Motorcycle License in Alaska
With an abundance of untouched wilderness and open roads, what better way to explore The Last Frontier than atop a motorcycle? Keep reading for more information if you're interested in getting an Alaska motorcycle license.
New to Alaska
If you just moved to Alaska and already have a motorcycle license/endorsement from another state, you'll need to transfer your credentials within 90 days of moving to the state. In order to be eligible for an AK motorcycle license transfer, you need to:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Hold a valid out-of-state motorcycle license/endorsement.
Then, you can visit the nearest Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles office branch and do the following:
- Surrender your out-of-state license.
- Pass the written knowledge exams for:
- Motorcycle license.
- Alcohol and drug awareness (if you're at least 21 years old).
- Take a vision test.
- Submit proof of:
- Legal name.
- Date of birth.
- Alaska residency.
- Social Security number.
- The DMV provides a helpful guide to acceptable documents.
- Pay the required licensing fee.
AK Motorcycle License Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a standard Class M1 motorcycle license motorcycle license in Alaska, you must:
- Meet the minimum age requirements* for:
- Motorcycle license: 16 years old.
- Hold your motorcycle instruction permit for 6 months.
- EITHER:
- Complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) education course.
OR - Pass the on-road motorcycle skills test.
- Complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) education course.
- Pay the necessary motorcycle licensing fee.
*NOTE: If you're under 18 years old, you'll need your parent or legal guardian's written permission to apply for a motorcycle permit and/or license.
AK Motorcycle Instruction Permits
The first step to getting your Alaska motorcycle license is earning your motorcycle instruction permit. To do so, go to your local AK DMV office and:
- Pass the written knowledge exam(s)* for:
- Standard driver's license IF you don't already hold a standard Class D Alaska permit or license.
- Motorcycle license.
- Take a vision screening.
- Submit a completed Application for Alaska Driver License, Permit or Identification Card (Form D1).
- Provide proof of:
- Date of birth.
- Legal name.
- AK residency.
- SSN.
- For more, check out the DMV's list of acceptable documents.
- Pay the $15 motorcycle permit fee.
After that, you'll receive your Alaska motorcycle instruction permit! The permit is valid for 2 years and can be renewed once.
*NOTE: Everything you need to study for the written knowledge exams can be found in the Alaska driver's handbook and motorcycle manual. We also recommend taking a couple practice tests before you head out for your exam—and with online practice tests, you can even quiz yourself while waiting at the DMV!
Permit Restrictions
Having an Alaska motorcycle permit means you can enroll in Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses and get a good feel for riding your bike.
You're allowed to practice riding your motorcycle as long as you're accompanied by a licensed adult who's at least 21 years old and can see you at all times.
If you're younger than 18 years old, you must hold your instruction permit for at least 6 months before you're eligible to apply for a motorcycle license.
Getting Your AK Motorcycle License
The Skills Test
Once you've practiced with your instruction permit—and if necessary, have held it for at least 6 months—you can take your on-bike road skills exam to earn your full Alaska motorcycle license*.
You can schedule your road test either through the Alaska DMV's online scheduling system OR a third-party tester. You MUST take the test during dry weather when the road is free of ice and snow. The road skills test MAY NOT be taken during winter.
Be sure to bring a motorcycle with registration and insurance documents, plus payment for the $15 skills testing fee.
* NOTE: Your exam will be waived IF you have completed a motorcycle safety education course. See below for details.
The Application Process
To apply for your AK motorcycle license, visit your local AK DMV office and provide the following:
- EITHER:
- A motorcycle education course completion certificate.
OR - Written proof that you passed the on-road skills test.
- A motorcycle education course completion certificate.
- Application for Alaska Driver License, Permit or Identification Card (Form D1).
- Proper proof of your:
- Birth date.
- Full legal name.
- AK residency.
- Social Security number.
- For specific documents, please refer to the Alaska DMV's full guide.
- Payment for the $20 motorcycle licensing fee.
The Division of Motor Vehicles will then issue you your Alaska motorcycle license! Your license will be valid for 8 years and expires on your birthday.
Alaska Motorcycle Education
Although taking a motorcycle education course isn't required in Alaska, doing so can still be extremely beneficial. The Alaska DMV allows you to waive the road skills motorcycle test if you complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course.
You'll have the opportunity to learn all of the necessary riding skills from professional instructors in a controlled environment.
Currently, you can sign up for a MSF course through the group, Alaska Bikers Advocating Training and Education (ABATE). ABATE offers classes throughout the state, suited for all levels of experience.
The MSF Basic RiderCourse will teach you skills like:
- How to make smooth stops and turns.
- Finding the safest route for riding.
- Dealing with emergencies.
- Communicating and sharing the road with other drivers.
If you'd like to learn more about motorcycle education in Alaska, or are interested in enrolling in a course, take a look at the ABATE website for more details.
Alaska Motorcycle License Fees
The fees associated with getting your Alaska motorcycle license are as follows:
- Motorcycle instruction permit: $15.
- Motorcycle road skills test: $15.
- Class M1, motorcycle license: $20.