Alabama STAR driver licenses require proof of identity, Social Security number, and Alabama residency, plus a passing vision and written test

A STAR driver license is Alabama's standard driver license for people who can prove citizenship or lawful presence in the United States. You will need to bring specific documents to an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, pass a vision screening, answer questions about traffic laws, and pay a fee. The process takes about 30 minutes to an hour once you are in the office, though wait times vary by location.

Unlike some other states, Alabama does not issue a separate "REAL ID" compliant license — the STAR license itself meets federal Real ID Act standards for domestic air travel and federal building access. If you are not a U.S. citizen or do not have lawful presence status, you may be able to get a limited-term license instead, but the document requirements and restrictions differ.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or military ID to prove citizenship, plus a Social Security card or tax return to verify your number.
  • Alabama requires proof of residency such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, and you cannot use a PO box.
  • You will take a written test on traffic signs and road rules, and the state provides a study guide online at the DPS website before you visit.
  • The fee for a STAR license is $28.50 for an eight-year license (or $24.50 for a four-year license if you prefer), and you must renew in person the first time.
  • You can schedule an appointment at most DPS offices to reduce wait time, though walk-ins are also accepted.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Alabama requires an original or certified proof of citizenship. This means a U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy), a valid U.S. passport, a military ID, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not work. If your birth certificate is from another state, you can bring it — Alabama accepts out-of-state documents as long as they are original or certified.

You also need to prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement. The card itself is the easiest option, but any of these documents will work.

For proof of Alabama residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government check. A PO box does not count as a residence address. If you recently moved and do not have a 60-day-old document yet, call your local DPS office — some will accept a combination of documents or a signed affidavit.

Bring a completed Form DL-44 (the process for a driver license). You can fill it out at home or at the office, but having it ready saves time. The form is available on the Alabama DPS website.

The vision test and written exam

At the DPS office, you will take a vision screening using a machine that checks your eyesight. You must be able to read a line of letters or numbers at a certain distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail, you may be required to get a corrective lens restriction on your license, meaning you must wear glasses or contacts whenever you drive.

You will then take a written test on Alabama traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly (80 percent) to pass. The questions cover speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, traffic signals, and what different road signs mean. You can take the test on a computer at the office or on paper, depending on the location.

Alabama provides a free study guide on the DPS website that covers all the material on the test. Many people read through it once or twice before their visit and pass on the first try. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another time — there is no waiting period between attempts.

You do not take a driving skills test (the road test) when you first get your STAR license. Alabama issues a learner's permit first if you are under 18, and you must hold that for a set period and practice with a licensed driver before you can take the road test and get a full license.

Age requirements and restrictions for drivers under 18

If you are 16 or 17, you cannot go straight to a STAR license. You must first get a learner's permit, which requires passing the written test and vision screening but not the road test. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult 19 or older is in the front seat with you.

You must hold the learner's permit for at least 6 months (or until you turn 18, whichever is longer) before you can take the road test. Once you pass the road test, you get a junior license, which has restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving (except in emergencies). These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you hold the junior license for 6 months, whichever comes first.

If you are 18 or older, you can go straight to the STAR license without a learner's permit stage, as long as you pass the written test and vision screening.

Fees and how long the license lasts

A STAR driver license costs $28.50 for an eight-year license. If you prefer a shorter term, you can get a four-year license for $24.50. The eight-year option is more common because the cost per year is lower. You pay the fee at the DPS office when you explore.

Your license will expire on your birthday in the year it is due. For example, if you get a license on March 15, 2024, and choose the eight-year option, it expires on March 15, 2032. You can renew your license up to 6 months before it expires.

When you renew, you will need to renew in person the first time — you cannot renew by mail or online for your first renewal. After that, renewal by mail or online may be an option, depending on your age and whether your address has changed.

Where to go and how to schedule an appointment

You can visit any Alabama Department of Public Safety driver license office. There are offices in most counties, and the DPS website has a full list with addresses and phone numbers. Some offices are busier than others — offices in larger cities often have longer waits.

Many offices now allow you to schedule an appointment online through the DPS website. Appointments typically reduce your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes. If you do not schedule an appointment, you can walk in, but you may wait 1 to 3 hours depending on the time of day and the office location.

Offices are usually open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday hours. Call ahead or check the DPS website to confirm the hours of the office nearest you.

Limited-term licenses for non-citizens

If you are not a U.S. citizen but have lawful presence status (such as a valid visa, work permit, or refugee status), you may be able to get a limited-term STAR license. The document requirements are the same as for a standard STAR license, except you bring your visa, work permit, or other proof of lawful presence instead of a birth certificate or passport.

A limited-term license is valid only as long as your immigration status is valid. For example, if your work permit expires in 2026, your license will expire in 2026 as well. You will need to renew the license in person when your immigration status changes or expires.

If you do not have lawful presence status, Alabama does not issue a driver license. Some states issue licenses to all residents regardless of immigration status, but Alabama is not one of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. You must bring an original or certified copy. A certified copy is one stamped and signed by the vital records office that issued it. You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born, usually for $10 to $25.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2, 1099, tax return, or Social Security statement instead. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or statement before you visit the DPS office.

Do I have to take the written test if I already have a license from another state?

Yes. Even if you have a valid driver license from another state, you must pass Alabama's written test and vision screening to get an Alabama STAR license. You do not have to take the road test again.

Can I renew my license online?

Not for your first renewal. You must renew in person at a DPS office the first time. After that, you may be able to renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions, such as having no address changes and being over 18.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or come back another time. There is no waiting period. Most people pass on the second attempt after reviewing the study guide again. You do not have to pay the fee again to retake the test.