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.