TSA and Your Temporary ID

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) determined nationally that temporary licenses and IDs are not acceptable as stand-alone identification when traveling through TSA checkpoints. If you plan to be traveling while using your temporary ID, please be sure to bring a second form of ID to confirm your identity to avoid unnecessary delay at security.

Please refer to TSA’s website for acceptable ID's.

Alaska IDs Accepted by Federal Agencies

The Department of Homeland security has granted Alaska an extension through October 10, 2015, to meet the standards of the REAL ID Act. Therefore, federal agencies may accept Alaska’s driver licenses and IDs for official purposes in accordance with existing agency policies.

The Grizzly Bear Returns

A change to Alaska law now gives Alaskans a choice of standard issue license plates. In spring 2015, you may choose between the current yellow and blue “The Last Frontier” license plate, or a grizzly bear plate modeled after the 1976 bicentennial design.

Those wishing to trade their current blue and yellow plates for the grizzly plate may do so for $5.

Permanent Registration for Trailers and Older Vehicles

If you live in an unorganized borough or an organized borough that passes an ordinance to participate, you may be eligible for permanent registration for your noncommercial trailer or 8 year-old (model year 2007) or older vehicle beginning January 2015.

What does this mean?

If eligible, and your registration expires January 31, 2015, or later, you can pay a one-time $25 permanent registration fee along with registration fees and motor vehicle registration taxes. At that time you will be issued a permanent “Z” tab and will not have to renew your registration again.

What if let my registration expire so I can permanently register my vehicle in January?

The effective date of this bill is January 1, 2015, so only vehicles with registrations expiring January 31, 2015, or later are eligible for permanent registration. If your registration expired in October 2014 and you want to wait until January to permanently register your vehicle, you will not be allowed because the law was not in effect when your registration expired. Instead, you will be required to renew your biennial registration for another cycle because the option for a permanent registration did not exist at the time your registration expired.

What if I buy a vehicle with a Z tab?

If you purchase a vehicle with a permanent tab, you must pay full registration fees and motor vehicle registration taxes (if applicable). If you wish to permanently register the vehicle you must also pay an additional $25.

What if I sell a vehicle with a Z tab?

If you sell a vehicle with a permanent tab, the new owner may elect to permanently register the vehicle by paying $25, full registration fees, and motor vehicle registration taxes (if applicable).

Road Test Waiver for Alaska’s Veterans

In recognition of the driving skills honed during military service, DMV now offers qualified veterans a waiver from the CDL road skills test.

New License New Process

Alaska’s license has a new look and a new issuance process. When you obtain a new card you will receive a temporary license or ID card over the counter that is valid for 60 days. The new, permanent card will be mailed to you and should arrive in approximately two weeks.

All of the newly designed cards include numerous security features to protect your identity and reduce fraud. Features include a newly designed mountain scene, a clear window in the shape of the state of Alaska, a ghost image of your photograph, a fine line pattern much like is seen on currency, and a snowflake laminate with a state seal hologram. It’s authentically Alaskan.

About CDL Medical Card Requirements

New federal requirement for commercial driver license medical cards took effect May 21, 2014, and require that your medical examination be completed by an examiner on the National Registry.

You do not need to obtain a new medical card.

This requirement applies to drivers obtaining a new medical card after May 21, 2014. Your existing medical information is still valid through the expiration date DMV has on file.

To see if your medical provider has been certified, please visit the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners website.

Permanent Registration Tab for Seniors and Disabled

DMV now issues a permanent registration tab for applicants 65 years or older or anyone with a disability who is entitled to one free noncommercial vehicle registration.

The permanent tab is orange-red in color with a large “P” in place of the 2-digit year, and should be placed in the upper right corner of the rear license plate. Vehicle registrations will reflect the permanent status.