Alaska begins issuing licenses compliant with REAL ID

Alaska begins issuing licenses compliant with REAL ID

Residents will need to get a new one by October 2020.

ANCHORAGE — Alaska has begun issuing licenses compliant with national proof-of-identity standards.

The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles has made available across the state licenses that follow guidelines under the federal REAL ID law, the Anchorage Daily News reported this week.

Residents will need to get a new driver’s license by October 2020 in order to use it to enter federal buildings, military bases or board commercial airliners, according to the DMV and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. A passport or global entry card can still be used instead of a state driver’s license.

[Opinion: Real ID concerns wildly exaggerated]

A new Real ID license will cost $40 instead of $20. To get a new ID, residents will need to bring multiple documents with them to a DMV office to confirm their identity. The state’s DMV website lists the documentation needed.

Licenses that do not comply with the REAL ID program will still be available at DMV offices. All commercial drivers’ licenses will be compliant, with the cost increasing from $100 to $120.

The state has not yet said how the REAL ID program will be administered in areas without a DMV office.

“We don’t have a solution in place yet, but it is high on our priority list,” said Jenna Wamsganz, deputy director of the DMV. “We’re actively looking at ways we can access these communities and help these folks.”

The REAL IDs have a new design, featuring a holographic silhouette of Denali with fireweed decorating the left side and a moose on the right side. A transparent star in a black roundel signifies that the license meets the federal standards.


• This is an Associated Press report.


More in Home

Rep. Andi Story, a Juneau Democrat, listens to a presentation during a House Education Committee meeting May 3, 2024, at the Alaska State Capitol. Story has been named co-chair of the committee for the upcoming legislative session. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
State Rep. Andi Story to co-chair House Education Committee under new Democrat-led majority

Sara Hannan remains on Finance Committee as Juneau representatives look to play bigger roles

Larry Gamez and Rachel Ceja collect items for a Thanksgiving food basket to deliver to a house in the Mendenhall Valley on Saturday morning as part of St. Vincent de Paul’s annual distribution program. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Matching those hungry to help with those hungry to feast carries on as pre-Thanksgiving ritual

Food baskets delivered to hundreds of homes, food bank hosts annual drive on Saturday before holiday.

Juneau Police Department cars are parked outside the downtown branch station on Thursday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
JPD’s daily incident reports getting thinner and vaguer. Why and does it matter?

Average of 5.12 daily incidents in October down from 10.74 a decade ago; details also far fewer.

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree reaches Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Nov. 20, to much celebration. (U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree photo)
Santa’s truck-driving helpers are east bound and down to Washington, DC

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree completes multiweek cross-country journey from Wrangell.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Emma Fellman signs a national letter of intent on Thursday at Augustus Brown Pool to attend and swim for the University of Minnesota. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Emma Fellman signs to swim at University of Minnesota

JDHS senior holds 17 high school and club records.

The Douglas Island Breeze In on Wednesday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
New owner seeks to transfer Douglas Island Breeze In’s retail alcohol license to Foodland IGA

Transfer would allow company to take over space next to supermarket occupied by Kenny’s Liquor Market.

Looking through the dining room and reception area to the front door. The table will be covered with holiday treats during the afternoon open house. The Stickley slide table, when several extensions are added, provides comfortable seating for 22 dinner guests. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)
The Governor’s House: Welcoming Alaskans for more than 100 years

Mansion has seen many updates to please occupants, but piano bought with first funds still playable.

The Palmer project would sit in the watershed of the Chilkat River, pictured here. (Scott McMurren/Flickr under Creative Commons license 2.0)
Japanese smelting giant pulls out of major Southeast Alaska mining project

Palmer development, above the salmon-bearing Chilkat River, has for years fueled political divisions.

Most Read