Renew Alaska Drivers License

How often do I need to renew my Alaska driver's license?

Your driver's license needs to be renewed every 8 years in Alaska. The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you update your license up to a year before it expires, which is usually your birthday. There is no delay period after your license has run out, so make sure to renew it on time.

You can check your driving record if you aren't sure if your license is still good. Even if your license is up for renewal, you might not get a letter from the Alaska DMV because you can renew your license a long time before it expires.

What should I do if I lost, stole, or damaged my Alaska driver's license?

If you lost your Alaska driver's license, you might be able to renew it instead of paying for a new one. Find out if you can use this choice by calling your local Alaska DMV office.

You can read the "Replacing a Lost License" page on their website to find out how to replace an Alaska driver's license that has been lost, stolen, or damaged.

What should I do if my Alaska driver's license has expired?

If your Alaska driver's license is about to expire and you can't renew it for some reason, you may be able to apply for an extension. Check out the part below called "Out-of-State, Remote, and Military Renewals" for more information. But if your Alaska driver's license has already run out, you have to renew it in person.

You'll have to meet the usual standards, and you'll have to take and pass the written test again.

How can I renew my Alaska driver's license?

Depending on what you need to do, you can update your Alaska driver's license by mail, in person, or online. If you want to get a REAL ID, you have to update in person.

By Mail

If you can't update your Alaska driver's license in person, the DMV suggests (if possible) that you do it online. But if you meet these standards, you can still renew it by mail:

• You're over 22 years old.
• None of your personal information has changed.
• You didn't renew by mail during your last renewal.
• The fee to renew by mail is $21.

In Person

To renew your Alaska driver's license in person, go to the nearest DMV office and do the following:

• Fill out an Application for Alaska Driver License, Permit, or Identification Card (Form D1).
• Bring your current AK driver's license.
• Provide proof of your identity and residency, depending on whether you're renewing for a REAL ID-compliant license or a non-compliant standard license.
• If applicable, provide proof of your name change, such as your marriage certificate or court order.
• Pay the $20 fee.
• Pass a vision test, and if your driver's license is expired, you'll also need to pass a written test.
• Have your photo taken.

Online

You can update your Alaska driver's license online if you meet these rules:

• You must be between 22 and 68 years old when your license expires.
• If you're under 21 years old, you must have taken the Alcohol & Drug Awareness Test.
• You must have a non-commercial driver's license.
• Your last renewal must have been done in person.
• Your name must not have changed since your last renewal.
• Your driver's license must not be cancelled, revoked, suspended, or disqualified.
• To start the online renewal process, you need to first verify your identity with the Alaska DMV. If you're eligible, the system will guide you through the steps and provide all the necessary information.

When you go online to renew your driver's license, here are some important things to keep in mind:

• You need to pay the $21 renewal fee with a major credit card.
• After processing your renewal, the AK DMV will send you an email with a receipt and a copy of your renewed license. Print out the copy and use it as a temporary license until you receive the new one by mail.
• Your new driver's license will be mailed to the address on file.

What is the Alcohol & Drug Awareness Test, and how can I take it if I'm out of state?

After you turn 21, you have to take the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Test to update your driver's license in Alaska. If you live out of state and haven't taken the test, you can ask for it from the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles by giving your full name, date of birth, and how you'd like to get the test.

You can request it by phone at (907) 465-4361, email at [email protected], or mail to the following address:

State of Alaska, Division of Motor Vehicles, 3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503.

After you finish the test, mail it back with the phone number or email address where you want the answers sent.

You can't get a temporary license if your license will expire in less than 30 days. But if you have more than 30 days left on your license, you can apply for a temporary license online and pay $5 with a credit or debit card.

Renewing Your Alaska Driver's License from Out-of-State, Remote Locations, or Military Bases

Military Stationed in Germany

Some states may require you to have a legal US driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license if you are stationed in Germany. Please read our post if you want to know more.

If you are briefly living outside of Alaska and can't renew your driver's license in person, or if you don't have a DMV office close, you may be able to renew online, by mail or apply for an extension.

Alaska Military Members

If you're in the military or a service member's partner or child and you're stationed outside of Alaska, you can get your driver's license extended until 90 days after you get out of the military or come back to Alaska. Make sure to get an Expiration Endorsement for Military Service and keep it with your driver's license. If the police stop you, they may ask to see your service ID to make sure you are a member.

Out-of-State Alaska Residents

If your driver's license has ended and you are temporarily living somewhere else, you may be able to get a temporary license. To apply for this license, you'll need to fill out an online request form with your legal name, date of birth, driver's license number, and Social Security number (SSN), and pay a $5 fee by credit card (on the form) or check/money order.

How much does it cost to renew an Alaska driver's license?

It will cost you $20 to renew your license in person. But if you choose to renew it by mail, it will cost you $21 instead of $20.

What payment methods are accepted by the Alaska DMV?

There are several ways to pay for services at the Alaska DMV. You can pay with either a VISA or a MasterCard.

You can also pay with a personal check or money order made out to "State of Alaska or Division of Motor Vehicles." You can get more information from the Alaska DMV if you need to.

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