Renew in person at a DMV office or by mail, depending on your license type and how long it has been expired
Alaska lets you renew your driver's license in person at a DMV office or by mail if your license is not expired or expired less than two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening. Standard licenses expire on your birthday, five years after issue. Real ID compliant licenses expire on your birthday, eight years after issue.
You can start the renewal process up to six months before your license expires. Renewing early means you will have your new license before the old one runs out, so you avoid driving with an expired license.
Key Takeaways
- Alaska driver's licenses expire on your birthday — five years after issue for a standard license, eight years for a Real ID license.
- You can renew by mail if your license is not yet expired or expired less than two years, but in-person renewal is required if it expired more than two years ago.
- The DMV office in Anchorage and satellite offices in Fairbanks, Juneau, and Ketchikan handle renewals, and you can check wait times online before you go.
- A renewed standard license costs $20; a Real ID license costs $35 and requires proof of citizenship and current address.
- You can start the renewal process up to six months before your license expires.
Renewing by mail in Alaska
Mail renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid or expired less than two years. You will need to fill out Form 478 (process for Driver's License or Identification Card), include a new photo, and mail the form with your current license and the $20 renewal fee to the Alaska DMV. The address is on the DMV website under "Mailing Address for License Renewals."
Processing takes about two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail. If you need your license sooner, renew in person instead — you can walk out with a temporary permit the same day.
Mail renewal does not let you change your address, name, or license class. If you need to make any of those changes, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at an Alaska DMV office
Visit the main DMV office in Anchorage or one of the satellite offices in Fairbanks, Juneau, or Ketchikan. Bring your current license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and the renewal fee. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, but the DMV website shows current wait times so you can plan your visit.
The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken and receive a temporary permit on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you will also need to pass a vision screening and the written knowledge test. The DMV will schedule these during your visit or tell you to return on another day if the office is too busy. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them for driving.
What documents you need for renewal
| Renewal Type | Documents Required | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard License (by mail) | Form 478, current license, new photo, proof of address | $20 |
| Standard License (in person) | Current license, proof of address, photo ID if needed | $20 |
| Real ID License (in person only) | Current license, proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate), proof of address, Social Security number | $35 |
| Expired 2+ years (in person) | Current license, proof of address, pass vision test and written exam | $20 |
Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement. A government-issued ID (passport, military ID, or tribal ID) also counts as proof of address if it shows your current address.
If you are renewing a Real ID license, you must do so in person. Real ID requires proof of citizenship — a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Real ID licenses cost $35 instead of $20 and are valid for eight years instead of five.
Renewing a Real ID license in Alaska
Real ID renewal must happen in person at a DMV office. You will need your current Real ID license, proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. The fee is $35.
Real ID licenses are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. They are required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025. If your current license is not Real ID and you want to renew it as Real ID, you can do so at any in-person renewal.
Processing time is the same as a standard renewal — two to three weeks by mail after your visit. You will receive a temporary permit when ready.
What to do if your license is expired more than two years
If your Alaska license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person, pass a vision screening, and pass the written knowledge test. The test covers Alaska traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Alaska Driver's Manual, which is free on the DMV website.
Schedule time to study before your visit — the test is not retakable the same day if you fail. If you fail, you can retake it after 24 hours. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them for driving, because the vision screening is part of the renewal process.
The renewal fee is still $20 for a standard license or $35 for Real ID. Your temporary permit will be issued the same day, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
Alaska DMV office locations and hours
The main DMV office is in Anchorage at 3700 Tudor Road, Suite 100. Satellite offices are located in Fairbanks, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Hours vary by location — the Anchorage office is typically open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but you should check the DMV website for current hours and holiday closures before you visit.
The DMV website displays current wait times for each office. If the wait is long, you can return at a different time or visit a satellite office if one is near you. Some offices are busier on certain days — Mondays and Fridays tend to be busier than midweek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alaska license online?
No, Alaska does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired or expired less than two years, or in person at a DMV office. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks; in-person renewal gives you a temporary permit the same day.
What if I moved out of Alaska after my license expired?
You will need to renew in person at an Alaska DMV office if you are still in Alaska, or contact the DMV by phone or mail to ask about renewing from out of state. If you have moved permanently, you may want to get a driver's license in your new state instead. Contact the Alaska DMV to confirm your options.
How much does it cost to renew an Alaska driver's license?
A standard driver's license renewal costs $20. A Real ID license renewal costs $35. Fees are the same whether you renew by mail or in person. Payment by check, money order, or credit card is accepted.
What happens if I drive with an expired license in Alaska?
Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Alaska. You can be cited and fined. Renew your license before it expires, or start the renewal process up to six months early so you have your new license before the old one runs out.
Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Alaska?
No, a standard Alaska driver's license is valid for driving. Real ID is required only to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. You can choose to renew as Real ID or keep a standard license — both are legal for driving.