Apply for a License (Under 18) in Alaska

Applying for a Teen License in Alaska

If you're a teenager applying for your first driver's license, you'll need to satisfy the teen driver requirements set by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The steps to obtain a full driver's license involve supervised driving with a learner's permit and unsupervised driving with certain restrictions. The requirements of each licensing step will help you develop the driving experience and knowledge necessary to pass your driving test and become a safe driver.

On this page you'll find information about the Alaska DMV licensing requirements and the necessary steps towards your first unrestricted driver's license.

Alaska REAL ID Driver's License

The Alaska DMV has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses. As of October 1, 2021, the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—a standard license will not after this date.

You have the choice to apply for a standard license or upgrade to a REAL ID. Details are outlined below.

Age Requirements

The minimum age to begin each step towards your driver's license are as follows:

  • Learner's permit: 14 years old.
  • Provisional driver's license: 16 years old.
  • Full, unrestricted driver's license: 18 years old OR after holding a provisional driver's license for 6 months with no violations.

Alaska Learner's Permit

The first step towards getting your Alaska driver's license is obtaining your instruction permit, also known as a learner's permit. To get your learner's permit, you'll need to visit your local Alaska DMV office* and:

You must hold your learner's permit for at least 6 months before you will be allowed to apply for a driver's license. The learner's permit is valid for 2 years from the date it is first issued, and can be renewed for $5.

*NOTE: If you live in a rural area without a DMV office, see the section below on AK Rural Off-Highway Licenses.

Important Time Saver

In addition to the basic practice test offered by the DMV, you can be even more prepared for the written exam when you study with a comprehensive online practice test from our certified partner. These industry-leading study guides help you understand and retain everything you learn.

Learner's Permit Restrictions

The learner's permit is issued to give you a chance to practice your driving while under the supervision of a licensed driver who is 21 years old or older who has held a license for at least 1 year.

You must show proof that you have completed at least 40 hours of supervised driving practice before you will be issued a driver's license. 10 hours must have been at night or under other challenging conditions.

Provisional Driver's License

Once you have held your Alaska learner's permit for at least 6 months, you may apply for your Alaska provisional license.

Additionally, to obtain your provisional driver's license you'll need to:

  • Be at least 16 years old.
  • Have proof from your parents or employer that you have completed at least 40 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel driving with 10 hours at night, in inclement weather, or other challenging conditions
  • Submit your:
    • Learner's permit.
    • Proof of your name and legal presence, Alaska residency, and Social Security number for a REAL ID-compliant license, if you didn't already.
  • Take and pass the DMV driving test.
  • Pay the $20 driver's license fee.

You must schedule your road test* on the Alaska DMV website or with an approved third-party test provider. Alaska DMV road tests cost $15.

*NOTE: If you live in a rural area without a DMV office, see the section below on AK Rural Off-Highway Licenses.

Provisional License Restrictions

The first license you will obtain is called a provisional license, which has restrictions on it for at least 6 months or until you reach 18 years old.

While you hold a provisional driver's license:

  • You are not allowed to carry passengers younger than 21 years old, unless they are your siblings.
  • You may not drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.

NOTE: You are exempt from the restrictions above when:

  • You are driving to and from work.
  • You are driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old.
Don't Drive Distracted

As you are beginning life as a new driver, don't forget the importance of driving safely and refraining from distracted driving. You can learn more about the dangers of driving distracted in the Distracted Driving section of our website.

Unrestricted Alaska Driver's License

You are eligible for an unrestricted driver's license after you hold your provisional license for at least 6 months OR until you are 18 years old.

If you decide to upgrade your driver's license before you turn 18 years old, you'll need to:

If you wait until you are 18 years old, the provisional driver's license restrictions will be lifted automatically. If you want to upgrade your physical driver's license, you'll need to:

NOTE: Whenever you visit the AK DMV, be prepared to provide proof of your legal name, birth date, Alaska residency, and Social Security Number. Please refer to the Alaska DMV website for a complete list. If you live in a rural area without a DMV office, see the section below on AK Rural Off-Highway Licenses.

Our new driver's license checklist allows you to check off your accomplishments along the way.

AK Rural Off-Highway Licenses

The Alaska DMV offers a way for teens who live in rural areas without a DMV office or near a highway system to still get a driver's license so that they can get to school or work. This is through the off-highway license, designed for rural residents whose roads are:

  • Disconnected from the state highway system.
  • Not connected to any road with an average daily traffic volume of 499 people.

For this license, you don't have to take an in-person driving exam. However, you DO still have to pass:

  • A written exam (locally proctored).
  • A vision test.

You'll need the same identity documents listed above, plus proof of passing your vision test and written exam. Mail your items to:


State of Alaska
Division of Motor Vehicles
3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101
Anchorage, AK 99503

Forms

433
Parent/Guardian Consent for a Minor
Use this form to grant consent for a minor to obtain a driver's license or permit from the Alaska DMV. MUST be notarized or signed by a DMV representative.
D1
Application for Alaska Driver License Permit or Identification Card
Request a driver's license, identification card, or driver's permit from the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles. MUST be signed at the DMV.
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