Alaska DMV Drivers License Renewal
Renewing your Alaska drivers license can be confusing, considering the process and regulations are ever changing. This especially pertains to passing the required tests to continue your driving privilege.Being prepared for what you need to renew your driver’s license in Alaska will save you time, and frustration, after waiting in a long line at a licensing office. Below is the information you should know before seeking your Alaska DMV drivers license renewal.
When To Obtain Your Alaska DMV Drivers License Renewal
Alaska state drivers license holders must obtain their Alaska DMV drivers license renewal prior to the expiration date on the license. Alaska drivers licenses are valid for five years and expire on your birthday.
Documentation Needed
To obtain your Alaska DMV drivers license renewal, you will need to present the proper documents, proving identification. Due to Alaska’s strict identification laws, be sure to bring your current driver’s license, accompanied by one of the following:
- Original or certified United States birth certificate.
- Valid United States passport.
- Certificate of Naturalization.
Upon the implementation of the Real ID Act of 2005, all states must require certain identification documents to issue a state ID card or drivers license. As of December 1, 2014, you will not be able to board a commercial airline flight, enter a federal building, or enter a nuclear site without a state ID that is Real ID compliant. While obtaining your Alaska DMV drivers license renewal, it is recommended you submit the required documentation to become Real ID compliant to avoid having to renew your license again when the Real Id Act is implemented.
Test requirements
Any resident of Alaska, applying for a driver’s license for the first time, will have to pass a written test of general driving safety and knowledge. The written driving test consists of 20 questions, of which a minimum of 16 (80%) must be answered correctly. It is highly recommended you study a practice test prior to taking the actual test. Up to 40% of applicants fail their first test. You may retake the next day, if needed, to pass. Applicants who hold a valid, and current, Alaska drivers license do not have to take the written test.
Other information
The following is a checklist to follow when seeking your Alaska DMV drivers license renewal:
- Complete the Driver License Application.
- Study for the written knowledge test with practice tests.
- Provide the required documents.
- Take and pass the vision screening test.
- Take, and pass, a written knowledge test (if applicable).
- Pay the appropriate fees: $20.00.
- Relinquish your expiring driver license.
Receive your new Alaska driver license.