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Hi there! Do you need to get an Alaska driver’s license? This article will discuss how to get your Alaska driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, and motorcycle license. Continue reading to discover the information you need!

Types of Alaska Driver’s Licenses

There is more than one type of driver’s license in the Last Frontier State. Here’s what you need to know about Alaska’s different types of driver’s licenses.

  • Non-commercial Class D license: standard driver’s license for residents of Alaska
  • Instruction permit: issued to drivers who are under the age of 16 (can be non-commercial or motorcycle)
  • Provisional license: issued to drivers who are between 16 and 18 years old
  • Motorcycle license: Class M1, M2, or M3, issued to individuals in Alaska who want to operate a motorcycle
  • Commercial driver’s license: (CDL) – Class, A, B, or C
  • Off-highway (rural) driver’s license: individuals are ONLY allowed to drive on roads that are disconnected from the state’s highway system or not connected to any road that has an average daily traffic volume of 499 people.

Alaska Driver’s License Requirements

The state of Alaska has driver’s license requirements you must meet before you can obtain your AK driver’s license. If you meet the requirements listed below, you can start your journey towards earning your AK driver’s license. You must:

  • Be at least 14 years old
  • Hold a suspended or revoked license in a different state
  • Not suffer from a physical or mental impairment that prevents you from controlling or operating a motor vehicle
  • Have graduated secondary school

There are exceptions when it comes to attaining an Alaska driver’s license, which includes the following if you are:

  • A non-resident who is at least 16 years old and obtains a valid driver’s license that is issued by a different state or country. After 90 days upon entry to Alaska, you must obtain an AK driver’s license.
  • A member of the Armed Forces in the U.S., as well as your spouse (if applicable) who is older than 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license that is issued by a different state or country.
  • An individual who is temporarily operating farm equipment on a highway
  • A U.S. Government employee who is operating a government-issued vehicle for official business
  • A commercial driver who resides in a different state but enters Alaska for business

Applying for Your Alaska Driver’s License

It’s time to learn how to obtain your AK driver’s license. The state of Alaska follows a Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program, which means you will have to endure these three stages:

  • Learner stage
  • Intermediate stage
  • Unrestricted stage

You must complete all three stages to earn your Alaska driver’s license.

Learner Stage

You must be at least 14 years old to begin the learner stage. This stage requires you to obtain an AK learner’s permit to practice how to properly operate a motor vehicle. While you are learning to drive, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, and they must have attained their driver’s license for at least one year.

To get your AK learner’s permit, you need to:

  • Apply in person at your local Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles (AK DMV). Keep in mind that walk-ins are welcome, but some AK DMV offices require online scheduling.
  • Complete the Application for Alaska Driver’s License Permit or Identification Card (Form 478). This form must be signed in front of an AK DMV representative.
  • Have your parent or legal guardian’s consent (you are under the age of 18, which makes you a minor, and as a minor, you must have your parent or legal guardian complete the Alaska Parent/Guardian Consent Document (Form 433), which is required to be signed in front of a Notary Public or an AK DMV employee.
  • Bring the required documentation – 1 primary document, such as a:
    • Passport
    • Birth certificate
    • Naturalization
    • Citizenship certificate
    • 1 secondary document, such as:
  • Medical records
  • School ID
  • Employee ID
  • Health insurance card
  • Social security number document
  • 1 residence address document

You will also be required to pass the vision test and written knowledge test. You must have at least 20/40 vision. If you need to wear corrective lenses or glasses to attain proper eyesight, you must do so when taking the vision screening. The Alaska written test is based on information in the Alaska DMV Manual.

You will be required to pay the $15 fee for your AK permit, which can be paid by cash, check, MasterCard, or VISA. Once you pay the applicable fees, you will receive your Alaska learner’s permit. This permit is valid for 2 years and can only be renewed once.

If you reside in a rural community in Alaska, you are not required to obtain an AK learner’s permit. However, it is advised that you obtain an Alaska learner’s permit, so you can practice supervised driving.

If you decide to practice supervised driving, you can apply for an Alaska learner’s permit by completing the following steps:

  • Pass the Alaska written test at a Proctor near you
  • Pass the vision test at a doctor, nurse, or another qualified professional of your choice
  • Complete the Remote Alaska Application for Non-Commercial Driver’s License, Instruction Permit, or Identification Card (Form D1)
  • Submit original documents that verify your date of birth, social security number, and identity, and that you have parental consent (from your parent or legal guardian).
  • Pay the $15 Alaska permit fee
  • Mail your application and supporting documentation to:

Juneau Driver Services
State of Alaska
Division of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 110221
Juneau AK 99811-0221

Any individual who is enrolled in an approved high school, community college, commercial driver’s training course, or approved medical program, may be issued a special Alaska learner’s permit.

Intermediate Stage

During the intermediate stage, you will upgrade your Alaska learner’s permit to a provisional license. Individuals who are between 16 and 17 years old can obtain their Alaska provisional license, which allows them to operate a motor vehicle unsupervised.

The Alaska learner’s permit comes with different restrictions. Individuals who have an Alaska provisional license are not permitted to carry non-sibling passengers under the age of 21 or drive between the hours of 1:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

There are different exceptions to these rules under certain circumstances, such as:

  • If you are accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old
  • Driving to or from your place of employment
  • Driving within the area of your employment

To obtain your Alaska provision license, you need to:

  • Attain your Alaska learner’s permit for at least 6 months (During this time, you are required to log 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training, 10 hours of night driving, or driving in poor weather. Your behind-the-wheel driving practice must be performed with a licensed parent or guardian, or certified instructor. To complete this part of attaining your AK provisional license, you can’t have any traffic violations.)
  • Visit your local AK DMV office. Walk-ins are accepted, but some AK DMV offices require online scheduling.
  • Have your parent or legal guardian complete the Parental Consent Form (From 433). This consent form must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public or AK DMV officer.
  • Pay the road test fee of $15. This fee can be paid with a personal check, cash, VISA, or MasterCard.
  • Pass the Alaska road test. You are required to bring your vehicle to complete the road test.
  • Pay the Alaska license fee of $20.
  • Surrender your Alaska learner’s permit.
  • Obtain your provision license

If you receive a traffic violation during your 6-month practice period, you will have to wait an additional 6 months before you can upgrade to an Alaska provisional license. If you are an Alaska resident of a rural community, you are permitted to use your provisional license without the usual restrictions if you use it in areas that are NOT connected to the land highway system or on daily, traffic highways.

Unrestricted Stage

You are eligible for the unrestricted stage once you’ve attained your provisional Alaska driver’s license for at least 6 months or you turned 18 years old, whichever comes first. The unrestricted driver’s license stage is the stage when you earn your standard Alaska driver’s license. You must visit your local Alaska DMV office and provide proof of either of the 2 options listed above and exchange your provisional license for an Alaska unrestricted license.

Hooray! You now have a standard Alaska driver’s license.

Obtaining Your Alaska Driver’s License at the Age of 18 or Older

If you’re getting your first driver’s license at the age of 18 or older, you must complete the following steps:

  • Apply for your driver’s license at your local Alaska DMV
  • Complete the Driver’s License, Permit, or Identification Card Transaction Application (Form D1). You must complete this form in front of an Alaska DMV representative
  • Bring other required documentation, such as:
    • 1 primary document (passport, birth certificate, naturalization, or citizenship)
    • 1 secondary document (school ID, medical records, health insurance card, employee ID)
    • Social security number
    • Proof of residency
    • Proof of name change (if applicable)
    • Immigration status (for non-US citizens)
  • Pass the Alaska vision test
  • Pass the Alaska written knowledge test
  • Pass the alcohol and drug awareness knowledge test (if you are older than 21 and upgrading from a permit straight to a license)
  • Pass the road test
  • Pay the Alaska license fee of $20

Acceptable Identification Documents in Alaska

In the state of Alaska, there are different types of acceptable identification documents you can use when you’re applying for your Alaska driver’s license. You will need a primary document/ID, social security number, and proof of residency.

Here are primary documents/IDs you can use:

  • U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card
  • Certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate that is issued by a city, county, or state vital
  • Statistics office (can’t be issued by a hospital)
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
  • Birth certificate from U.S. State or Territory (Puerto Rico birth certificates are required to be issued on or after July 1, 2010)
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad of U.S. Citizen
  • Foreign Passport with a valid U.S. Visa and approved I-94 form
  • I-551 Resident Alien/Permanent Resident Card
  • I-766 Employment Authorization Document Card

You can provide the following documents as proof of your social security number:

  • Social security card (copies are NOT accepted. However, laminated is accepted)
  • W-2 form (copies are acceptable)
  • 1099 form (SSA or Non-SSA, copies are acceptable)
  • Pay Stub (copies are acceptable)

If you do not have a social security number, you must provide documentation from the Social Security Administration verifying that you have not been issued a social security number.

These are different documents you can use as proof of Alaska residency:

  • Rental or lease agreement that has the signature(s) of the owner/landlord and the tenant/resident
  • Deed or title to residential real property
  • Mortgage documents
  • Home utility bills (this includes cell phones)
  • Employment documents
  • Insurance documents (dental, medical, vision, life, home, rental, or vehicle)
  • Government-issued document (no 1040s)
  • Financial/bank statement/voided check
  • Voter registration confirmation letter or postcard that is issued by the Alaska Division of Elections
  • Proof of payment of resident tuition at a public institution of high education in Alaska
  • Letter on letterhead from a homeless shelter, shelter for abused women, nonprofit entity, faith-based organization, employer, or government agency within the U.S. attesting you reside in Alaska
  • Alaska certificate of vehicle titles or registration (issued at least 30 days before the date of application)
  • Change of address confirmation by USPS
  • Mail with postmark (handwritten mail is valid)
  • Alaska Tribal Card for non-standard remote Alaska addresses, within the tribal area, indicated on the card

If any of the documents you’re submitting are foreign, the documents must have a certified translation.

The Alaska Written Exam

The Alaska written exam has a total of 20 questions, 16 questions of which you must answer correctly to pass the exam with a minimum passing score of 80%. The minimum age to apply for the AK written exam is 14.

The Alaska Vision Screening

As an Alaska driver, you are required to complete a vision screening each time you renew your driver’s license in person. The renewal cycle in Alaska is 5 years. Drivers whose license is in good standing are eligible to renew their license by mail every other cycle until they reach the age of 69. You must meet the following visual standards:

  • Individuals who have a vision of 20/40 or greater in each eye or both eyes together will receive a license without restrictions, such as having to wear corrective lenses, unless other medical problems that affect your vision exist.
  • Individuals with vision 20/40 or greater in each eye or both eyes together ONLY with the use of corrective lenses will be restricted to operating a motor vehicle with corrective lenses.
  • An individual with the best possible corrections in both eyes together of less than 20/40 but greater than 20/100 will be required to be examined by an optometrist or other eye specialist. If the report states your vision can’t be improved, all information will be reviewed by the Department. Once the review is completed, the Department will issue a driver’s license with restrictions which may include driving limitations as to the time of day, type of vehicle, specific area, speed, and other limitations considered necessary by the Department. The decision to allow you to operate a motor vehicle is at the discretion of the Alaska Department.
  • Individuals whose best possible correction in both eyes together is less than 20/200 will not be granted an Alaska license.
  • Individuals who have vision in ONLY one eye will be licensed if the vision in the good eye meets the standards of the department. The Department, at its discretion, will impose restrictions requiring outside rearview mirrors. One mirror will be mounted on each side of the vehicle.
  • If you are color blind, you will NOT be denied a license for this reason
  • Individuals who wear telescopic or compound lenses whose field of vision is less than 60% will not be granted an Alaska driver’s license unless they can meet the requirements for visual acuity without the aid of the lenses. If the individual’s field of vision is between 60% and 90% will need to have outside rearview mirrors.

Getting an Alaska Driver’s License as a New Resident of Alaska

Welcome to the Last Frontier! As a new resident of Alaska, you can use your out-of-state driver’s license to legally operate a motor vehicle on the highways and roadways of Alaska for a maximum of 90 days, as long as you are 16 years or older.

Be advised that if you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) from your previous state, you must apply for an Alaska CDL within 30 days of establishing residency in Alaska.

If you have an out-of-state driver’s license, you can surrender this license and obtain an Alaska driver’s license.

To receive your new Alaska driver’s license, you must visit your local AK DMV branch and:

  • Surrender your current out-of-state driver’s license
  • Pass the following tests and exams:
    • Written knowledge test
    • Vision test
    • Alcohol and drug awareness test (21 years old or older)
    • Driving test (required for driver’s licenses, not from a U.S. state or territory or Canada) This test has an additional fee of $15
  • Submit proof of your:
    • Name
    • Date of birth
    • Alaska residency
    • Social security number (SSN)
  • Pay the $20 fee

If you are under the age of 18, you may be required to provide parental consent.

Non-Commercial Driver’s License in Alaska

In the state of Alaska, the only non-commercial driver’s license is the Class D driver’s license, which is the standard driver’s license for this state. To obtain your Alaska driver’s license, you will follow the steps listed above. You can also obtain an off-highway, rural driver’s license, which is also listed above.

Married, Divorced, or Name Change?

You may be required to provide name change documentation in the state of Alaska if you’re applying for a new AK driver’s license or identification card. These documents can include a marriage license if you want to be issued a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card in your true full name.

If the name on your identification documents is different from the name you provided on your application, you must submit a document that establishes your true full name. Examples of documents that establish your true full name can include the following:

  • A marriage certificate
  • Adoption documents that contain the legal names as a result of the adoption
  • A name change document that contains the legal name of both before and after the name change
  • A certificate, declaration, or registration that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
  • A dissolution of marriage/domestic partnership document that contains the legal name as a result of the court action

Does the REAL ID Act Impact Residents of Alaska?

Starting October 1, 2021, Alaska residents will need a passport or federally accepted REAL ID to:

  • Board a flight (even for domestic travel)
  • Enter certain federal facilities
  • Enter nuclear power plants

To obtain an Alaska REAL ID, you need to visit an Alaska DMV office.

Is Obtaining a REAL ID Mandatory in Alaska?

REAL IDs are not mandatory for Alaska residents or drivers. If you don’t plan on boarding a flight or entering a federal facility or military base, you are not required to attain an Alaska REAL ID. However, having a REAL ID can be beneficial in different scenarios.

You are not required to present a REAL ID-compliant Alaska driver’s license to:

  • Drive
  • Vote
  • Apply for or receive federal benefits (Social Security Administration (SSA), Veterans Affairs, etc.)
  • Enter a federal facility that does not require ID (such as a post office)
  • Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services

How Do You Prepare to Apply for a REAL ID Card?

If you want to get an Alaska REAL ID, you must visit your local DMV office and provide:

  • Proof of identity
    • Birth certificate
    • Valid U.S. passport or passport card
    • Certificate of Naturalization or U.S. citizenship
  • Proof of Alaska residence (requires 2 documents)
    • Lease agreement
    • Mortgage bill
    • Records from a financial institution
  • Proof of social security
    • Social security card
    • W-2 or 1099 tax form
    • Pay stub
  • Payment for all applicable fees

If your name does not match the names of any of the documents, you must provide proof of your name change, such as a marriage or divorce certificate or a court-issued document of the name change. You can use the Alaska DMV checklist to ensure you have all the acceptable documents by clicking here.

Alaska REAL ID Fees

The REAL ID fee for the state of Alaska is an additional $20 added to your license or ID transaction.

  • Alaska driver’s license renewal: $20 plus an additional $20 for the REAL ID fee =$20
  • Alaska non-driver ID renewal: $15 and an additional $20 for the REAL ID fee = $35
  • Alaska commercial driver’s license (CDL) renewal: $100 plus an additional $20 for the REAL ID fee = $120
  • Alaska non-driver ID for residents who are at least 60 years old or older is free. However, if you wish to obtain a REAL ID for this type of license, the fee will be $20.

Applying for a Commercial Driver’s License in Alaska

If you’re seeking an Alaska commercial driver’s license (CDL), there are different steps you need to take. You will need a CDL to operate large trucks, trailers, transporting passengers, or transporting hazardous materials. You need a CDL to legally operate vehicles:

  • When the vehicle or truck and trailer combination is more than 26,000 lbs.
  • When driving a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers
  • When transporting hazardous materials

CDL Requirements

You must be an Alaska resident who is at least 18 years old and has attained a driver’s license for at least one year. Once you meet these requirements, you can start your commercial driver’s license by first applying for a commercial learner’s permit (CLP).

Waiver and Exemptions

Alaska residents who reside off the road system may be exempt from some requirements. Veterans may be eligible for a road skills test waiver.

If you are a service member, currently licensed, and drove a military motor vehicle equivalent to a commercial motor vehicle within the last year, you are eligible to apply for a CDL without completing a road skills test. Be advised that you are still required to pass all knowledge tests. This waiver does NOT apply to the school bus or passenger endorsements.

Requirements to Receive a Road Skills Test Waiver

To receive a road skills test waiver in the state of Alaska, you must:

  • Be at least 21 years old with a valid non-commercial driver’s license
  • Be a U.S. citizen or non-U.S. citizen with a valid permanent resident card
  • Have 2 years of commercial driving experience upon discharge from the military
  • Have a minimum of 2 years of good driver record immediately preceding the CDL application date
  • Have a certification from your commanding officer with the number of years of operating the vehicle and the type of vehicle operated to determine the appropriate CDL classification
  • Pass all knowledge tests

What is a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)?

Before you can be granted a CDL, you must earn your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). A CLP allows you to drive with a qualified driver to learn the required skills to operate a vehicle safely. You need to wait 14 days after earning your learner’s permit to apply for your license.

There are different types of CLPs. To determine which to apply for, you must know the type and purpose of the vehicle you will be operating.

How Heavy is the Vehicle Will be Driving?

The GVWR is the gross vehicle rating. The GCWR is the gross combination weight rating.

Combination vehicles – these vehicles include trucks and trailers. Its permit and license class are Class A. Individuals with this Class license can operate a combination vehicle when the GCWR is at least 26,001 lbs. and the GVWR of the unit being towed is at least 10.001 lbs.

Heavy straight vehicles – these vehicles include motor coaches, box trucks, and dump trucks. The permit class and license class are Class B. Individuals who have a Class B permit and Class B driver’s license can operate any vehicle with a GVWR of at least 26,001 lbs. A trailer can be towed if the GVWR of the trailer does not exceed 10,000 lbs.

Small vehicles – these vehicles include buses. The permit class and license class for these vehicles are Class B. Individuals with this class permit and license can operate any single motor vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. or less, or a vehicle that is designated to transport at least 16 passengers, including the driver, or is placarded for hazardous materials.

What Type of License Will You Need?

Endorsements allow commercial drivers to operate specific types of motor vehicles. Each endorsement requires a knowledge test. Some endorsements will require a road skills test.

Hazardous materials – require a knowledge test and background check. This endorsement is for vehicles that are transporting hazardous materials. The license endorsement is H.

Tank vehicles – require a knowledge test. This endorsement is required for drivers of vehicles that are designated to transport liquids or gaseous materials within a tank. The permit endorsement and license endorsement are N.

Passenger – knowledge test and a road skills test are required. This endorsement is required for drivers of vehicles that are designated to carry at least 16 passengers including the driver. The permit and license endorsements are P.

School bus – requires a knowledge test and road skills test. This endorsement is required for drivers of vehicles that are transporting preprimary, primary, or secondary school students from home to school, from school to home, or to and from school-sponsored events. The permit and license endorsement are S.

Double/Triple – requires a knowledge test. This endorsement is required for drivers of vehicles who are pulling two or three trailers, such as a dolly or load divider, which is sometimes referred to as a “jeep”, which is considered ONE trailer. The permit and license endorsement are T.

Combination tank and hazardous material – a knowledge test and background check are required. This endorsement is required for drivers of vehicles who are transporting tank vehicles used to transport hazardous materials. The permit and license endorsement are X.

How Do I Get My CLP?

As a first-time driver, you need to visit an Alaska DMV. While you’re at the AK DMV, you must submit proof of identity, take the necessary tests, and pay all applicable fees for your permit.

Required Identification

You need to bring:

  • Your driver’s license
  • Proof of your legal name, date of birth, and citizenship
    • An original or certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate (from Vital Statistics) – Certified Informational Copies are NOT valid for proof of identity purposes.
    • U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card
    • If you are a resident of a COFA country, your unexpired foreign passport, and I-94
    • A resident alien or temporary resident alien card issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service
    • Certificate of Citizenship, Naturalization, or Birth Abroad
    • U.S. Military Identification for active duty, retiree, or reservist (Additional documentation will be required to prove your citizenship and lawful status).
  • Medical Exam
    • You must have a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (also referred to as a medical card or DOT card)
  • Forms
    • Commercial Driver Medical and Self Certifying Verification Form (Form 413)
  • Tests
    • Vision screening/test
    • Combination test (required for Class IA ONLY)
    • Air brakes test (required to remove restriction L – air brakes)

You will be required to pay all applicable fees that are associated with the CLP for which you are applying and any endorsements.

Driving Legally with Your Alaska CLP

With an Alaska CLP, you are only allowed to operate a vehicle of your class or smaller. You will be able to practice driving with a valid, licensed driver in the seat next to you. To become a valid driver, you must:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Have a license for the class and endorsement of the vehicle you are driving
  • Have held your license for at least one year

Driving legally with your CLP

With a CLP, you can only operate a vehicle of your class or smaller (see Vehicle Classes).

You will be able to practice driving with a valid, licensed driver in the seat next to you. To be valid, a driver must:

  • be at least 21 years old
  • have a license for the class and endorsement of the vehicle you are driving
  • must have held their license for a year

Getting Your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

As a resident of Alaska, attaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) allows you to legally operate commercial vehicles within Alaska and may allow you to operate such vehicles in other states.

Once you obtain your commercial learner’s permit (CLP), you have 180 days to schedule and complete your road skills test. You can resubmit your forms to extend your CLP for an additional 180 days. You are only allowed to extend your permit once.

To obtain your Alaska CDL, you are required to:

  • Have a CLP that matches the class and endorsement for your license for at least 14 days
  • Practice driving with a qualified driver
  • Schedule a road test
  • Complete a road test with a vehicle that matches the class and endorsement of license you wish to obtain

Required Documentation to Obtain an Alaska CDL

There are specific documents you need to take to the Alaska DMV to get your CDL. The required documents for your AK CDL are as follows:

  • U.S. Citizenship or Legal Presence Documentation: Documents that show proof of legal presence, which can be:
    • A valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card
    • Original or certified copy of birth certificate bearing an official seal or stamp
    • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550, N-570, or N-578)
    • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
    • Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card, issued by USCIS or INS
    • CDL Legal Residence Flyer
  • Proof of residence address showing domicile in the state of Alaska
  • Social Security Number
  • Current Alaska or Out-of-State Driver’s License
  • DOT Medical Card: When the driver is engaged in the type of operation which requires a CDL (Form 413)
  • FMCSA Vision/Diabetes Exemption Documentation (if applicable)

How Do You Transfer a CDL From a Different State?

Drivers who are temporarily in Alaska due to seasonal work must have a valid CDL from their home state to drive a commercial motor vehicle. You are not required to apply for an Alaska Commercial Driver’s license. If you are a driver who intends on remaining in Alaska must obtain an Alaska CDL license within 30 days of moving to Alaska. If your license is from a different state, you are required to follow the steps to apply for a CDL and you will be required to pass all knowledge tests.

Federal Self-Certification Requirements

You are required to self-certify your type of vehicle operating with an Alaska DMV, which means you are required to self-certify one of the following driving categories:

  • Non-excepted Interstate
  • Excepted Interstate
  • Non-Excepted Intrastate
  • Excepted Intrastate

Applying for an Alaska Motorcycle License

In the state of Alaska, there are 3 classes of motorcycle licenses depending on the engine size and configurations, such as 2-wheel vs 3-wheel. If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or legal guardian must give permission before getting a motorcycle permit or license. Motorcycles and motor scooters with an engine displacement of less than 50cc can be operated with a basic driver’s license.

Classes of Motorcycle Licenses

Class M1 – for individuals who are at least 16 years old. Any motorcycle is included in the M1 Class. Individuals who have a Class M1 license can operate any motorcycle with an engine displacement of over 50cc.

Class M2 – a special permit for individuals who are 14 or 15 years old ONLY. Motor scooters and motorized bicycles are included in the M2 Class. Individuals with an M2 license can operate a motor-driven cycle with an engine displacement of less than 50cc.

Class M3 – for individuals who are at least 16 years old. 3-wheeled motorcycles are included in the M3 Class. Individuals with a Class M3 motorcycle license can operate a 3-wheeled motorcycle only with an engine displacement of over 50cc.

How to Get Your Motorcycle License

You need to visit an Alaska DMV to apply for a motorcycle license to get your motorcycle license. You will need to submit the Alaska Driver’s License, Permit, or Identification Card Transaction Application (Form D1). If you are under 18 years of age, you are required to submit a parental consent form (Form 433M).

Be advised that Alaska law requires individuals to pass a DMV road test or an approved motorcycle class to receive a motorcycle license. The Alaska DMV CANNOT add a motorcycle class for the military that are stationed out-of-state.

The Alaska DMV has also developed additional services to assist Alaska’s rural residents with licensing issues that are unique to remote communities. Click here for more information.

Required Documentation to Receive Your Alaska Motorcycle License

You are required to bring 4 or 5 documents that prove your:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Current residence
  • Social Security Number

You must bring one of each type of document to an Alaska DMV.

What Tests Are Required to Receive an Alaska Motorcycle License?

If you are applying for an M1, M2 or M3 license, the road test requirements may be waived by completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course. You will need to present the completion certificate to the AK DMV. This test waiver is valid for waiving the test for the current or previous calendar year. Click here for more information regarding Alaska motorcycle license testing requirements.

Transferring an Out-of-State Motorcycle License to Alaska

As a new resident of Alaska and an individual who currently has a motorcycle license or endorsement from a different state, you have 90 days after establishing residency in Alaska to transfer your motorcycle credentials.

To be eligible for an AK motorcycle license transfer, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Attain a valid out-of-state motorcycle license or endorsement

If you meet these requirements, you can visit an Alaska DMV branch and:

  • Surrender your out-of-state license
  • Pass the written knowledge exams for your motorcycle license and alcohol and drug awareness (if you’re at least 21 years old)
  • Take a vision test
  • Submit proof of your:
    • Legal name
    • Date of birth
    • Alaska residency
    • Social Security Number
  • Pay all applicable Alaska motorcycle licensing fees

Alaska Motorcycle License Fees

The fees associated with obtaining your Alaska motorcycle license are as follows:

  • Motorcycle instruction permit: $15
  • Motorcycle road skills test: $15
  • Class M1, motorcycle license: $20

Alaska DMV Locations

There are different DMV locations in the state of Alaska where you can receive your AK driver’s license and handle other motor vehicle transactions. Here are different DMV locations across the state of Alaska.

Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles – Anchorage Branch
3901 Old Seward Hwy Ste 101
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 269-5551

Monday – Friday (9 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles – Eagle River Branch
11723 Old Glenn Hwy Ste 113
Eagle River, AK 99577
(907) 269-5551

Monday – Friday (9 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

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