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 want a four-year or eight-year license. A four-year license costs $20. An eight-year license costs $32. These are the standard fees for a regular driver's license. If you need a Real ID-compliant license — one that meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building entry — the cost is the same; Real ID is included in Alabama's standard license fee.
You pay the fee when you visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety driver's license office in person. You cannot renew online or by mail in Alabama, so you will need to budget time for an office visit as well as the license cost itself.
Key Takeaways
- A four-year Alabama driver's license costs $20, and an eight-year license costs $32.
- Real ID compliance is included in the standard license fee — you do not pay extra for it.
- You must visit a Department of Public Safety office in person to get or renew your license; online and mail renewal are not available.
- If you are under 21, a license may cost less, and the rules for renewal timing are different than for adults.
- Replacement licenses for lost or damaged cards cost $20, the same as a new four-year license.
What the fee covers and what it does not
The license fee covers the card itself and the processing of your process. It does not cover any tests you may need to take — written tests, vision tests, or driving tests all happen at the same office visit but are part of the licensing process, not separate charges. If you are renewing a license you already hold and have not had a suspension or revocation, you typically do not retake tests.
The fee also does not include any documents you need to bring. You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Getting certified copies of a birth certificate or other identity documents may cost money if you do not already have them, but that is separate from the license fee itself.
Costs for drivers under 21
Alabama charges less for a driver's license if you are under 21. A four-year license for someone under 21 costs $14, and an eight-year license costs $22. These licenses look different from adult licenses and have different restrictions — for example, a learner's permit holder cannot drive alone, and a junior license holder has nighttime driving restrictions.
When you turn 21, you can renew your license at the adult rate. You do not have to wait for your current license to expire; you can renew early if you want an adult license sooner, though you will pay the full adult fee for a new license rather than a reduced renewal rate.
Replacement and duplicate license costs
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement costs $20 — the same as a new four-year license. You will need to visit an office in person and bring proof of identity and residency again. If you need a duplicate license (an extra copy of your current license for your records), that also costs $20.
Some people get a duplicate when they are about to travel and want to keep their license in a safe place while carrying a copy. Others get one after a license is damaged but still usable. Either way, the duplicate is a separate card with the same information and expiration date as your original.
Real ID and federal compliance at no extra cost
A Real ID-compliant license meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Alabama includes Real ID compliance in every standard driver's license at no additional charge. You do not choose between a Real ID and a non-Real ID license — all Alabama licenses are Real ID compliant.
The Real ID license looks the same as a regular license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. When you renew your license, your new one will automatically be Real ID compliant. If you need to know whether your current license is Real ID compliant, look for the star, or ask at a driver's license office.
Where to pay and what to bring
You pay the license fee at any Alabama Department of Public Safety driver's license office when you visit in person. Alabama has offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Department of Public Safety website.
Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport, or previous license), and proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address). Bring the originals, not copies — the office will not accept photocopies of identity documents. If any of your documents are not in English, bring a certified English translation as well.
Renewal timing and when you pay again
Your license is valid for either four or eight years from the date it is issued. When it is about to expire, you must renew it in person at a driver's license office. You cannot renew early unless you are changing your address, name, or license class.
When you renew, you pay the same fee again — $20 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal. There is no discount for renewing on time or penalty for renewing late, but driving with an expired license is illegal. If your license has been expired for more than a few months, you may need to retake the written test or vision test, so it is better to renew before expiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama driver's license online or by mail?
No. Alabama requires all driver's license renewals to happen in person at a Department of Public Safety office. You cannot renew online, by mail, or by phone. You must visit an office with your documents and pay the fee in person.
Do I have to pay extra for a Real ID license?
No. Real ID compliance is included in the standard Alabama driver's license fee. Every license issued in Alabama is Real ID compliant at no additional cost. You will see a gold star on your license to show it meets federal requirements.
What if I lose my license before it expires?
A replacement license costs $20 and requires a visit to a driver's license office with proof of identity and residency. You do not need to retake any tests. The new license will have the same expiration date as your original license would have had.
Is the license fee different if I want an eight-year license instead of four years?
Yes. A four-year license costs $20, and an eight-year license costs $32. You choose which length you want when you visit the office. The eight-year license costs more upfront but means you renew less often.
What documents do I need to bring to avoid delays?
Bring your Social Security number, an original identity document (birth certificate, passport, or previous license), and an original proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Photocopies are not accepted. If documents are not in English, bring a certified translation.