What you need to do to get a driver's license in Alabama
To get a driver's license in Alabama, you will visit your county's Department of Public Safety office, pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a vision test, and pass a driving test with an examiner. The whole process takes multiple visits spread over weeks or months — you cannot do it all in one day. You will need to bring specific documents proving your identity and Alabama residency, pay a fee (currently $32.50 for an eight-year license), and schedule your driving test in advance because wait times vary by location.
Alabama issues driver's licenses through the Department of Public Safety, which operates testing centers in each county. You do not explore online or by mail. You must appear in person at a testing center, and the order of your visits matters: you take the written test first, then the vision test, then — only after passing both — you schedule and take the driving test.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit your county's Department of Public Safety office in person to get a driver's license; there is no online or mail option.
- Bring an original birth certificate or passport, proof of Alabama residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number to your first visit.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, then a vision test, and only after passing both can you schedule a driving test with an examiner.
- The driving test appointment may be weeks away depending on your county, so plan ahead and do not wait until you need the license urgently.
- The current fee is $32.50 for an eight-year license, and you must pay at the time of your first visit.
Documents you must bring to your first visit
Bring an original birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport. A photocopy will not work — the Department of Public Safety requires the original document. If you were born outside the United States, bring your original passport or a Certificate of Naturalization or Green Card.
You also need proof of Alabama residency. This can be a current utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government-issued document showing your Alabama address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail alone is not enough — it must be an official document from a utility company, financial institution, or landlord.
Bring your Social Security number or your Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
Bring payment for the license fee. Alabama charges $32.50 for a standard eight-year driver's license. Some counties accept cash, check, or card; call your local office to confirm what payment methods they take.
Taking the written test and vision test
At your first visit, you will take a written test on Alabama traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can study using the Alabama Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the Department of Public Safety website. The manual covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what different road signs mean.
After you pass the written test, you will take a vision test at the same visit. The examiner will check whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be referred to an eye doctor, and you will need to bring a letter from the doctor stating that you can drive safely before you can proceed.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it. Most counties let you retake it the same day or within a few days, though policies vary. Call your local Department of Public Safety office to ask about their retake policy.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
Once you pass both the written and vision tests, you are cleared to schedule a driving test with an examiner. The examiner will ask you to drive a set route while they watch and score your performance. They will test your ability to start the car, turn, brake, park, and follow traffic laws. The test usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes.
You must bring a vehicle to the driving test, and it must be in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and insurance must be current. If you do not own a vehicle, you can borrow one from a family member or friend, as long as the owner's permission is clear and the vehicle meets safety standards. The examiner will inspect the vehicle before the test begins.
Wait times for the driving test vary widely by county. Some counties have appointments available within two weeks; others have a wait of two months or longer. Call your local Department of Public Safety office as soon as you pass the written test to find out how long the wait is and to schedule your appointment. Do not assume you can get a test quickly.
What happens if you fail the driving test
If you do not pass the driving test, you can retake it. You do not have to retake the written test or vision test — those results stay on file. The cost to retake the driving test varies by county; some charge a small fee, and others do not charge for retakes. Call your local office to ask.
You must wait at least one day before retaking the driving test, and you must schedule a new appointment. Again, the wait time depends on your county. Many people retake the test within a few days, but some counties have longer gaps between available appointments.
Finding your county's Department of Public Safety office
Each of Alabama's 67 counties has at least one Department of Public Safety office. To find the office nearest you, visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and look for the county office locator. The site lists the address, phone number, and hours for each location.
Call your local office before you go. Ask about their current hours, whether they are accepting walk-ins or require appointments for the written test, how long the wait is for a driving test appointment, and what payment methods they accept. Some offices have changed their procedures, and calling ahead saves you a wasted trip.
Costs and timeline
The license fee is $32.50 for an eight-year license. You pay this at your first visit when you take the written test. Some counties charge a small fee to retake the driving test if you do not pass on your first attempt, though this varies.
The timeline depends on how quickly you pass each test and how long your county's wait is for driving test appointments. If you pass the written and vision tests on your first try and your county has a short wait, you might have your license within three to four weeks. If you fail a test or your county has a long wait, it could take two to three months. Plan accordingly and do not wait until you urgently need the license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver's license if I do not have a birth certificate?
You need either an original birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state where you were born. If you were born outside the United States, a passport or Certificate of Naturalization works instead. Contact your local Department of Public Safety office to ask about other documents they may accept in your specific situation.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test. Most counties let you retake it the same day or within a few days, though the policy varies. You do not have to pay the full license fee again — ask your local office what the retake cost is. You can study the Alabama Driver's Manual again before your next attempt.
Do I need to take a driver's education course?
Alabama does not require a driver's education course to get a standard driver's license as an adult. However, if you are under 18, you must complete an approved driver's education course before you can take the driving test. Ask your local Department of Public Safety office for a list of approved courses in your area.
Can I take the driving test in a borrowed vehicle?
Yes, you can borrow a vehicle from a family member or friend as long as it is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will inspect the vehicle before the test. Make sure the owner is comfortable with you using it and that you have permission in writing if possible.
How long is a driver's license valid in Alabama?
A standard driver's license is valid for eight years. You will need to renew it before it expires. Alabama allows you to renew online or by mail if your license is not suspended and you have not had any major changes to your information.