Alaska
Driver Information By State
Every state regulates driver's license eligibility of persons with certain medical conditions. The most common requirement for people with epilepsy is that they be seizure free for a specific period of time and submit a physician's evaluation of their ability to drive safely. Another common requirement is the periodic submission of medical reports, in some states for a specified period of time and in others for as long as the person remains licensed.
Select the state you want to find information about, or if you are moving and would like to compare two states' driving laws side by side? Choose the two states below to compare.
| Law | Alaska |
|---|---|
| DMV Appeal of License Denial | Yes |
| Doctors to Report Epilepsy | No |
| Periodic Medical Updates Required After Licensing | At discretion of DMV |
| Seizure-Free Period | 6 months |
Alaska Driver Licensing Laws
Alaska's regulations require a 6-month seizure-free period prior to the date of application before a person with epilepsy may obtain a driver's license. ALASKA ADMIN. CODE tit. 2, § 90.440(a) (2020). Additionally, the Department requires a licensed physician to submit a written statement indicating that the applicant has been seizure or episode-free for six months, has the condition under control, and can safely operate a motor vehicle. ALASKA ADMIN. CODE tit. 2, § 90.440(a)(2)(A)-(C) (2020). Restricted or probationary licenses are available at the discretion of the department. ALASKA ADMIN. CODE tit. 2, § 90.450(a) (2020).
All medical information submitted is reviewed by the Department of Administration. Upon having a seizure, a licensee must report this fact to the Department and surrender their license. ALASKA ADMIN. CODE tit. 2, § 90.440(a) (2020). To appeal a denial or cancellation by the Department, a person must request an administrative hearing in writing within thirty days of notice. ALASKA ADMIN. CODE tit. 2, § 93.010 (2020). Judicial review is available under ALASKA STAT. § 28.05.141(d) (2020).
Commercial Driving
Alaska has adopted the federal Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Relations, 49 C.F.R. § 391.43, to determine medical qualifications for licensing commercial truck drivers. ALASKA ADMIN. CODE tit. 2, § 90.440(b) (2020).
Alaska Identification Card
Any person may apply to the Department of Public Safety for an identification card. There is a $15.00 fee. ALASKA STAT. § 18.65.310(a) (2020). For an additional payment of $20, the department can issue an identification that is federally compliant. ALASKA STAT. §18.310. If a person is over the age of 60, no fee is charged for the issuance of an identification card. ALASKA STAT. § 18.65.310(g) (2020).
Alaska Reporting
There is no statutory provision requiring doctors to report persons with epilepsy to a central state agency. Alaska law does not immunize a physician who submits medical information from civil liability for damages arising out of an accident caused by a seizure.
© 2020 Epilepsy Foundation. All rights reserved. This summary was developed for informational purposes by the Epilepsy Foundation and reflects a review of data available as of August 2020. Information is subject to change. This summary is not a substitute for legal advice. For further information, please consult your state Department of Motor Vehicles.