What you need to get a driver's license in Alabama
To get a driver's license in Alabama, you will need to visit your county's Department of Public Safety office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, though the actual office visit usually takes one to three hours depending on how busy the location is.
Alabama does not let you complete the entire process online or by mail. You must appear at a Department of Public Safety office to have your photo taken, take the written exam, and schedule your road test. The office will tell you on the spot whether your documents are acceptable, so bringing the right paperwork the first time saves you a return trip.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to your county Department of Public Safety office.
- The written test covers Alabama traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Alabama Driver's Manual available on the Department of Public Safety website.
- After passing the written test, you will schedule a road test at the same office, which usually happens within two to four weeks.
- A standard driver's license costs $25.50 in Alabama and is valid for eight years.
- You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit and at least 17 to get a full driver's license without parental consent.
Documents you must bring to the Department of Public Safety
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or military discharge papers as proof of identity. A photocopy or a picture of these documents will not work. If you do not have one of these, call your county Department of Public Safety office before you go to ask what other documents they will accept.
For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement counts as well. You need only one document showing your address.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring the card or document itself, not just the number written down.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the Department of Public Safety office, and you receive your score before you leave.
Study using the free Alabama Driver's Manual, which you can read from the Alabama Department of Public Safety website or pick up at any Department of Public Safety office. The manual covers everything the test asks about. Most people spend two to four weeks studying before taking the test, though the amount of time depends on how familiar you already are with driving rules.
If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can take the written test, but you will pay the $25.50 fee each time you test.
Getting your learner's permit first
If you are under 18, Alabama requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test for a full license. You get the learner's permit by passing the written test at the Department of Public Safety office. The permit lets you drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the front seat.
During the 30-day waiting period, you should practice driving with a licensed adult as much as possible. There is no minimum number of hours required by law, but practicing regularly makes the road test easier and makes you a safer driver overall.
If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner's permit. You can take the road test when ready after passing the written test, as long as you have a valid permit or license from another state or country to show that you have driven before.
Scheduling and taking the road test
After you pass the written test, the Department of Public Safety office will give you information about scheduling your road test. In some counties, you schedule the test at the same office visit. In others, you call a separate number or go online to schedule. Ask the office staff which method applies to your county before you leave.
Road tests are usually scheduled two to four weeks after you pass the written test, depending on how busy your county office is. You will drive a predetermined route in your county with an examiner in the car. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic skills like starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws.
Bring the vehicle you will be driving for the test. The car must have valid registration, current insurance, and working brakes, lights, and windshield wipers. If the examiner finds a mechanical problem with the car, you will not be able to test that day.
Cost and how long your license lasts
A standard Alabama driver's license costs $25.50 and is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. You will receive your license in the mail about two weeks after you pass the road test. The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid when ready while you wait for the card to arrive.
If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting in 2025), the cost is the same, but you will need to bring additional documents proving citizenship. Ask the Department of Public Safety office whether you need a Real ID license for your situation.
What to do if you fail the road test
If you do not pass the road test, you can retake it. You do not have to retake the written test. Most counties let you schedule another road test within a few days or a week, though availability depends on how busy the office is. You will pay the $25.50 fee again for each road test attempt.
Before you retake the test, ask the examiner what specific skills you need to work on. Practice those skills with a licensed adult before scheduling your next test. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after focused practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama driver's license online?
No. You must renew in person at a Department of Public Safety office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. Renewals usually take less time than getting your first license because you do not have to retake the written or road test.
What if I move to Alabama from another state?
You can transfer your out-of-state license to an Alabama license without retaking the written and road tests if your license is still valid. Bring your current license, proof of Alabama residency, and your Social Security number to a Department of Public Safety office. You will have your photo taken and pay the $25.50 fee.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card itself, or just the number?
Bring the card itself or another official document showing your Social Security number, such as a tax return or W-2. Writing the number on a piece of paper is not acceptable. If you have an ITIN instead, bring that document.
How do I find the Department of Public Safety office in my county?
Visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and search for your county. The site lists the office address, phone number, and hours. Call ahead if you have questions about which documents to bring, because some counties have slightly different requirements.
Can someone else pick up my license for me after I pass the test?
No. Your license is mailed to you automatically after you pass the road test. You cannot pick it up in person or have someone else collect it. The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid while you wait for the card to arrive in the mail.