DMV Express Alaska Real ID

Applying is fast, easy, and affordable at Auto Tags & Titles. Our friendly representatives are here to help you complete the required paperwork to register for your Real ID, and there's never a need to book an appointment. Most of our wait times are limited to 0-20 minutes, however, a member of our staff can always provide a more accurate time estimate over the phone.

Want to save even more time? You may complete the D1 Real ID application in advance. Do not sign or date the application until you are present in front of a DMV agent.

Documents You'll Need to Apply for a Real ID

To be issued an Alaska Real ID driver license, permit or ID card, you must demonstrate the following three things:

1. Prove who you are
2. Prove your SSN belongs to you
3. Prove where you live

Use this printable checklist or visit the Alaska DMV site to ensure that you have the necessary documentation required to apply for a Real ID.

You'll need (TWO) of the following documents.

• Current US Passport
• Current Driver's License or ID
• Birth Certificate
  • If your name has changed due to adoption, marriage or divorce you will need to bring in your marriage license or court documents to certify the name change
  Prove Your SSN Belongs To You

  You'll need (ONE) of the following documents.

  • Social Security Card
  • W2 – with full name and SSN listed
  • 1099R – With full name and SSN listed
  Prove Where You Live

  You'll need (TWO) documents that prove where you physically live. One of the two documents must be dated within the last 90 days.

  All documents presented must be unaltered certified originals, certified amended originals, or true copies certified by the issuing agency.

  Documents must be valid and unexpired and may not be laminated.

  Foreign documents must have certified English translation.

  Alternative Documents to Apply for a Real ID

  If you have difficulty finding documents to meet the criteria above, please review the list below for alternative documents.

  Acceptable Proof
  • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
  • Certified copy of U.S. birth certificate (issued by a city, county, or state vital statistics office)
  • Certified copy of birth certificate from a U.S. Territory. Puerto Rico birth certificates issued on or after July 1, 2010
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad of U.S. Citizen
  • Unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. Visa and approved I-94 form
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
  • Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card
  • Valid/unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card (I-766)
  • Valid REAL ID license or ID card from a compliant state (Note: Documentation of U.S. citizenship or lawful status is required)

  PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP OR LAWFUL AUTHORIZATION TO BE IN THE US

  • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
  • Certified copy of U.S. birth certificate (issued by a city, county, or state vital statistics office)
  • Certified copy of birth certificate from a U.S. Territory. Puerto Rico birth certificates issued on or after July 1, 2010
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad of U.S. Citizen
  • Certificate of Citizenship
  • U.S. Adoption Order w/birth information
  • Refugee/Asylee I-94
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • I-551 Resident Alien / Permanent Resident Card
  • I-766 Employment Authorization Card
  Proof of Name Change

  If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, adoption or any other reason, multiple documents may be required to show all name changes.

  • Adoption documents that contain the legal name after the adoption process
  • A name change document that contains the legal name both before and after the name change
  • Marriage certificate
  • A certificate, declaration, or registration document verifying the formation of a civil union or domestic partnership
  • Dissolution of marriage/civil union/domestic partnership document that contains the legal name as a result of the court action
  Proof of Social Security Number
  • Social security card (not laminated or metal)
  • W-2 form
  • Social Security Administration (SSA) 1099 form
  • Non-SSA-1099 form
  • Pay stub with full SSN
  • I am ineligible for a social security number, a letter from SSA may be required
  Proof of Primary Residency

  Two documents from below must be presented with one of the two documents being dated within 90 days. Documents must be originals. You can redact account numbers or balances from resident documents.

  • Rental or Lease Agreement with the signature of the owner/landlord and the tenant/resident
  • Deed or Title to residential real property
  • Mortgage bill
  • Home utility bills or cell phone bill
  • Employment documents
  • Insurance documents, including medical, dental, vision, life, home, rental and vehicle
  • An official document prepared and mailed to you by the IRS (1099 or W-2)
  • Change of address confirmation by the U.S. Postal Service.
  • Property tax bill or statement
  • Faith-Based documents that include name and address of organization
  • Records from a financial institution/bank
  • Voter registration confirmation letter or postcard issued by The Alaska Division of Elections
  • Proof of payment of resident tuition at a public institution of higher education in Alaska
  • A Letter on letterhead from a homeless shelter, shelter for abused women, nonprofit entity, faith-based organization, employer or government agency within the United States attesting that the applicant resides in Alaska
  • Alaska Certificate of Vehicle Titles or Registration (Issued At Least 30 Days Prior To The Date of Application)
  • Alaska Tribal Card (For non-standard remote Alaska addresses only, within the tribal area indicated on the card)

  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.

  Still have questions about Alaska Real ID?

  How do I know if my license or identification card is a REAL ID/DL?

  The difference between a standard and a Real ID is that Real IDs comply with the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.”

  Real ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top right of the card.

  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

    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 October 1, 2021.

    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)

      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 October 1, 2021 but is otherwise valid until expiration.

      If I don’t have my Permanent Resident card on hand, can I use the paperwork showing it is being renewed?

      No. Only documents reflecting proof of renewal will be accepted.

      Is my tribal identification an acceptable form of ID?

      Yes, a federally recognized, tribal issued photo ID is an acceptable form of identification.

      Can I use my REAL ID card to cross the border into Canada and Mexico and for international travel?

      No. REAL IDs cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel. It is designated for US travel.

      Will minors need to obtain the REAL ID for traveling?

      No. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification.

      Can I use a proof of residency under my spouse’s name?

      You can use mail in your spouse’s name with a certified marriage license.

      When will the REAL ID go into effect?

      Alaska Real IDs have been available since January 2, 2019. On May 3, 2023, Real IDs will become a requirement if you use your driver's license to travel, or you visit or work on a military base or federal property.