Laws and Benefits for Veterans and Military Drivers in Alaska

The State of Alaska offers a number of benefits and privileges to those Americans who have either served in a branch of the armed forces in the past or are currently serving in the military.

Disabled Veteran License Plate Registration

Veterans who have at least 50% disability are eligible for one disabled veteran number without any registration taxes or fees. Please note that this plate does not give access to disabled parking. To qualify for parking, you must provide an application completed by both you and a licensed Alaska physician, in addition to U.S. government documentation of a service-related disability.

Veteran driver's license badge

Alaska veterans are eligible for a military rank on their driver's license. To qualify, you must submit an application along with one of the following documents:

• DD 214 or DD 215

• Retirement and track record report (NGB22 or NGB22A)

• A signed letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs stating that you are a retired or honorable discharge veteran.

• A valid military ID that certifies you as a retired or honors veteran

Military badges

Alaska offers a variety of military license plates for veterans or active duty service members, including:

• Industry specific plates

• Purple Heart

• POW plate

• Laotian Veteran's Plate

• Gold Star Family Plaque (available to next of kin of a service member who died in the line of duty)

In addition, you can also add a specific unit to the military honor plate.

To be eligible for an Alaska military license plate, you must provide proof of eligibility, such as:

• Military ID
• Discharge documents (DD 214)
• Verification provided by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

Waiver of military skills exam

In 2011, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration introduced a commercial training permit rule. This rule contains language to allow SDLAs (State Driver's License Agencies) to allow U.S. military drivers to use their service-related truck driving experience to opt out of taking a skill test to obtain a CDL (commercial driver's license). To qualify for this waiver, you must have driven a commercial vehicle during your last year of service. You must also have at least two years of commercial driving experience.

Applicants must certify for the SDLA:

• Safe driving record

• Have not held more than one license (other than a US military driver's license) in the previous two years.

• Your home state driver's license has not been suspended, revoked or revoked.

• Not be convicted of a traffic violation that would disqualify them from a CDL.

There are a number of offenses that may cause members of the military to be denied participation in the Skill Waiver Program, including drunk driving, road traffic accidents, or the use of a commercial vehicle in a criminal offence. Military personnel with qualifying experience can download and print the waiver here. You must pass the written CDL test, even if you are eligible for a road test waiver.

Military Commercial Driver's License Act of 2012

This law allows those who have a CDL in their home state to obtain it in another state (for example, where you are located. Eligible members are the reserves, the National Guard, the Coast Guard, or the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Motorcycle Licensing

In the state of Alaska, motorcycle driver's licenses are classified as a license, not an endorsement. Anyone, including members of the military, who wishes to obtain a motorcycle license must be present in the state in order to be inspected by the DMV.

Driver's License Renewal During Deployment

Military personnel stationed or stationed outside of Alaska are eligible for an extension of up to 90 days after leaving active duty or their return to the state. To be eligible for renewal, your driver's license must be valid for no more than one year. You must submit Form 481 along with your legal name, date of birth, driver's license number, social security number, and a $5 fee (payable by credit card, check, or money order). You can apply through:

• Fax: [phone]

• Email email: [email protected]

• Mail: Division of Motor Vehicles, Juneau Driver Licensing, PO Box 110221, Juneau, AK 99811.

Driver's license and vehicle registration of non-resident military personnel

Alaska does not require military personnel stationed in Alaska to register their vehicles with the state, provided the owner has valid registration and insurance in their home state. The state also recognizes out-of-state driver's licenses for non-resident military personnel stationed within the state and their spouses (however, dependents must obtain an AK license).

Active or veteran service members can read more on the State Automotive Division website here.