How to Replace a Motorcycle License in Alaska
You must replace a motorcycle license in Alaska following any event where your license becomes lost, stolen or damaged. This is because it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle without a license on your person. Violators of this law could face severe penalties. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the process of requesting a duplicate license.
In Alaska a motorcycle license replacement can be requested both in person and online. You can obtain a temporary license through both methods. The temporary license can be used until a new license arrives by mail.
Should you choose to visit your local DMV in person to request a replacement, you will be required to provide supporting documents as well as complete additional steps before your request can be processed. You can learn more about requesting a motorbike license copy, as well as the fees you will need to pay, in the following sections.
When is a motorcycle license replacement required in Alaska?
You must request a duplicate motorcycle license through the DMV following any event that results in a lost, stolen or damaged license. You will not be permitted to operate a motor vehicle without a license, and doing so could result in legal penalties. These legal penalties could include but are not limited to:
- Your vehicle being towed and impounded.
- Fines.
- Potential jail time.
If your lost motorcycle license may have been stolen, you are encouraged to report the loss to your local police department in order to protect your identity. Although this is not required by law, having a police report about the incident could be useful if your license is used by someone else.
Documents Required to Replace a Motorcycle License in Alaska
You may need to bring certain AK motorcycle license replacement documents if you request a replacement by visiting your local Alaska DMV. You will be asked to provide two documents that prove your identity, such as:
- A certified birth certificate
- A U.S. passport or passport card
- A resident alien or temporary resident alien card
- A Certificate of Citizenship, Naturalization or Birth Abroad
- An employee ID that has a photo
- Medical records
- A school photo ID
When replacing a motorcycle license in person, you must also complete Form 478, which can either be done at your local DMV or at home. Simply print the application, fill it out and bring the completed form to the DMV. See below for more detailed instructions regarding this form.
How to Replace an Alaska Motorcycle License Online
When learning how to replace a motorcycle license in Alaska, it is important to know that you can request a replacement online. Not only can you submit an online request if you are currently in Alaska, but you can also do it if you are out of state.
To submit an online request, you must meet the eligibility requirements for online replacement. These include the following:
- You must be at least 18 years of age.
- Your last duplicate license request must have taken place in person at a DMV office (if applicable).
- You must not be requesting a duplicate license for a name change.
- Your license cannot be revoked or cancelled.
- Your license cannot be suspended.
- You cannot be upgrading your ID to a REAL ID.
The duplicate motorcycle license fee is the same for an online request as it is for an in-person request. However, since you cannot provide documentation that proves your identity, you must instead provide further information such as:
- Your Social Security Number (SSN).
- Your date of birth.
- Your eye color.
- Your full name.
- Your citizenship status.
After submitting a motorcycle license replacement request, it can take up to three to five business days to process. After your request has been processed, you will receive an email that contains your temporary duplicate license.
You will need to print this license out in order to use it. Your new license will be mailed to you, and you can expect to receive that license within two to four weeks.
How to Replace an Alaska Motorcycle License in Person
You can apply for a duplicate motorcycle license in AK in person at your local DMV office. To do so, you will be required to provide:
- A completed Form 478, which is available at your local office or online.
- To keep your visit as short as possible, you can print out and complete the form prior to your visit.
- Two documents that provide proof of identification.
- The motorcycle license replacement cost.
Additionally, you will be required to pass a vision test and have a new photo taken. You will receive a temporary license during your visit and your new license will be mailed to you.
Alaska Motorcycle License Replacement Fees
When asking, “How much does it cost to replace a motorcycle license in Alaska?” it is worth knowing that fees are the same, regardless of whether you apply for a duplicate online or in person. In Alaska, the fee for a duplicate license is $15.
Alaska Motorcycle License Replacement Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Duplicate & Temporary Alaska Driver License from doa.alaska.gov
- Request a Duplicate Card Online from doa.alaska.gov