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How to Apply for an Alaska REAL ID
An Alaska REAL ID is a federally compliant driver’s license, permit, or ID card that allows you to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities. To apply, visit any UMV location with the correct documents.
1. Proof of Identity
Bring one of the following:
- Current U.S. Passport
- Birth Certificate (If your name has changed due to adoption, marriage, or divorce, bring legal documents such as a marriage license or court order)
Note: if you are a licensed driver bring your current driver’s license.
2. Social Security Number (SSN)
No form is required. Just be ready to provide your SSN at time of processing.
3. Proof of Alaska Residency
Bring two documents showing your physical address (city, state, and ZIP). At least one must list the full address on the same document. Examples include
- Utility Bill (even if mailed to a PO Box, it may list your physical address as the service address)
- Vehicle Registration (issued at least 30 days prior)
- Pay Stub
- Voter Registration Card
- Mortgage Documents
All documents must be unaltered, certified originals or true copies certified by the issuing agency. Documents must be valid, unexpired, and not laminated. Foreign documents must include a certified English translation
4. Name Change History (If Applicable)
If your legal name has changed due to marriage, divorce, adoption, or other reasons, you may need multiple documents proving all name changes.
Examples include:
- Adoption Documents
- Court-Ordered Name Change Document
- Marriage or Domestic Partnership Certificate
- Divorce Decree or Dissolution Documents
Visit UMV to Apply
Once you have your required documents, visit any UMV location to apply for your Alaska REAL ID. If you are missing some of the standard documents listed above, alternative documentation may be accepted.
If you cannot meet all REAL ID requirements, you may still qualify for a standard driver’s license or ID card. Please note that other eligibility requirements, such as vision and knowledge tests, may also apply.
Extended List of Acceptable Documents
Proof of Citizenship or Lawful Status
- Valid, unexpired U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- Certified U.S. Birth Certificate (issued by a city, county, or state)
- U.S. Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
- Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card (I-766)
Social Security Number (If Required)
- Social Security Card (not laminated)
- W-2 Form
- SSA 1099 or Non-SSA 1099 Form
- Pay Stub with Full SSN
- SSA Letter (if ineligible for SSN)
Primary Residency in Alaska
Bring two original, non-handwritten documents from this list:
- Lease or Rental Agreement (signed by landlord and tenant)
- Deed or Title to Residential Property
- Mortgage Bill
- Utility Bills (including cell phone)
- Employment or Insurance Documents
- IRS Documents (1099 or W-2)
- Alaska Vehicle Registration (issued at least 30 days prior)
- Bank Statements or Property Tax Bills
- Faith-Based or Shelter Documentation
- Proof of Resident Tuition Payment
- Change of Address Confirmation (USPS)
- Tribal Card (for remote Alaska addresses)
For minors, a parent’s residency documents can be used. If the child’s last name differs, additional legal documents (e.g., marriage license, divorce decree, name change order) must be provided.
REAL ID Q&A:
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 minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. These purposes are:
- Accessing Federal facilities
- Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft
- Entering nuclear power plants
TSA accepts several other forms of identity documents. For more information on acceptable forms of identification for boarding aircraft, please visit TSA’s website. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification
To get a REAL ID you need to provide documents proving your identity, Social Security Number and Address;
- Current US Passport OR Birth Certificate,
- Social Security Card, W-2 Form or 1099 with your full 9-digit SSN and full name listed
- Two proofs of physical address, both must have the same PHYSICAL ADDRESS and only ONE needs to be dated withing 90 days.
No. Getting the REAL ID is optional, however starting May 7, 2025 every person will need a Federally Compliant ID to fly within the US and enter designated Federal Buildings or military installations.
Yes! We can upgrade your driver’s license or we can issue you a State ID card as The REAL ID.
REAL ID compliant cards are marked with a star at the top right of the card.
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 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)
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 October 1, 2021 but is otherwise valid until expiration.
Unfortunately, no. However, a Global Entry Card meets all the requirements for a REAL ID so you not have to get the Real ID if you already have one.
No. Only documents reflecting proof of renewal will be accepted.
No. A REAL ID is a form of identification that meets increased security standards for state issued drivers licenses and identification cards.
Yes. It cannot be metal.
Yes, a federally recognized, tribal issued photo ID is an acceptable form of identification.
No. REAL IDs cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel. It is designated for US travel.
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.
You can use mail in your spouse’s name with a certified marriage license.
May 7, 2025
No
