Visiting the Alaska DMV: appointments, what to bring and what to expect
Who runs Alaska's DMV offices, which tasks you can finish online instead, how to book an office appointment or road test, and which documents, forms and payment to bring.
Guide · Alaska · Appointments · updated October 29, 2026
In Alaska, one agency handles both driver licensing and vehicles: the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), part of the State of Alaska Department of Administration. It issues driver licenses, permits and ID cards, and it titles and registers vehicles. This guide covers what you can do without going in, how to book a visit, and what to bring so you only have to go once.
Who runs the offices
The DMV's location list has three kinds of service points:
- State DMV offices, such as Anchorage (University Center), Eagle River, Fairbanks, Juneau, Bethel, Homer and Ketchikan.
- Contract agent offices in smaller communities. Each one is run by a local operator, for example the City of Cordova or the Bristol Bay Borough in King Salmon, and each lists its own hours, phone number and services.
- Business partners: privately owned businesses that handle some DMV transactions. The DMV notes that they charge a fee for their service, that what they offer varies by location, and that they also process remote transactions by email and mail.
For the offices near you, see the Alaska DMV office list on this site, and check the DMV's own location page for current hours.
Check whether you need to visit at all
The DMV's home page tells people to use its online services first and says that, no matter how complex the situation, you may not have to visit an office. Its quick links include:
- Renewing or replacing a license or ID card
- Updating your address
- Renewing vehicle registration
- Ordering a personalized plate
- Getting your driving record
- Checking on a card in the mail ("Where is My License / ID?")
- Taking the knowledge test online
Online renewal also saves money for vehicles: the DMV charges a $10 walk-in fee to renew registration in person.
Some tasks do require a visit. A first Alaska driver license has to be applied for at a DMV office, and so does a first REAL ID card, even if the DMV already has your documents on file. The details are in the Alaska driver license and ID card guide.
Appointments and road tests
The DMV uses two separate online schedulers:
- Office appointments, booked through the "Schedule an Office Appointment" link on the location page.
- Road tests, booked through the "Schedule a Road Test" link. State offices list road tests as appointment-only, and the test days differ by office. At most contract agent offices you call the office to book a road test.
Some contract agent offices list their hours as by appointment only, and others give a phone number to call for an appointment, so read the entry for the office you plan to visit. Several state offices also list closures you should know about. Many close from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. Most list closures on state holidays. Some close over lunch. The location page links to a closures and delays page.
If you are taking a knowledge test, note the cut-off times. Anchorage, for example, says you must pass the test by 4:30 p.m. to be issued a permit or license that day.
What to bring
For a driver license, permit or ID card, the DMV asks for one document from each of these categories:
- Primary document: proof of your legal name, date of birth and lawful presence. Examples are a certified U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport or passport card, or a permanent resident card.
- Proof of principal residence: a document showing your name and residence address. A post office box does not count. Examples are a utility bill, a pay stub, a bank statement or a lease.
- Social Security number: you write it on your application, and it must match Social Security's records. If you do not have one, bring documentation from the Social Security Administration showing that you were not issued a number.
- Name change documents, if your current name differs from your primary document. The DMV says you must update your name with Social Security first.
A REAL ID has stricter rules. You need two residency documents; two documents from the same source cannot be from the same month or billing cycle. All documents must be certified originals or certified copies. Foreign documents need a certified English translation. Use the DMV's printable REAL ID checklist. For background, see REAL ID explained.
If you live in a community without standard street addresses, the DMV accepts documents that give a physical description of your home instead.
Forms to fill in beforehand
- Form D1: the application for a driver license, permit or ID card. The DMV says you can fill it out and print it in advance.
- Form 433: parental consent for an applicant under 18. If a parent does not come with the minor, this form must be notarized. For a motorcycle permit or license, use Form 433M instead.
- Form V1: the Vehicle Transaction Application, used for both title and registration.
All three are on the DMV's forms page.
Paying
The DMV's FAQ says it accepts all credit cards, personal checks and money orders made out to the State of Alaska. Its page on transferring a vehicle from another state says fees for in-person transactions can be paid by cash, check or card. Some offices list their own payment rules. The Glennallen contract agent office, for example, lists cash or card only, and the Tok office accepts only credit cards.
If you apply by mail, send a check or money order made payable to "State of Alaska". Do not send cash or card details.
At the counter
Depending on the transaction, you may take a vision test or a written knowledge test. The DMV says new residents can attempt the written test only once per day. For a road test, you bring the vehicle. It must be in working order, and you need current insurance and the printed registration.
Your new license or ID card is sent to you by mail. The DMV asks you to check your temporary document carefully. Make sure the card type (Standard or REAL ID) and your personal details are correct. The "Where is My License / ID?" link on the DMV home page is there to check on a card that has not arrived yet.
Accessibility
The DMV says it does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you need an interpreter, materials in another format or other accommodations, call 907-269-5551 and ask for the manager for ADA accommodations. Call ahead, ideally 7 days before your visit. The options the DMV lists include:
- Opening early or staying late
- Head-of-the-line service
- Service in a calm back office
- A paper knowledge test
For vehicle paperwork, see the Alaska vehicle registration and title guide.