The Division of Motor Vehicles on Wednesday began issuing licenses that follow guidelines approved by Congress. Alaskans will have until Oct. 1, 2020, to get a new driver’s license. DMV Cheat Sheet - Time Saver. Passing the Alaska written exam has never been easier. It's like having the answers before you take the test. Computer, tablet, or iPhone; Just print and go to the DMV; Driver's license, motorcycle, and CDL; 100% money back guarantee; Get My Cheatsheet Now. New Alaska Residents If you're going to be driving in Alaska for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for an AK driver's license. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you will need to apply for an AK CDL within 30 days of moving to the state. Note 1: Alaska requires all aspiring drivers to pass an Alcohol and Drug Awareness Knowledge Test. Note 2: To apply for any type of instruction permit or license, you must first obtain consent from your parents or guardians if you are under 18 years of age.
The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles oversees the license renewal process.
You may choose to renew or get an extension.
Your Alaska license is good for 5 years. When it comes the time, youcan renew the license in-person, online, or by mail. You must renew your license within 1 year of its expiration else face penalties and extra requirements when getting your license valid again.
Note: You can only process a license renewal in-person if you require a name change.
You can check your license validity and expiration date by requesting driving records. Otherwise, take note of its expiration on the card or if you’ve marked it on the calendar.
You are expected to pass an Alcohol Awareness Test after turning 21 years old. This is part of the licensing program – and a requirement to renew your license in Alaska.
The following sections share the step-by-step process to renew your AK driver’s license.
A valid AK driver’s license is required if you drive on state roads and highways. Alaska auto insurance is a requirement, too, if you plan to operate your vehicle. The renewal process doesn’t take long if you have documents ready and follow the steps below.
Here is what all you need to renew your Alaska driver’s license in-person:
Congratulations! You’ve successfully renewed your Alaska driver’s license. You’ll receive your new license and be on your way unless the DMV needs to send it you by mail (which may take a few weeks).
Online renewals are available to those:
Note: Those under 21 years old can do an online renewal if they passed an Alcohol Awareness Test.
You will do the following to renew your license online:
The renewed card acts as a temporary license until you receive the permanent one by mail.
If you can’t renew in person or online, a mail-in option is available by doing the following:
You cannot do a mail-in if you’re under 22 years old or have renewed by mail the previous time. Your information needs to be current and correct, too. You’ll receive your new license within a few weeks.
Military members or their spouse/dependent can file an extension for up to 90 days after the discharge. They will they file a Military Expiration Endorsement. Otherwise, it’s recommended the military members renew their license online or by mail (contact to understand your specific requirements).
Out of state residents can file a Request for a Temporary License or an Extension (Form 481), provide their personal information, and pay a $5 fee for a 1-year extension. A temporary license is available – by request – if you’re NOT within 30 days of its expiration. You may request one by filing the Request of Out-of-State Temporary License (Form 481).
Submit a request to:
Division of Motor Vehicles
Juneau Driver Licensing
P.O. Box 110221
Juneau, AK 99811
Or
Looking for more information and guides to become a better Alaska driver? Check out our AK DMV topics, browse our DMV directory, or get active in the community! We offer a wide range of helpful guides and tips to improve your driving experience.
Let’s try this again! On Oct. 1, 2021, every air traveler will need to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, or other acceptable form of identification, to fly within the United States.
The original deadline of Oct. 1, 2020 was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so guests can breathe easier now that they have some extra time.
If you like to use your driver’s license as your main identification to get through TSA security checkpoints at the airport, it’s crucial to make sure it’ll be REAL ID-compliant and ready to fly starting Oct. 1, 2021.
To get flyers ready for this significant transition, we’re providing a resource for our guests, employees and the public to get the latest information about REAL ID and its fast-approaching changes. It’s found on the Alaska Airlines website at alaskaair.com/REALID.
“We always want our guests to have the best possible travel experience with us and at the airport,” says Wayne Newton, vice president of airport operations and customer service at Alaska Airlines. “We want to do everything we can to help spread the word about the upcoming changes with federal laws taking effect, and how our customers can get prepared.”
Click on the state where you live to find out more on how to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Refresh my memory. What exactly is the REAL ID Act?
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 in an effort to strengthen identification rules at airports. The act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses. Under the law, state driver licenses and ID cards have to be issued only to people who can prove they are legally living in the United States. If state licenses don’t meet the standards, then federal agencies – such as the TSA – will not accept them.
So what happens in October 2021 if I show up at the airport with my standard driver license as my only ID?
You’ll be turned away and not allowed to go through a TSA checkpoint if you don’t have another form of approved identification. And you’ll miss your flight.
So when do the rules actually change?
Currently, the DHS has indicated the enforcement of the REAL ID Act starts on October 1, 2021. At that point, standard driver licenses issued by some states – such as Washington – will not be accepted by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) at U.S. airports. TSA will accept enhanced driver licenses, since they have established your identity and U.S. citizenship.
Am I required to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license?
No, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your travel needs. You can use a current U.S. passport or a U.S. military ID at the airport to get through TSA security after Oct. 1, 2021, just like you can right now. Just remember to bring it. Having a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license is convenient for many of us because it’s something we always carry with us. Other acceptable forms of identification is found here.
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