What ALEA is and why it matters for your license

ALEA stands for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. It is the state body that issues driver licenses in Alabama. When you need a new license, a renewal, a replacement, or a change to your existing license, ALEA is the agency that handles it. Understanding how ALEA works and what documents you need will save you a trip to the office.

ALEA runs driver license offices across Alabama. These are physical locations where you go in person to get your license photo taken, pass a vision test, and hand over your documents. You cannot get a driver license entirely by mail or online in Alabama — you must visit an office.

Key Takeaways

  • ALEA is Alabama's driver license issuer, and you must visit an ALEA office in person to get or renew your license.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of Alabama residency, and your Social Security number or an ITIN to get a license.
  • ALEA offices are located in most counties, and you can find your nearest office and check hours on the ALEA website.
  • A standard Alabama driver license is valid for four years, and ALEA will mail your new license to you after your visit.
  • If you need a license quickly, some ALEA offices offer a temporary paper license you can use while you wait for the real one to arrive.

What documents you need to bring to an ALEA office

ALEA requires specific documents before they will issue you a license. Bring the wrong paperwork and you will have to go back home and return another day. The documents fall into three categories: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN.

For proof of identity, ALEA accepts a valid passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a previous driver license. If you are using a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement with your name and current Alabama address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring an ITIN letter from the IRS instead.

If you are renewing a license and your name has not changed, some of these requirements may be waived. Check the ALEA website or call your local office before you go to confirm what you actually need to bring.

Finding your nearest ALEA office and checking hours

ALEA operates driver license offices in most Alabama counties. The main office is in Montgomery, but there are branch offices in larger cities and some smaller towns. Hours vary by location — some offices are open Monday through Friday, while others have limited hours or are closed on certain days.

The fastest way to find your nearest office is to visit the ALEA website and use their office locator tool. You can search by county or city and see the address, phone number, and hours for each location. You can also call the main ALEA office directly if you cannot find the information online. Some offices allow you to make an appointment, which can cut down your wait time, though walk-ins are also accepted.

How long it takes to get your license after your visit

After you visit an ALEA office and complete your process, ALEA will mail your new driver license to the address you provide. This usually takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods. You will not receive your license on the same day you explore.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the ALEA office staff whether they can issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. Not all offices offer this, and it is only valid for a short period — usually 30 days — so confirm before you leave. A temporary license lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail.

Different types of licenses ALEA issues

ALEA issues several types of driver licenses depending on your age and what you plan to drive. A standard driver license is for people 19 and older and lets you drive a regular passenger vehicle. A commercial driver license (CDL) is for people who drive large trucks or buses for work and requires extra testing and endorsements. A motorcycle endorsement lets you legally ride a motorcycle and requires a separate test.

If you are under 19, Alabama issues a junior driver license with restrictions — for example, you may not be allowed to drive between certain hours or with certain passengers. These restrictions lift when you turn 19 and can get a standard license. ALEA also issues licenses to people over 65 with a shorter validity period if they choose.

Renewing your license before it expires

An Alabama driver license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. You can renew your license up to 180 days before it expires. If you wait until after it expires, you will have to explore for a new license instead of a renewal, which may require more documents.

To renew, you can visit an ALEA office in person with your current license and proof of residency. Some renewals may not require all the documents a new license does, so call ahead to confirm. If your address has changed, your name has changed, or your license was lost or stolen, you cannot use the straightforward renewal process — you will need to explore as if you are getting a new license.

What happens if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you will need to get a replacement from ALEA. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a new license. You will also need to sign a statement saying the license was lost or stolen. ALEA will issue you a new license with a new number.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police as well, though this is not required to get a replacement from ALEA. A police report can be useful if someone tries to use your old license number for fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my ALEA license online or by mail?

No. Alabama requires you to visit an ALEA office in person for all new licenses and most renewals. You must have your photo taken and pass a vision test in front of an ALEA employee. Some limited renewals may be possible by mail if your license is not expiring soon and your information has not changed, but you should call your local ALEA office to ask.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can bring an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) letter from the IRS instead. ALEA will accept this as proof of your tax identification number. Bring the original letter, not a copy.

How much does an ALEA driver license cost?

Fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid for. A standard four-year license costs less than a license for someone over 65 or a commercial license. Call your local ALEA office or check the website for the exact fee, as prices may change.

What if I moved to Alabama from another state?

You will need to get an Alabama license within a certain time frame. Bring your out-of-state license as proof of identity, along with proof of Alabama residency and your Social Security number or ITIN. ALEA will issue you an Alabama license and you can surrender your old license.

Can I get a Real ID license from ALEA?

Yes. A Real ID license has a gold star in the corner and meets federal requirements for flying on airplanes and entering federal buildings. You will need extra documents — usually a birth certificate and proof of Social Security number — beyond what a standard license requires. Ask at your ALEA office whether they issue Real ID licenses and what documents to bring.