Alaska License Renewal at a Glance
How to Renew Your Driver's License in Alaska
You renew your license through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Your AK license lasts 5 years. It expires on your birthday. For a general overview of renewal rules across all states, see our driver's license renewal guide. Here are your options and steps.
Ways to Renew
- Online — the fastest way to renew. Visit the DMV renewal portal.
- In person — go to a DMV office. First-time REAL ID, vision tests, and new photos all need an in-person visit.
- By mail — follow the steps on your renewal notice.
Steps to Renew
- Check eligibility — Visit the AK DMV site. See if you can renew online. Make sure your license is not expired over 1 year.
- Gather documents — Get your license number, SSN, and payment ready. Need REAL ID? Bring ID and address proof.
- Complete the application — Use the AK DMV online portal, visit a DMV office, or mail in the form. Review your info and submit.
- Pay the fee — Pay $20. Use a card online or cash and card in person.
- Receive your license — Get a temp card at the office. Online or by mail? Your card arrives in 10 to 15 days.
Alaska Driver's License Renewal Fees
| Standard renewal fee | $20 |
| Duplicate/replacement license | $15 |
| Motorcycle endorsement | $15 |
| Name change | $15 |
| Knowledge test retake | $15 |
| Valid for | 5 years |
It's $20 for a standard renewal. REAL ID costs the same. AK keeps fees low.
What to Bring
Bring these docs when you renew:
- Current or expired Alaska driver's license
- Social Security number
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport for REAL ID)
- Proof of AK residency (utility bill or bank statement for REAL ID)
- Renewal fee payment
Who Can Renew Online
You can renew online if you meet these rules:
- Your license is not expired more than 1 year
- You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Your license is not suspended or revoked
- You have a valid photo on file from your last renewal
- You are not upgrading to REAL ID for the first time
You must renew in person at least every other cycle. AK DMV decides when a new photo is needed.
Go to DMV online renewal portalWhat Happens If Your Alaska License Expires
Alaska has no grace period. Your license is invalid the day after it expires.
- Before expiry — Up to 1 year before expiration
- After expiry — Up to 1 year after expiration without retaking tests
- Long-lapsed penalty — Over 1 year expired? You must retake the written and driving tests. Driving on an expired license can bring fines up to $500.
If you also need to update your vehicle registration, see our car registration renewal guide.
Important: You cannot drive with an expired license in Alaska. The window only affects how you renew. It does not let you drive past your expiry date.
Vision Test & Health Rules
- Vision test — Yes, at every in-person renewal. Online renewals skip the vision test.
- In-person visits — You must renew in person at least every other cycle. AK DMV decides when a new photo is needed.
- Wait time — Online takes about 5 business days. Your card arrives by mail in 10 to 15 days.
Common Alaska License Renewal Mistakes
Watch out for these mistakes:
Thinking there is a grace period
AK has none. Your license is invalid the day after expiry. Don't drive until you renew.
Waiting too long to renew
Over 1 year expired? You retake the written and driving tests. Renew before that deadline.
Forgetting mail-in is an option
AK lets you renew by mail if you live far from a DMV. Download the form from the DMV site.
Not bringing REAL ID documents to the office
First-time REAL ID needs extra docs. Bring your birth cert or passport, SSN, and two proofs of AK address.
REAL ID Info for Alaska
AK offers REAL ID at no extra cost. Visit a DMV office with your birth cert or passport, SSN card, and two proofs of AK address.
You need a REAL ID (gold star) to board U.S. flights. You also need one to enter federal buildings. This started May 7, 2025. Get one at your next in-person visit. See our full REAL ID deadline guide for costs and next steps.
What Makes Alaska Different
AK has no grace period. Your license is invalid the second it expires.
AK allows mail-in renewals for residents who live far from a DMV office.
AK has no senior-specific renewal rules. Everyone follows the same 5-year cycle.