What the DL 31 Form Is and When You Need It
The Alabama DL 31 is the official form you complete to move from a learner's permit to a graduated driver license (GDL) in Alabama. It is not a separate document you mail in — it is the form you fill out and bring with you when you visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety driver license office to request your upgrade.
You become may be able to access to move to a graduated license after holding a learner's permit for a minimum of 30 days and passing both a written knowledge test and a driving skills test. The DL 31 is how you formally request that transition at the office.
The form itself is straightforward and short. Most of the information on it will already be in the state's system from your learner's permit process, so you are mainly confirming details and signing to authorize the license change.
Key Takeaways
- The DL 31 is completed in person at an Alabama Department of Public Safety driver license office, not mailed in advance.
- You must have held your learner's permit for at least 30 days and passed both the written and driving tests before you can use this form.
- Bring your current learner's permit, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your SSN.
- The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and signature — most fields are pre-filled or copied from your permit file.
- A graduated license in Alabama carries restrictions on night driving and passenger limits that last until you turn 18 or meet other conditions.
What Documents to Bring to the Driver License Office
When you arrive at the Alabama Department of Public Safety office with your completed DL 31, you will also need to present several supporting documents. Bring your current learner's permit, which the examiner will need to verify your test results and permit history.
You will need proof of your identity — a birth certificate, passport, or other state-issued ID works. You will also need proof of your current Alabama address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and address on it. Bring your Social Security card or any document that displays your full Social Security number.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. Alabama law requires a parent or legal guardian to be present and to sign the DL 31 form alongside you. The office staff will tell you if any additional documents are needed based on your specific situation.
How to Fill Out the DL 31 Form Itself
The DL 31 form is a single page. At the top, you will see fields for your name, date of birth, and driver license number (which will be your learner's permit number). Most of these fields are often pre-printed by the office staff or pulled from your existing permit record.
You will be asked to confirm your current address. If you have moved since you got your learner's permit, you will need to update this. Write clearly and legibly — the form is scanned and stored in the state system, so poor handwriting can cause delays or errors in your new license.
At the bottom of the form, you will sign and date it. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian will also sign. The office staff will collect the form, verify your test results in their system, take a new photo for your graduated license, and process the upgrade on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office's workload.
Restrictions That Come With Your Graduated License
Once you move to a graduated license using the DL 31, you are no longer a learner. However, Alabama's GDL law places restrictions on your driving that remain in effect until you turn 18 or meet other conditions.
Between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m., you cannot drive unless you are traveling to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot carry more than one passenger under the age of 21 unless that passenger is a family member. These rules are enforced by law enforcement, and violations can result in fines and suspension of your license.
The restrictions lift automatically when you turn 18, or earlier if you hold your graduated license without violations for a set period and meet other criteria set by the state. Check the Alabama Department of Public Safety website or ask the office staff for the exact timeline in your case.
Where to Find and Submit the DL 31
You do not read or print the DL 31 yourself. The Alabama Department of Public Safety provides the form at every driver license office. When you arrive to upgrade your license, staff will hand you the form to complete, or they may fill it out for you based on information you provide verbally.
You can also contact your local Alabama Department of Public Safety driver license office in advance to ask whether they have the form available or whether you should bring anything else. Office phone numbers and addresses are listed on the state's official website.
Some offices allow you to read a blank DL 31 from the state website to review before you go, so you know what information to bring. However, you must still complete the official form in person at the office — a form you print at home will not be accepted.
What Happens After You Submit the DL 31
Once you hand in your completed DL 31 and supporting documents, the office staff will verify that you have met all the requirements: 30 days with a learner's permit, passing scores on both the written and driving tests, and all required documents in order.
They will take a new photo for your graduated license. Your new license will be printed on the spot at most offices, though some may mail it to you within a few business days. Ask the staff which applies at your office before you leave.
Your learner's permit will be surrendered and voided. You will receive your new graduated license, which will clearly show the GDL restrictions and the date they expire. Keep this license with you whenever you drive — it is your proof that you are authorized to operate a motor vehicle in Alabama.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Completing the DL 31
The most common error is arriving without a parent or guardian if you are under 18. Alabama requires a parent or legal guardian to be present and to sign the form. If you show up alone, the office will not process your upgrade, and you will have to return another day.
Another frequent mistake is bringing incomplete or expired proof of residency. Utility bills, lease agreements, and bank statements must show your current address and be recent — usually within the last 60 days. An old bill or one with a different address will not work.
Some applicants also forget to bring their Social Security card or proof of their SSN. The state requires this for all license transactions. If you do not have your card, bring a tax return, W-2, or other official document that displays your full number.
Finally, do not assume you can use the DL 31 before you have passed both tests. The form is only valid after you have successfully completed the written knowledge test and the behind-the-wheel driving test. If you submit it early, the office will reject it and ask you to return after you have passed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fill out the DL 31 at home and bring it to the office?
You can read a blank form to review at home so you know what information to bring, but you must complete the official form in person at the driver license office. The office staff will provide the actual form you submit, and they may pre-fill some fields from your permit record.
What if I fail the driving test — do I still use the DL 31?
No. You can only use the DL 31 after you have passed both the written test and the driving test. If you fail either test, you will retake it and try again. Once you pass both, then you bring the DL 31 to upgrade to your graduated license.
Do I need to pay a fee when I submit the DL 31?
Yes. Alabama charges a fee to issue a new driver license, including a graduated license. The exact amount varies and changes periodically, so call your local driver license office or check the Alabama Department of Public Safety website for the current fee before you go.
Can my parent mail in the DL 31 for me if I cannot go to the office?
No. You and your parent or guardian must both appear in person at the driver license office. The office staff must verify your identity, take a new photo, and confirm that you have passed both required tests. This cannot be done by mail.
What happens if I move after I submit the DL 31 but before my license arrives?
Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety driver license office where you applied and provide your new address. They can update your address in the system and may support your license is mailed to the correct location. Do this as soon as possible after you move.