We provide standard and Real ID-compliant licenses. Learn more about Alaska's Real ID.
Motorcyclists are eligible for a driving permit when they turn 14. A motorcycle permit will allow you to practice your driving skills whenever you’re accompanied by and under the supervision and visual observation of, a licensed rider on a separate motorcycle who is at least 21 years old. Permit drivers may operate only during daylight hours and may not carry passengers. If you are under 18 and seeking a first-time motorcycle license in Alaska, you are required to first hold a permit for 6 months before you’re eligible to apply. Motorcycle permits are valid for two years and may be renewed once.
How to Apply for an Alaska Motorcycle Permit
- Complete the application form. You may fill it out at home but you are required to sign it in front of a DMV representative.
- All applicants under 18 must also complete a parent consent form. The consent form must be signed in front of a Notary Public or a DMV employee.
- Pass the written knowledge test. You can take a practice test here.
- Pass the written motorcycle test. You can use the official Alaska DMV Operator Manual to study.
- Pass a vision test. You must have 20/40 vision. If you need, you can wear corrective lenses.
- Provide the required documentation.
- Permits are valid for 2 years. You can renew an expired motorcycle permit once after it expires.
- Pay the fee.
How to Get a Motorcycle License
Applicants must be at least 16 years old to apply for any motorcycle license. There are 3 classes of motorcycle licenses: M1, M2, and M3.
M1 Motorcycle License
- This license permits riders to operate any motorcycle with an engine displacement of over 50cc.
- To apply for an M1 license, you must be at least 16 years old.
- Applicants under 18 must additionally have held an instruction permit for at least 6 months and have parental consent.
- M1 licenses are valid for five years and expire on your birthday.
- To test for your M1 you must pass a written motorcycle knowledge test, a motorcycle road test with an engine greater than 50 cc displacement, and a vision test.
- In lieu of a written motorcycle knowledge test, applicants may present a valid motorcycle instruction permit.
M2 Motor-Driven Cycle Permit
- M2 license holders may operate a motor-driven cycle with an engine displacement of less than 50cc.
- The M2 motorcycle permit is a special permit that applies to 14 and 15-year-olds only.
- These permits require parental consent, a passing grade on the written knowledge test as well as the written motorcycle test, a passing grade on a motorcycle road test for motorcycles with 50 cc or less displacement, and a passing vision test.
- In lieu of the written knowledge and motorcycle knowledge tests, applicants may present a valid motorcycle instruction permit.
M3 3-Wheeled Motorcycle License
- Drivers with an M3 license may operate a 3-wheeled motorcycle with an engine displacement of over 50cc.
- To apply for an M3 license you must be at least 16 years old.
- Applicants under 18 must additionally have held an instruction permit for a minimum of 6 months and have parental consent.
- Licenses are valid for five years and expire on your birthday.
- To test for your M3 you must pass the written motorcycle knowledge test, a motorcycle road test with an engine greater than 50 cc displacement, and a vision test.
- In lieu of a knowledge test, applicants may present a valid motorcycle instruction permit.
Steps to Getting a Motorcycle License in Alaska
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- Fill out an application form. Don’t sign it until you’re with one of our representatives.
- Applicants under 18 must also submit a parental consent form. This form must be signed in front of a Notary Public or an Express DMV employee.
- Pass the written knowledge test or present a valid instruction permit. You can take a practice test here.
- Pass the written motorcycle test or present a valid instruction permit. You can use the official Alaska DMV Operator Manual to study.
- Pass a road test and provide a completion certificate for the course.
- Pass a vision test.
- Provide the required proof of identification.
- Standard motorcycle licenses cost $40 cash or $41.20 debit/credit
- Real ID compliant motorcycle licenses cost $65 cash, $66.95 debit/credit
Motorcycle License Application Forms
Required Proof of Identification for a Motorcycle Licenses
You must bring 4 or 5 documents that prove your name and birth date, your current residence, and your social security number. More information about this can be found below.
* Motorcycles and motor scooters with an engine displacement of less than 50cc can be operated with a basic driver's license.
Where can I take a motorcycle road test?
- Alaska DMV office
- Alaska DMV Business partner offering motorcycle testing
- Motorcycle Safety Foundation (Check MSF-USA.com for the location nearest you_
- ABATE of Alaska
- Cherokee Riders
- Valley ABATE
- Kenai Peninsula Harley - Davidson
- Denali Harley - Davidson
- Juneau ABATE, Inc
- California Motorcycle Safety Program (CMSP.MSI5.com)
Replace a Lost Motorcycle License
Steps To Get a Duplicate Motorcycle License
- Fill out the application form, but wait to sign it.
- Prove your identity.
- Pass a vision test.
- Have a new photo taken.
- Pay the $35 duplication fee.
Lost Motorcycle Forms
- Duplication Form D1
Required Proof of Identification for a Motorcycle Licenses
You must provide documents that prove your identity. More information about this can be found below.
Renewing a Motorcycle License
- If your license is currently one year or less away from its expiration date, you’re eligible to renew it. You can quickly renew your motorcycle license in person. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can call or email for an appointment.You will receive a temporary license. Your new license should arrive in the mail within 2 weeks.
Important to note: Alaska does not have a grace period after a license expires. Once your license is expired, it is not legal for you to drive. If you allow your license to expire over a year, you must pass the written test again to renew your license.
Steps to Renewing a Motorcycle License
- Fill out the application form. Wait to sign the form until you are with one of our representatives.
- Pass a vision test. You must have 20/40 vision. If you need, you can wear corrective lenses.
- Have your photo taken.
- Pay the fee.
- Your “under-21” license expires 90 days after your twenty-first birthday. Before you can renew your license, you must also pass an Alcohol and Drug Awareness knowledge test. You may take the Alcohol Awareness test in our office. You can attempt the test up to 2 times a day at no cost.
- You may also be eligible to renew your license online.
Motorcycle License Renewal Forms
Required Proof of Identification for Motorcycle Licenses
You must provide documents that prove your identity. More information about this can be found below.
Transfer a Motorcycle License From Out-Of-State
Alaska requires motorcyclists to transfer their license to Alaska after 90 days. You may use an out-of-state motorcycle license in Alaska for up to 90 days, provided that you are at least 16 years old and your license is currently valid.
Steps to Transfer an Out-Of-State Motorcycle License
- Fill out the application form. Wait to sign the form until you are with one of our representatives.
- Pass a vision test. You must have 20/40 vision. If you need, you can wear corrective lenses.
- Pass the written knowledge test. You can take a practice test here.
- Pass the written motorcycle test. You can use the official Alaska DMV Operator Manual to study.
- Take a Drug and Alcohol Awareness test if you are 21 years of age or older. You may take the Alcohol Awareness test in our office. You can attempt the test up to 2 times a day at no cost.
- Provide the necessary documents.
- Pay the fee.
- If your current license was issued outside of the U.S., the territories, or Canada, you must also pass a motorcycle road test.
Forms to Transfer an Existing Motorcycle License
Required Documents for License Transfers
You must provide documents that prove your identity and residence. More information about this can be found below.
Motorcycle License Identification Documents
You must be able to prove the following elements: your full legal name, identity, date of birth, lawful status in the United States, social security number, and proof of residential address. Multiple documents may be required to show all name changes.
Address verification documents for a parent can be used for a minor child. If the minor's last name is different from the parent's, you must provide legal documents showing the reason for the difference. Examples would be a marriage license, divorce decree, legal name change etc.
Primary documents prove your legal name, date of birth, and citizenship. The following documents qualify as primary documents:
- An original or certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate. Learn about requesting a copy here.
- Your passport or passport card issued by the United States or US Territory.
- A foreign passport with appropriate immigration status forms issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.
- A resident alien, temporary resident alien, or employment work authorization document issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.
- An Alaska instruction permit or Alaska State Identification card.
- Your Certificate of Citizenship, Naturalization, or Birth Abroad.
Note that if your legal name is different than what is printed on your primary document, you must bring the document(s) that provide proof of your name change. You must also update your name with Social Security before changing your name on a license or ID.
Documents to prove your residence must show your residence address, not a post office box or other mail cache facility. The following items are acceptable:
- Utility bill
- Alaska voter registration card
- Alaska title and/or registration (Issued at least 30 days prior to application)
- Paycheck Stub
- Medical Assistance card
- Public Assistance card
- A canceled check or bank statement
- Mortgage or rental documents
- Letter from an employer on letterhead verifying applicant’s residence address
If you have a Social Security Number, you must put it on your application. The information on your application must match official Social Security records.
If you do not have a Social Security Number, you must provide documentation from the Social Security Administration verifying that you have not been issued a number. This documentation must be dated within 90 days of your transaction at the DMV.
If you have changed your legal name, we must be able to establish a connection between your old and new name via the appropriate documents. All documents must be an original or certified copy of the original issued by a government agency.
- A valid U.S. Passport
- Amended birth certificate
- Certified adoption papers, marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree
- Certificate of Dissolution, Divorce, or Annulment
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Name Change
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us or you can send us a message using our online contact form.