Alaska Driver License or ID Card

Students riding bikes on campusObtaining an ID card is suggested while in the U.S. This document will provide you with sufficient proof of identity throughout your stay in the United States. By having an official U.S. identification card, you will not have to carry your passport with you all the time. The State of Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues drivers licenses and vehicle licenses and registrations. 

Alaska License ID

The State ID card is accepted at banks, stores, airports (for domestic flights only), and other businesses where name and age identification is required. You do not need to pass a driving test, as you will for a driver's license, to receive this identification card but it holds equal value. You can get an Alaska ID from the Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

How to apply for the AK State ID

  1. Visit ISSS and make sure you have completed the check-in requirements and your SEVIS record (F- and J- status holders) has been activated.
  2. Go to the DMV office located at 1979 Peger Road.
  3. Complete an original application form 478 (Available at the DMV and online).
  4. Provide the following documents
    • Valid I-20 or DS-2019 (F- and J- status holders)
    • I-94 Admission Record
    • Original Passport
    • Social Security Number (SSN) or Social Security Denial (Form SSA-L676)
  5. Pay a nominal application fee
    1. Cash, check, money order, credit or debit cards are accepted.

 

Alaska State Driver License

If you drive a vehicle in the United States– YOU MUST:

Either have a valid drivers' license or a learners' permit. A learners’ permit is only valid if you have someone with you who is a qualified, licensed driver over the age of 18. 

Under Alaska State Statutes:

You are not required to obtain an Alaska driver’s license or learners’ permit if you have a driver’s license from another U.S. state, country or an international driver’s license, since you are deemed to be here on a temporary or non-permanent basis. It is highly recommended that you acquire a valid Alaska driver license since there is no way for law enforcement to validate the authenticity of international driver licenses or other country licenses. This could greatly complicate procedures for motor vehicle accidents and parking or driving citations. 

If you wish to apply for an Alaska driver’s license, it will be issued for the duration of your program as designated by your immigration documents. Before you apply for the license, stop by ISSS to receive documentation that will be needed.  

  1. Visit ISSS and make sure you have completed the check-in requirements and your SEVIS record (F- and J- status holders) has been activated.
  2. Go to the DMV office located at 1979 Peger Road.
  3. Complete an original application form 478 (Available at the DMV and online).
  4. Provide the following documents
    • Valid I-20 or DS-2019 (F- and J- status holders)
    • I-94 Admission Record
    • Original Passport
    • Social Security Number (SSN) or Social Security Denial (Form SSA-L676)
  5. Pay a nominal application fee. Cash, check, money order, credit or debit cards are accepted.
  6. Pass a written knowledge test. There are 20 questions on the test. You must have 16 correct answers to pass. Practice tests may be taken on the DMV website. 
  7. Pass a vision exam (given at the DMV at the time of the test)
  8. Pass a road/driving test. Information is available on the DMV website. This may be scheduled online or in person after passing the written test.
  9. Pass an Alcohol and Drug Awareness Knowledge Test.

Whether or not you apply for an Alaska driver’s license, it is important to know the driving laws in the state.  The driver’s manual may be found on the Department of Motor Vehicles website.

DMV contact information:

Address:  1979 Peger Road
Phone: 907-451-5180

Note:  Alaska has a mandatory car insurance requirement. See our Transportation section for more information on insurance requirements.