What you need to know about Alabama driver's licenses
An Alabama driver's license is issued by the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS), and you'll get it in person at one of their Driver License Examination Offices across the state. The process differs depending on whether you're getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost or damaged card. Most people can complete the transaction in one visit, though you'll need to bring specific documents and pass a vision test — and sometimes a written test or driving test, depending on your situation.
Alabama issues both regular driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If you don't have a passport or other federal ID, getting a Real ID license is the simpler path. The cost and timeline vary based on which type you choose and whether you're renewing or explore new.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver License Examination Office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Alabama residency to get or renew a license.
- A regular Alabama driver's license costs less than a Real ID license but won't work for domestic air travel after May 7, 2025.
- Renewal by mail is available only if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions, but most people renew in person at a DPS office.
- First-time drivers under 18 must pass a written test and a driving test; adults renewing an expired license typically only need a vision test.
- Processing times vary, but you can usually leave with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within two weeks.
Documents you need to bring to the DPS office
Alabama requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of residency. For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a military ID. If you don't have any of those, a certified court order or adoption papers will work.
For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you've lost your Social Security card, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration instead. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government-issued document with your current Alabama address — it must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from your employer or school counts if it shows your name and address.
If you're renewing and your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring the original or a certified copy.
Getting your first Alabama driver's license
If you've never held a driver's license in any state, you'll need to pass both a written test and a behind-the-wheel driving test. The written test covers Alabama traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the Alabama Driver's Manual, which is free on the DPS website. Most people study for a few days or a week before taking it. You must score at least 80 percent to pass.
After you pass the written test, you'll schedule a driving test appointment. The DPS office will tell you when slots are available — wait times vary by location, but appointments are usually within one to four weeks. During the driving test, an examiner rides with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you've borrowed) and watches you perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and following traffic signals. You need to demonstrate safe driving for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Once you pass both tests, you'll pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your plastic license card will arrive by mail within two weeks. The fee for a first-time license is $25.50 for a regular license or $32.50 for a Real ID license.
Renewing an expired or expiring Alabama license
If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew it. You won't need to retake the written or driving test — just bring your documents and pass a vision test. If your license expired more than two years ago, the DPS may require you to retake the written test; call your local DPS office to confirm before you go.
You have three options for renewal: in person at a DPS office, by mail (if you meet certain conditions), or online through the DPS website. Renewal by mail is available only if your current license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed. The process takes about two weeks by mail. Online renewal is available for some drivers but not all — the DPS website will tell you whether you're may be able to access when you log in.
In-person renewal is the most common route and takes about 30 minutes to an hour. You'll pay $25.50 for a regular license or $32.50 for a Real ID license. Your new card will be mailed to you within two weeks, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready.
Real ID versus regular Alabama driver's license
A Real ID-compliant license meets federal security standards and has a gold star on the front. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a Real ID license, a passport, a military ID, or another federally approved ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building like a courthouse or military base. If you don't have a passport, getting a Real ID license is usually the easiest option.
The difference in cost is small: a Real ID license costs $7 more than a regular license ($32.50 versus $25.50). The documents you need to bring are the same, and the process is identical — you just tell the DPS clerk you want a Real ID when you explore. The only downside is that Real ID licenses expire after eight years instead of the standard renewal period, so you may renew sooner.
If you're not planning to fly or enter federal buildings, a regular license is fine and will remain valid. However, many people choose Real ID straightforward to avoid needing a passport for travel.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DPS office. Bring your documents (proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency) just as you would for a renewal. You won't need to retake any tests — just pass the vision test. The fee is $25.50 for a regular replacement or $32.50 for a Real ID replacement.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the DPS or local police, though it's not required. Reporting it can help prevent identity theft. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new plastic card within two weeks.
Where to find a DPS Driver License Examination Office
Alabama has Driver License Examination Offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Alabama DPS website. Some offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours; others have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Wait times vary by location and time of day — offices are usually less busy early in the morning or mid-week.
You do not need an appointment for most transactions, but some offices now offer online appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the DPS website for your local office to see if appointments are available. If you're traveling or live far from an office, you can visit any DPS office in the state — you're not limited to your home county.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an Alabama driver's license?
If you're renewing or replacing, you'll leave with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within two weeks. If you're getting your first license, you'll need to pass a written test first (usually within a few days of studying), then schedule a driving test (usually within one to four weeks), then wait for your card to arrive by mail.
Can I renew my Alabama license online?
Online renewal is available for some drivers through the DPS website, but not all. You'll need to log in with your license number and date of birth to see if you're may be able to access. If you're not may be able to access online, you can renew by mail (if your license isn't expired) or in person at a DPS office.
What if I moved to Alabama from another state?
You'll need to get an Alabama license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license along with your proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Alabama residency. You won't retake the written or driving test — just pass the vision test. The fee is the same as a renewal.
Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Alabama?
No. A regular Alabama driver's license is valid for driving anywhere in the state and the country. You only need a Real ID license if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. For driving, either type works.
What happens if I fail the written test or driving test?
You can retake the test. There's usually no waiting period between attempts, though some offices may ask you to come back another day. Each retake costs the same as the original test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after studying the manual or practicing with a licensed driver.