Alabama issues driver licenses through the Department of Public Safety, and you must explore in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office
Alabama does not issue driver licenses by mail or online. You must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in your county, bring the required documents, pass a vision test, and pay the fee. The state issues both regular driver licenses and commercial driver licenses (CDLs), each with different requirements and testing procedures.
The process takes one visit if you have all documents ready. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while the state produces your plastic card. The plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks in most cases.
Key Takeaways
- You must explore in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office; Alabama does not accept mail or online applications.
- Bring proof of identity, proof of Alabama residency, your Social Security number or ITIN, and payment for the license fee.
- You will take a vision test and written knowledge test at the office; a road test is required only if you are under 18 or renewing after a suspension.
- The state charges $28 for a four-year license or $56 for an eight-year license; fees vary slightly for commercial licenses.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card by mail within two to three weeks.
Documents you must bring to the Driver License Examiner's Office
Alabama requires four categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number or ITIN, and payment. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted for most documents.
Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or certified birth certificate. If you use a birth certificate, bring a second form of ID such as a school ID, employee ID, or tribal ID. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity.
Proof of residency must show your current Alabama address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works if it shows your name and address.
Proof of your Social Security number or ITIN requires your actual Social Security card or a tax return showing your ITIN. A W-2 or 1099 form is not sufficient on its own.
Bring a payment method—cash, debit card, or check. The fee is $28 for a four-year license or $56 for an eight-year license. If you are under 18, the fee is $20 for a four-year license.
Tests you will take at the examiner's office
Every applicant takes a vision test. You must see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
You will also take a written knowledge test covering Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. The examiner provides the test on a computer or on paper, depending on the office.
A road test is required only if you are under 18 years old or if you are renewing your license after a suspension or revocation. If you need a road test, you must schedule it separately; it is not done the same day as your written test in most offices. Bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
Where to find a Driver License Examiner's Office near you
The Alabama Department of Public Safety operates examiner's offices in every county. You can visit any office in the state; you do not have to go to the one in your home county. Office hours and locations are listed on the Department of Public Safety website.
Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have reduced hours or close for lunch. Call ahead or check online before you go, because wait times vary widely. Some offices require you to take a number when you arrive; others serve customers on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you live in a rural county with limited office hours, you may need to travel to a neighboring county. The Department of Public Safety website shows all office locations and phone numbers.
Special rules for drivers under 18
Alabama issues a learner's permit to drivers aged 15 and older. A learner's permit allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. You must hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take a road test for a regular license.
To get a learner's permit, bring the same documents as for a regular license, pass the vision and knowledge tests, and pay a $20 fee. You do not take a road test for a learner's permit.
Once you hold a learner's permit for six months and are at least 16 years old, you can take a road test. The road test covers basic vehicle control, parking, turning, and following traffic laws. You must pass the road test to receive a regular driver license.
Renewing or replacing your Alabama driver license
A regular Alabama driver license is valid for four or eight years, depending on which you chose when you applied. You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not had a major change in your vision or medical condition. Mail renewal costs $28 for a four-year license or $56 for an eight-year license.
If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. You will need to retake the vision and knowledge tests. A road test is also required if your license has been suspended or revoked.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it in person or by mail. A replacement costs $20. If you replace by mail, send a check or money order, a copy of your old license if you have it, and a signed letter explaining why you need a replacement.
Commercial driver licenses and endorsements
A commercial driver license (CDL) is required if you drive a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating over 26,001 pounds, or if you transport hazardous materials or passengers for hire. The CDL process is longer than a regular license and requires additional testing.
To get a CDL, you must first hold a regular Alabama driver license for at least 30 days. You then take a CDL knowledge test, a skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road test), and a medical examination. The medical examination is done by a certified medical examiner and costs $50 to $150 depending on the provider.
Endorsements such as Hazmat (H), Passenger (P), or Tank (N) require additional knowledge tests. Each endorsement has its own fee, usually $5 to $10 per endorsement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN documentation, such as a tax return or IRS letter, along with your other required documents.
What if I fail the knowledge test?
You can retake the test the same day or on another day. There is no fee to retake the test. You must pass before you receive your license.
How long does it take to get my plastic driver license card in the mail?
The plastic card usually arrives within two to three weeks. During that time, your temporary paper license is valid for driving. If your card does not arrive within four weeks, contact the Department of Public Safety to check the status.
Do I need an appointment to visit a Driver License Examiner's Office?
Most Alabama offices do not require appointments and serve customers on a first-come, first-served basis. Some offices in larger cities may offer appointments. Check the Department of Public Safety website or call your local office to confirm their process.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early does not extend the expiration date; your new license will expire eight years (or four years, depending on your choice) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.