Your Complete Document Checklist for a Flawless Alaska DMV Appointment

A trip to the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can be a smooth, efficient process or a frustrating, time-consuming ordeal. The difference often comes down to one thing: preparation. Arriving for your Alaska driver's license appointment with all the correct documentation in hand is the single most important thing you can do to ensure a successful visit.

Getting turned away because of a missing or incorrect document is a common and entirely avoidable problem. Use this comprehensive checklist to gather everything you need before you head out the door.

The Core Four: Document Categories for a Standard License

To obtain a standard Alaska driver's license or instruction permit, you must provide documents that prove four key things: your identity and date of birth, a secondary verification of that identity, your Social Security number, and your Alaska residency. [3, 13] All documents must be original or certified copies. [18] Photocopies are not accepted.

1. Proof of Legal Name, Identity, and Date of Birth (Bring ONE)

This is your primary identification document. It must show your full legal name and date of birth.

U.S. Birth Certificate: An original or certified copy issued by a state, county, or vital statistics office. [1, 3, 10] Hospital-issued certificates are generally not accepted.
Valid, Unexpired U.S. Passport or Passport Card: [1, 3, 10]
Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship: [1, 3, 10]
Valid, Unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Green Card): [8, 10]
Unexpired Foreign Passport with a valid U.S. Visa and approved I-94 form: [1, 3, 10]
Valid, Unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card (I-766): [8, 10]
Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen: [10]

2. Secondary Document (Bring ONE)

This document helps to verify your primary document.

Any document from the Primary list: [12]
Current, valid Driver's License or ID card from another state: [2]
School ID with photo: [2]
Employee ID with photo: [2]
Health insurance card: [2]
Military ID or Dependent ID: [12]

You must provide your Social Security number. While you may not always need to bring the physical card, the name and number you provide on your application must match the records held by the Social Security Administration. [3]

Original Social Security Card: [2, 12] (Laminated cards are not acceptable). [12]
W-2 Form or other IRS tax form showing your name and full SSN: [2]
Letter from the Social Security Administration: If you are ineligible for an SSN, you must provide an official letter stating that. [12, 18]

4. Proof of Alaska Residency (Bring at least ONE)

You must present a document that shows your current physical residence address in Alaska. A P.O. Box or mail facility is not considered a physical address. [3]

Utility Bill: Such as an electric, gas, water, or cell phone bill. [3, 8]
Lease or Rental Agreement: Must be current and signed by you and the landlord. [3, 8, 32]
Mortgage or other homeownership documents: [3, 8]
Paycheck Stub: Must show your name and address. [3]
Bank or Credit Card Statement: [3]
Alaska Voter Registration Card: [3, 8]
Vehicle Title or Registration: Must have been issued at least 30 days prior to your DMV visit. [3, 8, 32]
Change of Address Confirmation from the U.S. Postal Service: [3]
Letter from a recognized organization on official letterhead: Such as an employer or charitable organization, verifying your residence. [3]

For Minors: A minor can often use a parent's proof of residency documents. [1]

What If Your Name Has Changed?

If the name on your primary identification document does not match the name you are currently using, you must show a legal link between the names. You will need to bring the original or certified documents that show your name change history. [2, 12, 18]

Certified Marriage Certificate
Divorce Decree specifying the name change
Court-ordered name change document

You may need to provide multiple documents if your name has changed more than once.

The REAL ID Document Checklist

If you are applying for a REAL ID-compliant license, the document requirements are stricter. A REAL ID will be required for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights. [29]

For a REAL ID, you will generally need:

ONE proof of identity and lawful status (from the primary list).
Proof of your Social Security Number.
TWO proofs of Alaska residency. [8, 18]
Proof of all name changes, if applicable.

Always check the latest REAL ID checklist on the Alaska DMV website before your appointment. [10, 18]

Final Pre-Appointment Check

Before you leave for the DMV, lay out all your documents and double-check them against this list.

Are they originals or certified copies?
Are any of them expired? (They must be valid and unexpired). [18]
Do you have a document for each required category?
If your name has changed, do you have the legal documents to prove it?
Do you have your completed application form (unsigned)?
Do you have an accepted form of payment for the fees? [2]

Taking a few extra minutes to organize your documents will save you a huge amount of time and stress at the DMV, setting you up for a quick and successful appointment.