(ALASKA) Visa holders in Alaska can get a REAL ID driver’s license, permit, or ID card by applying in person and showing an unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa plus an approved I-94. The rule already matters because REAL ID has been required since May 7, 2025 for domestic flights and many federal facilities if you don’t want to rely on your passport every time.
For many newcomers, the Alaska DMV visit is less about driving and more about daily life: boarding a last‑minute flight for work, entering a federal building for an appointment, or meeting an employer’s ID check. VisaVerge.com reports that demand for REAL ID remains steady because travelers want a single card that works in more places, even when they prefer not to carry a passport.
What REAL ID is and why the May 7, 2025 date matters
REAL ID is a federal security standard for state IDs. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard state license is no longer enough for TSA checkpoints for domestic air travel unless you use another acceptable document, like a passport.
Alaska’s REAL ID card is marked with a star and is issued only after the Alaska DMV verifies:
- Identity
- Lawful status
- Social Security status
- Alaska residency
For federal background and acceptable ID rules, the best reference is the Department of Homeland Security’s official REAL ID page: DHS REAL ID.
Alaska DMV ground rules that commonly cause problems
The Alaska DMV requires an in‑person application for REAL ID at a DMV office or an authorized location, including UMV offices. That applies even if you are renewing or upgrading.
Two other rules catch visa holders by surprise:
- You can’t hold both a REAL ID driver’s license and a REAL ID ID card at the same time. Decide which one fits your life.
- Bring original, unexpired, unaltered documents. If any document is not in English, bring a certified English translation using the DMV translation certification form referenced by Alaska DMV as “COFAT.PDF.” (Ask the office for the translation certification form if you don’t already have it.)
Testing can also come into play. Depending on your situation, the DMV may require a vision screening and/or a knowledge test.
Important: Missing or improperly formatted documents usually means a second trip—plan carefully and use the DMV checklists.
Document checklist for visa holders
Alaska DMV groups REAL ID evidence into clear categories. Bring documents that match these categories exactly, because missing even one item often means a second trip.
1) Proof of identity and lawful status (one primary document)
For many visa holders, Alaska DMV accepts:
- Unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and an approved
I-94
Other acceptable primary documents (for those who qualify) include:
- Unexpired
I-551(Permanent Resident Card) I-766(Employment Authorization Document)
2) Social Security Number (SSN) or SSA ineligibility letter
Write your full 9‑digit SSN on the Alaska DMV D1 application form. Alaska DMV verifies it against Social Security records.
Acceptable supporting documents include:
- W‑2
- SSA‑1099
- Social Security card
If you are not eligible for an SSN, bring an SSA ineligibility letter issued within 90 days.
3) Name change documents (only if names don’t match)
If your name differs across your passport, I-94, visa, or other documents, bring a certified record that connects the names, such as:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Certified court order
4) Two proofs of Alaska residency (strict formatting rules)
Bring two proofs of Alaska residency showing the same physical address. Alaska DMV requires:
- One document dated within 90 days
- Two different sources (not the same source from the same month or billing cycle)
- Account numbers and balances should be redacted
Common examples:
- Lease
- Utility or cellular bill
- Pay stub
- Bank statement
- Insurance paperwork
- First‑class mail with a postmark
- Alaska vehicle title or registration issued at least 30 days before
To reduce mistakes, use Alaska’s official interactive tool, the REAL ID Checklist. Alaska DMV notes it’s for personal use and does not guarantee approval.
Four-stage REAL ID process in Alaska
Follow these stages to improve your chances of a smooth visit.
Stage 1: Prepare your packet (often 1–7 days)
Collect original documents and print the checklist for your records.
Helpful PDFs from Alaska DMV and partners:
Use these to double-check dates, address rules, and translation needs.
Stage 2: Complete the Alaska DMV application form (about 10–20 minutes)
Fill out the D1 application form before you go, or complete it in the office. Use your legal name exactly as shown on your primary identity document unless you also bring a name change record linking every version.
Stage 3: Make your visit plan (same day to several weeks)
Appointments are recommended. Many applicants schedule online through Alaska’s DMV system at online.dmv.alaska.gov.
In smaller communities, Alaska also uses Mobile DMV support and community pre‑screening partners—local planning matters.
Stage 4: In-person verification and issuance (often same day if approved)
At the counter, DMV staff review and scan your documents. You will:
- Pay the required fee
- Complete any required testing (vision or knowledge)
- Be issued the REAL ID credential typically the same day if approved, with the star marking
Expiration rule for visa holders — plan accordingly
A key difference for noncitizens is validity. Your Alaska REAL ID credential expires with your immigration status, meaning the card’s end date is tied to the date shown on your I-94 or related status document.
That affects planning because:
- If you extend or change status later, you must return in person with updated proof.
- Alaska DMV ties the card’s end date to what you can prove on the day you apply.
Practical travel and compliance tips
REAL ID reduces how often you need to carry a passport for domestic flights, but it does not replace your immigration documents. Keep these habits:
- Save a secure copy of your
I-94and status documents for renewals. - Choose residency documents that clearly show your street address and date.
- Redact financial details, but keep your name, date, and address visible.
- If you cannot get an SSN, request the SSA ineligibility letter early so it stays within the 90‑day window.
For official state guidance, Alaska DMV’s main portal is dmv.alaska.gov.
This guide outlines how visa holders in Alaska can obtain a REAL ID before the May 2025 federal deadline. It details the mandatory in-person application process, required documentation—including identity, Social Security status, and residency—and the unique rule that ties the ID’s expiration date to the holder’s legal immigration status. Practical tips focus on document preparation and scheduling appointments to ensure compliance.
