Alaska Permit Fees: $15 Permit, Free DMV Test, and Online Test Cost

The Alaska instruction permit costs $15. A general knowledge test taken at a local Alaska DMV is free. If you choose the official KnowToDrive online test, each attempt currently costs $11.50.

Alaska Permit Fee Breakdown

The test charge depends on how you take the knowledge test. The $15 instruction-permit fee is separate from any optional online-testing charge.

Alaska Permit and Knowledge-Test Fees

• Permit Issuance Fee: $15 after the permit transaction is approved.
• Local DMV Knowledge Test: No state test fee.
• Online Knowledge Test: $11.50 per attempt if you choose KnowToDrive.

Payment methods are covered on the dedicated payment-methods page because state offices and private partners can use different payment rules.

Replacement and Retest Costs

• Replacement Permit Fee: $15 for a duplicate instruction permit.
• In-Person Knowledge Retest: No state knowledge-test fee at a local DMV.
• Online Knowledge Retest: Another KnowToDrive attempt currently costs $11.50.

Alaska DMV does not publish a general low-income instruction-permit fee waiver. Financial-assistance programs are covered separately.

Is the Alaska permit knowledge test free at the DMV?

Yes. Alaska DMV says the general knowledge test can be taken free at a local Alaska DMV. The $15 instruction-permit fee is separate and is paid for the credential.

How much does the Alaska online permit test cost?

KnowToDrive currently charges $11.50 for each online attempt. Choosing the online option adds that charge to the normal permit cost.

Do I pay another fee if I fail the Alaska permit test?

If you retake the knowledge test at a local DMV, there is no state knowledge-test fee. If you choose another KnowToDrive attempt, another $11.50 fee applies.

Optional Costs That Can Increase the Total

Most extra costs come from optional services rather than the basic $15 permit fee.

Business Partner and Third-Party Service Fees

DMV Business Partners, Contract Agents, driving schools, and other private providers may charge their own service fees. Check the specific location before paying or booking.

Can a DMV Business Partner charge more than the $15 state permit fee?

Yes. A DMV Business Partner or other private provider may add its own service fee to the $15 state permit fee.

REAL ID Does Not Apply to Instruction Permits

Instruction permits are not issued as REAL ID-compliant documents. REAL ID fees apply to driver licenses and ID cards, not instruction permits.

Avoiding Common Costly Mistakes

Use the free local-DMV knowledge test if that option works for you, or budget $11.50 for each KnowToDrive attempt. Private providers can add separate service charges.

Prepare to Pass the First Time

Use the Alaska Driver Manual and practice before testing. This matters most for online testing because each new KnowToDrive attempt has its own $11.50 charge.

Complete Forms Before Arrival

Use the current DMV application form and follow the application instructions so a paperwork problem does not create another trip.

Bring All Required Documents

Check the dedicated document requirements page before visiting the DMV.

Do a few rounds of Alaska permit practice — especially road signs.