License Expired while Outside Alaska | Turning 21

Alaska Driver Manuals

To renew an Alaska driver license, you may be eligible to renew through the mail.  Otherwise, you will need to renew in person at a DMV Office and:

• Complete an Application for Alaska Driver License, Permit or State Identification (Form 478)
• Surrender your current Alaska license
• Pass a vision test (a new picture will be taken)
• Pay the required fee
  (License is renewed for 5 years from your date of birth.)
• CDL only - Pass the haz-mat test if you have this endorsement and wish to keep it.
  A background check will be required to transfer, retain or obtain a hazardous materials endorsement.

If you are over 21, you may renew at any time after your birthday when your license will expire within a year. For example: Current license expires on August 22nd, 2012. You can renew anytime after August 22nd, 2011. If you will be 21 when you license expires, click here for further information.

Note: Alaska does not have a grace period. Once your license is expired, it is not legal for you to drive. If you allow your license to expire over a year, you would need to pass the written test again in order to renew your license.

If you have lost your Alaska driver license, please see:  Duplicate License Information

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  If you have obtained a license in another state after your last Alaska license was issued, you must pass the Alaska general rules of the road knowledge test to renew. Your Alaska license number will remain the same.

Changes to license:

• If you have had eye surgery and can now meet the vision requirements without corrective lenses, you must obtain a new license to remove the restriction.
• If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must provide proof of the change.  (Marriage certificate from vital statistics, court documents, etc.)
• If any other information is incorrect, you must bring proof of the correct information.  (Birth certificate from vital statistics)

ALCOHOL TEST FOR APPLICANT'S TURNING 21:

If you are a College Student and will be outside of Alaska when your license expires, please click here for further information.

First License Issued Prior to October 21st, 2008:

• Expiration date of your license should be on your actual birthday.
• Alcohol Awareness test not required.
• You may renew up to a year before the expiration date.
• License will be renewed for 5 years and expire on your birthday.

First License Issued On or After October 21st, 2008:

• Expiration date of your license should be 90 days AFTER your 21st birthday.
• Alcohol Awareness test is required before you are eligible to renew.
• You must wait until you are 21 to renew.
• License will be renewed for 5 years and expire on your birthday.

LICENSE EXTENSION LETTER:

If an Alaska resident is temporarily out of state and discovers that their license is expired, an extension letter can be mailed or faxed to extend the expiration date.  CDL extensions are limited to 30 days.  Extension requests must be made in writing and either mailed or faxed as follows:

FOR A FORM TO FAX OR MAIL, CLICK HERE

FAX the following information to (907) 465-5509:

• Legal name, as shown on your Alaska license
• Date of birth
• Alaska driver license number
• Visa or MasterCard Number and expiration date
• Name as shown on your credit card
• Signature authorizing $5.00 fee for the extension
• Fax number where you can receive the extension

MAIL the following information and payment to:

State of Alaska
Division of Motor Vehicles
Juneau Driver Licensing
PO Box 110221
Juneau AK  99811-0221

Renewal Questions:  DOA.DMV.MIL@Alaska.gov

• Legal name, as shown on your Alaska license
• Date of birth
• Alaska driver license number
• Personalized check or money order in the amount of $5.00, payable to DMV
• Your signature must be on the request
• Mailing address where you can receive the extension

REV. 06/29/11