Where to get your driver's license in Decatur

The Alabama Department of Public Safety issues driver's licenses in Decatur through the Driver License Examiner's Office located at 1701 Modaus Avenue Southwest, Decatur, AL 35601. This is the only place in Decatur where you can take the written and road tests and receive your license. You cannot renew or obtain a license through the mail or online in Alabama.

The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by day and the office closes for state holidays. Before you visit, check the Alabama Department of Public Safety website or call ahead to confirm current hours, because office schedules can change without notice.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit the Decatur Driver License Examiner's Office in person to take the written test, road test, and receive your license.
  • Alabama requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency — each category has specific documents that work.
  • You must pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs before you can take the road test.
  • The road test includes basic vehicle control, parking, and driving on public streets, and you must bring a vehicle that is registered and insured.
  • Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, because Alabama will not issue a license without it.

Documents you need to bring

Alabama requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You must bring at least one document from each category, and some documents count for more than one category.

For identity, bring a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. For residency, bring a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement — the document must show your name and current Decatur address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get an Alabama driver's license. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a license, but you must bring proof of lawful presence — a passport with a valid visa, an employment authorization document, or a permanent resident card. Bring the original documents or certified copies; photocopies alone will not work.

The written test and what it covers

Before you take the road test, you must pass a written test on Alabama traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the examiner's office, and results are given when ready.

The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking rules, what different road signs mean, and what different road markings mean. You can study using the Alabama Driver's Manual, which the Department of Public Safety publishes free online. Many people study the manual for a few days before the test and pass on their first try; others take it multiple times.

If you fail the written test, you can take it again the same day or return another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee each time you take it.

The road test: what happens and what you need

After you pass the written test, you schedule a road test with an examiner. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, parking, and driving on public streets in Decatur. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you start the car, adjust mirrors, use turn signals, merge, turn, stop, and park.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered in Alabama and has current liability insurance. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — working brakes, working lights, working windshield wipers, and no major damage. You cannot use a vehicle with a "dealer tag" or temporary tag. The person who owns the vehicle does not have to be present, but you must have proof of registration and proof of insurance in the vehicle.

If you fail the road test, you can schedule another test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on examiner availability. There is no limit to how many times you can take it, but you pay the test fee each time.

Fees and how long it takes

The written test fee and road test fee are separate. As of the most recent update, the written test costs one amount and the road test costs another; check the Alabama Department of Public Safety website for current fees, because they can change. You pay each fee when you take each test.

If you pass both tests, you pay an additional fee for the license itself. The license is valid for four years if you are under 65, and eight years if you are 65 or older. You receive the license on the same day you pass the road test, though the physical card may take a few days to arrive by mail if the office is processing a high volume.

From the day you first visit the office to the day you receive your license, the timeline depends on how quickly you pass both tests. If you pass the written test on your first visit and schedule the road test for the next available opening, you could have your license within a week or two. If you need multiple attempts, it could take several weeks.

What to do if you already have a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Alabama, you can exchange it for an Alabama license without taking the written or road tests. You must visit the Decatur examiner's office with your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Alabama, and proof of Social Security number. The office will issue you an Alabama license on the spot.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take both the written and road tests, just as if you were getting your first license. If your license is suspended or revoked in any state, you cannot get an Alabama license until the suspension or revocation is lifted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or from home?

No. You must take the written test in person at the Decatur Driver License Examiner's Office. The test is given on a computer at the office, but you cannot take it remotely or at any other location.

What if I fail the road test — how long do I have to wait to take it again?

You can take the road test again as soon as the next available appointment, which is usually within a few days or weeks. There is no mandatory waiting period between attempts. You pay the road test fee each time you take it.

Do I need to bring someone with me to the office?

No. You can come alone. If you are under 18, Alabama law may require a parent or guardian to sign certain forms, so check the Department of Public Safety website or call the office to confirm what applies to your age.

What happens if I move out of Decatur after I get my license?

Your Alabama driver's license is valid anywhere in the state and does not need to be reissued if you move. You do not need to update your address with the Department of Public Safety unless you want to, though some people update it for their records.

Can I get a Real ID license in Decatur?

Yes. A Real ID license requires one additional document beyond the standard requirements — you must bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of residency, plus an original or certified birth certificate or passport. The Real ID license costs more than a standard license and is required for federal buildings and air travel as of May 2025. Ask the examiner's office which documents may have access to when you visit.