What Alabama requires to get a driver license
Alabama issues driver licenses through the Department of Public Safety, and the process depends on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or moving to the state. You will need to visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person — there is no online route for the initial license itself, though you can renew some licenses by mail if yours is not expired by more than five years.
The state requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a tribal ID. For residency, Alabama accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. You can show your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a Social Security statement as proof of your number.
You must also pass a vision test at the examiner's office and pay the license fee, which varies by license type and validity period. A standard four-year license costs less than a six-year license. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama requires you to visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
- Acceptable identity documents include a passport, birth certificate, military ID, or tribal ID; residency proof must be dated within 60 days.
- You must pass a vision test at the office and pay a fee that depends on the license type and how many years it is valid.
- If you are renewing a license that expired fewer than five years ago, you may be able to renew by mail instead of visiting an office.
Finding your nearest examiner's office and hours
The Department of Public Safety maintains a list of Driver License Examiner's Offices across Alabama on its website. Each office has different hours, and many are not open every day of the week. Some offices operate Monday through Friday only, while others have limited Saturday hours. It is worth checking the specific office location before you go, because wait times can be long during peak hours.
You can search by county or city on the Department of Public Safety website to find the office closest to you. The site shows the address, phone number, and hours for each location. If you call ahead, staff can tell you how busy the office is and whether you should expect a wait.
What happens during the written and driving tests
Alabama requires a written knowledge test covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test is multiple choice and you must pass with a score of at least 80 percent. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may have to pay a retest fee.
After you pass the written test, you must take a driving test that includes a pre-drive vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control exercises, and on-road driving. The examiner will evaluate your ability to handle turns, stops, parking, and traffic situations. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you fail the driving test, you can schedule another attempt, though there may be a waiting period and an additional fee.
If you are over 65 or renewing a license after a long absence, Alabama may waive the driving test in some cases. Ask at your examiner's office whether you may have access to.
Renewing your Alabama driver license by mail
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you may renew by mail without visiting an office. You will need to send the Department of Public Safety a completed renewal process, your expired license, and the renewal fee. The process form is available on the Department of Public Safety website.
Mail-in renewal takes longer than in-person renewal — typically two to four weeks from the time the department receives your process. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to update your address, name, or other information. If any of those explore, you must visit an examiner's office in person.
Changing your address or name on your license
If you move to a new address in Alabama, you must update your driver license within 30 days. You can do this in person at any Driver License Examiner's Office by bringing your current license, proof of your new residency, and the change-of-address fee. Some offices allow you to update your address without retaking the written or driving test.
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must visit an examiner's office in person with your current license, a certified copy of the document showing the name change (such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree), and the name-change fee. You will need to retake the written test and have a new photo taken, but you may not need to retake the driving test.
License types and what each one allows
Alabama issues several types of driver licenses depending on your age and driving history. A standard Class D license is for regular passenger vehicles and is the most common type. A commercial driver license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work and involves additional testing and medical certification.
Drivers under 18 receive a learner's permit first, which allows them to drive only with a licensed adult in the vehicle and only during daylight hours. After holding the permit for a set period and meeting other requirements, they can test for a regular license. Drivers aged 16 and 17 may receive a restricted license that has limitations on nighttime driving and passenger restrictions.
Alabama also issues licenses to non-citizens with valid immigration status. The process is the same as for citizens, but you must bring additional immigration documents such as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or a valid visa.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Driver License Examiner's Office. Bring your proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a new license. You will have a new photo taken and pay a replacement fee, which is usually less than the cost of a new license.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police or the Department of Public Safety, though this is not required to get a replacement. Reporting it can help prevent identity theft if someone tries to use your license number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a driver license after I pass the test?
If you pass both the written and driving tests in person, the examiner's office will issue a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to four weeks. If you renew by mail, the process takes two to four weeks from the time the department receives your process.
What do I do if I fail the driving test?
You can schedule another driving test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on the office's availability. You will need to pay a retest fee each time you take the test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pass the written test first.
Can I get a Real ID compliant license in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama issues REAL ID compliant licenses that meet federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. You will need to bring the same documents as for a regular license, plus proof of your Social Security number. The fee is slightly higher than a standard license, and the process is the same.
What if I move out of Alabama after getting a license?
Your Alabama license remains valid until it expires. You do not have to exchange it for a license from your new state when ready, though most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving. Check your new state's requirements on its Department of Motor Vehicles website.
Do I need a vision correction if I wear glasses or contacts?
If you need glasses or contacts to see clearly, you must wear them during the vision test and while driving. Your license will be marked with a restriction code indicating that corrective lenses are required. You must wear them every time you drive, or your license can be suspended.