Alabama driver licenses are issued by the Department of Public Safety, and you must explore in person at one of their regional offices

You cannot get an Alabama driver license by mail or online. The Alabama Department of Public Safety requires you to visit a driver license office in your county or a nearby county, bring specific documents, pass a vision test, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Alabama has driver license offices in most counties. If your county does not have one, you can go to an office in an adjacent county. The department's website lists all office locations, hours, and phone numbers by county. Calling ahead can tell you the current wait time and whether you need to bring anything beyond the standard documents.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore in person at an Alabama Department of Public Safety driver license office; no online or mail applications are available.
  • Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
  • You will take a vision test and have your photo taken at the office; bring glasses or contacts if you use them.
  • A standard driver license costs a set fee that varies depending on how long you want it valid; the office will tell you the exact amount when you arrive.
  • If you are renewing an existing license, you may be able to renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change or address change.

Documents you must bring to the driver license office

The Alabama Department of Public Safety requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot get a license without all three.

Proof of identity means an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a military ID, or a tribal ID card. A photocopy of your birth certificate does not count unless it is certified by the vital records office that issued it. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization.

Proof of residency must be a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Alabama address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. Post office mail forwarding notices do not count. If you are homeless or do not have a document in your name, call your local driver license office to ask what they will accept.

Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

What happens during your visit to the driver license office

When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. A clerk will review your documents, ask you questions to verify your identity and address, and collect your fee. You will then go to a separate station for your vision test and photo. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them for driving.

The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you fail, you may be asked to get a vision correction and return, or the office may issue you a license with a restriction requiring you to wear corrective lenses while driving. The photo is taken at the office; you cannot bring your own.

After your photo and vision test, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving until the plastic card arrives.

Fees and how long a license is valid

Alabama driver licenses are valid for four or eight years, depending on which you choose. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The exact fee amounts change periodically, so call your local office or check the Department of Public Safety website for the current price before you go.

If you are under 21, your license will expire on your 21st birthday, regardless of which length you choose. If you are 21 or older, you can choose either length at the time you explore. You pay the full fee upfront; there is no discount for a shorter license.

If you renew your license before it expires, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of visiting an office in person. The rules for mail and online renewal depend on whether your current license is still valid and whether you have had any name or address changes since your last license was issued.

Finding your nearest driver license office and checking wait times

The Alabama Department of Public Safety maintains a list of all driver license offices on its website, organized by county. Each listing shows the office address, phone number, and hours of operation. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. A few offices close for lunch.

Call the office directly to ask about current wait times. Many offices are busier on certain days of the week and at certain times of day. Calling ahead takes two minutes and can save you a long wait. Some offices allow you to make an appointment; ask when you call.

If your county does not have a driver license office, the website will tell you which nearby county office you can visit instead. You do not need to live in that county to get a license there.

What to do if you cannot find a required document

If you do not have an original or certified birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs a small fee. If you need a license before your birth certificate arrives, call your local driver license office and ask whether they will accept a temporary document or a letter from the vital records office stating that you have ordered a certified copy.

If you do not have proof of residency in your name, bring a document in someone else's name (such as a spouse or parent) along with a notarized letter stating that you live at that address. Some offices will also accept a letter from a landlord or property manager on their letterhead, signed and dated, confirming your address.

If you do not have a Social Security card and cannot locate your number, visit the Social Security Administration office or call them to request a replacement card or a letter showing your number. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead if possible.

Renewing or replacing an existing Alabama driver license

If your license is still valid and you have not changed your name or address, you may renew by mail or online without visiting an office. The Department of Public Safety will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires. Follow the instructions on the notice to renew by mail or online.

If your license has expired, you will need to explore in person as if you were getting a new license. Bring the same documents listed above. If your license was lost or stolen, report it to your local police department and bring the police report to the driver license office along with your other documents.

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You will need to explore in person even if your license is still valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can get a license if you bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. Bring this letter along with your other required documents. If you are in the country on a visa or temporary status, ask your driver license office what documents they will accept in place of a Social Security number.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. If you need a license before it arrives, call your local driver license office and ask whether they will accept a temporary document or a letter from vital records confirming that you have ordered a copy. Some offices will work with you on this.

How long does it take to get my plastic license card in the mail?

The plastic card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days after you visit the office. Your temporary paper license is valid for driving during this time. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, call the driver license office to check the status.

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

You can renew by mail or online only if your current license is still valid, you have not changed your name, and you have not changed your address. The Department of Public Safety will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires with instructions for how to renew. If your license has expired, you must explore in person.

What if I fail the vision test?

If you fail, the office will tell you what to do next. You may be able to get corrective lenses and return for another test, or your license may be issued with a restriction requiring you to wear glasses or contacts while driving. Ask the office staff what your options are before you leave.