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AK REAL ID

REAL ID Deadline Extended

On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

The Alaska Real ID is not mandatory for Alaskans with a non-commercial license. Alaskans that hold a Commercial Driver License are required to be federally compliant and will be required to upgrade to the REAL ID at the time of license expiration if not already compliant.

Documents Required

Need to print a REAL-ID Checklist? Click here.

Want to know what documents to bring with you? Check out our online REAL-ID Checklist.

Real ID FAQ

How do I apply for a REAL-ID?
    The process is similar to Alaska’s current driver’s license/ID card application process, but with added requirements. All applicants for a compliant card, including current Alaska card holders, must apply in-person and provide DMV with source documentation, even if it was previously submitted:
    • Proof of Identity
    • Proof of U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or other Lawful Status
    • Proof of Name Change (if applicable)
    • 2 Documents Verifying Alaska Residency
    • If you have no Social Security Number, proof from Social Security Administration
    You can find a list of source documents that Alaska currently accepts for REAL-ID cards here
What are the Fees?
    For a complete list of the Fees click here.
What is REAL ID?
    Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act established requirements for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification (ID) cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and ID cards from states that do not meet the requirements.
What is Alaska’s status with REAL ID implementation?
    As of April 17, 2019 the State of Alaska is REAL ID Compliant.
Do I need a REAL ID?
    Beginning May 7, 2025, non-compliant cards will no longer be valid identification to enter federal facilities, access military bases, and to board commercial airplanes. If you do not need access to those facilities, then you may not need a REAL ID. Additionally, you may already have another form of ID that is REAL ID compliant. These include a valid passport, a valid military ID, and some forms of tribal IDs.  TSA list available here. You do not need a REAL ID to fly, although you will need a federally compliant ID. Please see a comprehensive list of acceptable TSA identification here.
Can I still get on base and fly with my current license or ID?
    Yes. Non-compliant cards can still be accepted through May 2, 2023*

    Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID compliant license/ID card or another federally acceptable form of identification will be required to access federal facilities, enter nuclear power plants, and board commercial aircraft.

    *Note: Many federal facilities such as military bases, may have limits on identification documents accepted for entrance. Please check with the federal facility or military base before you visit.
What are the benefits of a REAL ID compliant license or ID?
    Holders of compliant Alaska licenses and ID cards will be able to use them as identification to access federal buildings, including military installations, and board commercial, domestic flights* without additional documentation.  After September 2021, old style cards and standard cards marked “federal limits apply” will not be accepted for entrance to federal facilities/bases or commercial flights.
    *A U.S. passport book is required for international air travel.
If I have a commercial driver’s license, do I have to get a REAL ID compliant CDL?
    Starting January 2nd, 2019, state law requires all new CDLs to be federally compliant. New means:
    • First ever CDL
    • Transferring an out of state CDL (even if you previously held an Alaska CDL)
    • Upgrade of an existing CDL
      • add/remove endorsements
      • add/remove restrictions
      • pursuing a higher class
    • Renewal of an existing CDL that will soon expire
    All standard CDL cards currently in circulation continue to be valid until they expire. However, this type of CDL can only be used for official federal purposes while Alaska has an extension from DHS and ends on the federal enforcement date of May 7, 2025. 

    Duplicates of a non-REAL ID CDL issued prior to January 2019 may still be issued to replace a lost CDL.  Current CDL holders may choose to get a REAL ID CDL any time after January 2nd, 2019 but are not required to do so until renewal. Duplicate means:
    • An exact copy of what was issued before the law change
    • A card reissued to update personal information not considered an upgrade or change to commercial privileges. For example:
      • change of name
      • change of address
      • addition or removal of general driving restrictions (e.g. restriction 1 – corrective lenses)
    In summary, CDL holders have the following options:
    • Mandatory upgrade to REAL ID upon renewal to keep the CDL (may require a new hazmat check, as applicable)
    • Voluntarily upgrade to REAL ID CDL anytime (may require a new hazmat check, as applicable)
    • Downgrade to non-commercial DL upon CDL expiration if the CDL isn’t needed/wanted.
    • Stick with the standard CDL in hand knowing that it can't be used to access federal facilities past May 7, 2025 but is otherwise valid until expiration.
How does the 5-year Hazardous Materials Threat Assessment Check requirement work with a CDL valid up to 8-years?
    Federal and state regulations continue to require the check at 5-year intervals, regardless of the duration of the CDL. Starting December 20, 2018, the expiration date of the hazardous materials endorsement will appear on the reverse side of the CDL. A new threat assessment check plus issuance of a duplicate CDL is required to retain the endorsement.
Why does my school bus license expire in 5-years?
    In accordance with Alaska Statute 28.15.046, the duration of a school bus license is 5 years.
Were you born in Alaska and need a copy of your birth certificate?
  • Visit www.vitalrecords.alaska.gov and select “Birth Certificates” under “Order Certificates”. Submit the request form with the appropriate documentation and fee to receive a copy of your certificate for a REAL ID-complaint license.
  • If you were born in Alaska, but don’t yet have a birth certificate on file, contact the Alaska Vital Records Office at (907) 465-3391 or visit our website at www.vitalrecords.alaska.gov. You will need:
    • Application for Delayed Birth
    • Documentary evidence that you were born in Alaska (school records, immunization records, or other similar documentation)
    • Birth Certificate Order form and $60
    "If you have questions about the birth certificate request/application process...” ?, please contact Alaska Vital Records Office at (907) 465-3391, Monday through Friday, from 8AM-5PM Alaska Time.
Were you born in another state and need a copy of your birth certificate?
    Please click here to see if you can get a copy using this nationwide site.
What do the REAL ID compliant cards look like?
    Alaska’s cards have been completely redesigned to offer a more modern, secure and durable credential. Both standard and REAL ID cards will have the same design but will contain different markings. REAL ID cards will be marked with the REAL ID star on the top right corner.  Standard cards will not have the star and will be marked “Federal limits apply.”  The duration of all five-year card types will increase to eight years.

    New Secure Card Features
    Alaska DMV is proud to announce the release of their newly redesigned driver license and ID cards. These credentials will now be produced using a highly secure substrate called polycarbonate. As a card material, polycarbonate is the most durable substrate on the market today, and it houses the most level 1 security features – giving your card the highest barrier of defense against counterfeiting and attacks.


    This new design incorporates cutting edge security and other features, including:


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How much will does REAL ID cost?
    Regular card fees, plus a $20 REAL ID Fee.  For example:
    • Driver’s license fee ($20) + REAL ID fee ($20) = $40 for a REAL ID license
    • Identification card fee ($15) + REAL ID fee ($20) = $35 for a REAL ID Identification card
    • CDL fee ($100) + REAL ID fee ($20) = $120 for a REAL ID CDL
    • Senior ID ($0) + REAL ID fee ($20) = $20 for a senior REAL ID
    *Remember card validity is increasing to up to 8-years
How many REAL ID cards can I have?
    Federal and state laws allow a person to hold only one REAL ID compliant card and only one driver’s license at any time. Alaska residents may simultaneously hold an Alaska Driver’s License and Alaska Identification card, but only one can be compliant. It is also permissible to hold identification cards issued by other states if only one is REAL ID compliant and the driver’s license is not REAL ID compliant. Issuance laws vary between states. While Alaska allows multiple credential types, many states do not. Issuance of an Alaska REAL ID license or ID card may trigger cancelation of other state’s identification cards per the laws of the issuing state.
Is REAL ID just a way to create a national database?
    No. REAL ID does NOT create a federal database of driver’s license information and does not create national identification cards. REAL ID is a set of national standards for issuing licenses and identification cards. Each jurisdiction continues to issue its own unique license, maintains its own records, and controls who gets access to those records and under what circumstances. The purpose of REAL ID is to make our identity documents more consistent and secure.
Will the card have a chip in it?
    No. REAL ID cards do not have a chip in them.
Why is my REAL ID marked “Limited Term”?
    “Limited Term” indicates the REAL ID card expiration date of a temporary resident with lawful status is matched to the length of authorized stay in the U.S., typically less than the normal up to 8 year license period. This marking does not apply to standard cards that similarly display shortened expiration dates based on authorized stay.
How do I find more info on card types?
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Revised 9/13/2021 09:30