Alabama driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last
An Alabama driver's license costs between $20 and $32, depending on whether you get a regular license or a REAL ID-compliant license, and whether you choose a four-year or eight-year renewal period. A standard four-year license costs $20. An eight-year license costs $32. If you want a REAL ID license — which you'll need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025 — you pay the same $20 or $32, but you must bring additional documents to prove your identity and residency.
These fees cover the cost of the license itself. You may also pay a separate fee if you need a duplicate license, if you're changing your name or address, or if you're upgrading from a learner's permit to a full license. The Alabama Department of Public Safety sets these fees, and they do not change based on where in the state you live or which Driver License Examiner office you visit.
Key Takeaways
- A standard four-year Alabama driver's license costs $20; an eight-year license costs $32.
- REAL ID licenses cost the same amount but require you to bring documents proving your identity and current address.
- You pay the fee at the Driver License Examiner office when you explore in person; you cannot renew by mail or online.
- Duplicate licenses, name changes, and address changes each carry their own separate fees beyond the license cost.
What documents you need to bring and why they affect the total cost
To get a standard Alabama driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport, or military ID), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring extra documents for a standard license beyond what the examiner asks for at your appointment.
If you want a REAL ID license instead, you must bring the same identity and residency documents, plus an additional document that proves both your identity and residency together — such as a passport card, a military ID with a current address, or a certified birth certificate with a recent utility bill. The REAL ID itself does not cost more, but gathering these documents may cost you money if you need to order a certified birth certificate or get other paperwork from a government office. Those costs are separate from the license fee and depend on which documents you already have at home.
Fees for duplicate licenses, name changes, and address updates
If you lose your license or need a replacement copy, a duplicate license costs $10. You can request a duplicate at any Driver License Examiner office by bringing your identity documents and paying the fee. The duplicate is valid for the remainder of your current license's expiration date.
If you change your name — through marriage, divorce, or legal petition — you can update your license at a Driver License Examiner office. The fee for a name change is $10, and you must bring a court order or certified marriage certificate showing the name change. You do not pay the full license fee again; you only pay the $10 change fee.
If you move to a new address within Alabama, you can update your address at a Driver License Examiner office or through the mail. Updating your address by mail costs $5 and requires you to send in your current license along with proof of your new address. Updating in person at an office is free, but you must bring proof of your new residency.
How to pay and what payment methods the examiner offices accept
Driver License Examiner offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices may have different payment options, so calling ahead to confirm is a good idea if you have a strong preference for one method. You pay at the time you explore, not before or after.
You cannot pay online or by mail before your appointment. You must visit a Driver License Examiner office in person to explore for a new license, and you pay when you complete your process. If you are renewing an existing license and only updating your address, you can mail in your renewal by sending your current license and proof of your new address, along with a check or money order for the $5 fee.
Learner's permit fees and the cost to upgrade to a full license
An Alabama learner's permit costs $10 and is valid for one year. When you pass your driving test and are ready to upgrade to a full driver's license, you do not pay an additional license fee. Instead, you pay a $10 upgrade fee, and the examiner issues you a license that is valid for four or eight years from that date, depending on which term you choose.
If your learner's permit expires before you pass your test, you can renew it for another $10. Each renewal extends the permit for one more year. Once you pass your driving test, you pay the $10 upgrade fee and receive your full license at no additional cost beyond that upgrade fee.
Where to find a Driver License Examiner office and what to expect during your visit
Alabama has Driver License Examiner offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you by visiting the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and searching by county or city. Some offices operate by appointment only, while others accept walk-ins. Calling ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment can save you a trip.
When you arrive, bring all required documents, your Social Security number, and your payment method. The examiner will review your documents, take your photo, and may ask you to read a vision chart. If you are explore for your first license or renewing after a lapse, you may also take a written test and a driving test. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is and whether you need to take a test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama driver's license by mail or online?
You cannot renew online, but you can renew by mail if you are only updating your address. Mail in your current license, proof of your new address, and a check or money order for $5. For a full renewal or if you need a new photo, you must visit a Driver License Examiner office in person.
What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use other documents to prove identity, such as a military ID, a school ID, or a previous driver's license. The examiner will tell you which documents they accept. If you don't have any of these, you may need to order a birth certificate from the vital records office in the county where you were born, which costs money and takes time.
Do I have to get a REAL ID, or can I keep a standard license?
You can keep a standard license, but after May 7, 2025, you will not be able to use it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A REAL ID costs the same as a standard license, so many people choose to upgrade. You can switch to REAL ID at your next renewal or visit an examiner office to upgrade before your current license expires.
What happens if I lose my license before it expires?
Report the loss to your local police department and get a report number. Then visit a Driver License Examiner office with your identity documents and pay $10 for a duplicate. The duplicate will be valid until your original license's expiration date.
Is there a fee to take the written or driving test?
No. The written test and driving test are free. You only pay the license fee or upgrade fee. If you fail the test, you can retake it at no additional cost, though you may need to schedule another appointment.