, then the administration cannot accurately track your earnings history. To change your legal name with the SSA, you must complete the following steps:

• Complete an application for a Social Security card and submit it by mail or in person at your local Social Security office
• Submit proof of the legal name change, including a marriage document, divorce decree, court order or certificate of naturalization
• Provide the SSA with proof of your identity
• Proof your U.S. citizenship status if you were born outside of the U.S.,

How to Change Your Name on Your Drivers License in Person

Drivers must change the name on their Alaska driving license in person at a local DMV office. Motorists cannot apply for a drivers license name change online or by mail. When applying for a drivers license name change, motorists must complete an application. When completing the DMV name change application, applicants must provide their name, drivers license number, birth date, gender, height, weight, hair color and eye color. Additionally, applicants must provide their place of birth, Social Security Number, mailing address, phone number and email address.

When making a driving license name change, motorists must pass a vision test, submit payment for the current driving license fee and provide additional documentation to support the legal name change.  When changing the name on a driver license, the DMV accepts any of the following documents as proof of the legal name change:

• A marriage certificate (from the Vital Statistics office under the state Division of Public Health (DPH)
• A certificate of divorce, dissolution of marriage or annulment (from the court system)
• A court order
• A current U.S. passport
• A certificate of name change
• A certificate of naturalization or an amended birth certificate
• Certified adoption papers

When drivers change the name on a drivers license, all documents must be certified and original documents. The DMV does not accept faxes or photocopies. Additionally, divorce certificates must state the applicant’s new legal name.

Alaska DMV Name Change Fees

When changing your name on your AK driving license, you must submit payment for the current driver license fee. The current fee to change the name on your driving license is for a replacement drivers license card. This fee will vary depending on which class of driving credentials you have, such as Class D, M1 and M2 licenses or Class A, B and C commercial licenses.

You can also apply for a new state identification card or instruction permit if you no longer wish to drive after your name change. State identification cards are free for applicants older than 60 years of age.

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