Renewing Your CDL in Alaska

Alaska is in transition―changing the entire driver license system from manual applications and paper licenses to a fully digitized system. While undergoing this change, the AK Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has temporarily suspended the renewal by mail option and is not mailing renewal applications to Alaska driver's license holders.

Renewal by mail is expected to resume about five years after the last AK DMV office has been fully digitized. In the meantime, all license renewals must be conducted in person at your local DMV office.

You may apply for your AK CDL renewal anytime after your birthday in the year prior to the CDL expiration date. Your driver's license will be renewed for five years from your birthday.

CDL Renewals

Here are the things you'll need to do in order to renew your AK CDL:

• Surrender your current AK CDL

• Have a new photograph taken

• Pass the vision test

• Pay the $100 fee

• Pass a background check if you wish to renew or apply for a hazmat endorsement

You may also need to have a new medical examination and possibly take the written test again, which carries an additional charge.

License Extensions―Not Renewals

If you are outside of Alaska at the time your CDL is due to expire, you can apply for a 30-day extension by mail or by fax. You'll need a valid credit card to pay the $5 fee for an extension. Fax the following information to (907) 465-5509:

• Your name, as shown on your CDL

• Your Alaska CDL number

• Your date of birth

• Name as shown on your credit card

• Visa or MasterCard number with expiration date

• Signature authorizing the $5 extension fee

• A fax number where you can receive the extension

If you do not have a credit card, or if you prefer to conduct business by mail, you can mail the above, along with a personalized check or money order for the $5 fee to:

• State of Alaska

• Division of Motor Vehicles

• Juneau Driver Licensing

• P.O. Box 110221

• Juneau, AK 99811-0221

Be sure to write your CDL number on your check or money order, which should be payable to DMV. Include a mailing address where you can receive the extension. Also, even if you are not paying by credit card, your signature must appear on the extension request.

New Federal Requirements

You must self-certify your type of vehicle operation with the Alaska DMV by January 2014. This means you must self-certify one of the following driving categories:

• Non-Excepted Interstate
• Excepted Interstate
• Non-Excepted Intrastate
• Excepted Intrastate

If you choose Non-Excepted Interstate, you must provide the DMV with a federal medical certificate.

Submit a completed self-certification application by:

• Delivering to any DMV office
• E-mailing a scanned copy to: doa.dmv.adl@alaska.adl
• Mailing to:
  • ADL - Medical
  • 1300 W. Benson Blvd.
  • Anchorage, AK 99503-3689

Questions? Call (907) 269-3770.

Further Information

For more Alaska CDL information, also see our sections on replacing a lost CDL, commercial driver frequently asked questions, and how to apply for a new CDL.

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