Alabama driver's license fees by license type
Alabama charges different fees depending on which type of driver's license you get. A standard Class D driver's license costs $25.50 and is valid for eight years. If you want a Real ID-compliant license — the kind required for domestic air travel and federal building entry starting in 2025 — you pay $28.50 and get the same eight-year validity.
If you are under 18, a learner's permit costs $20 and lasts for one year. A restricted license for drivers aged 16 to 17 costs $25.50 and is also valid for one year. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have their own fee structure: $40 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license.
These are the fees charged by the Alabama Department of Public Safety. You pay them when you visit a driver's license office to get your license issued or renewed. The office will not accept personal checks — bring cash, debit card, or credit card.
Key Takeaways
- A standard Alabama driver's license costs $25.50 and lasts eight years, while a Real ID version costs $28.50 for the same duration.
- Learner's permits cost $20 and are valid for one year; restricted licenses for drivers under 18 cost $25.50 for one year.
- Commercial driver's licenses cost $40 for four years or $60 for eight years, depending on which term you choose.
- You must pay in cash, debit card, or credit card at the driver's license office — personal checks are not accepted.
Where to pay and what to bring
You pay the license fee in person at any Alabama driver's license office when you complete your transaction. The state operates offices in every county. To find the office nearest you, visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and use their office locator tool, or call 334-242-4437.
Bring your current ID, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days works), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing, bring your current license. If this is your first license, bring your birth certificate or passport. The office staff will tell you if you need anything else before you pay.
Renewal costs and timing
When you renew your license, you pay the same fee as a new license: $25.50 for standard or $28.50 for Real ID. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Many people renew by mail or online, but Alabama does not offer mail or online renewal — you must visit a driver's license office in person.
Renewal appointments can take several weeks to schedule during busy seasons, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you a trip.
Real ID versus standard license: which one to get
The main difference is what you can use the license for. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license does not have this star and cannot be used for those purposes — you would need a passport instead.
Real ID costs $3 more ($28.50 instead of $25.50) and lasts the same eight years. If you fly domestically or visit federal buildings, Real ID is worth the extra cost. If you rarely fly or have a passport, the standard license is sufficient. You can switch from standard to Real ID at your next renewal without penalty.
Duplicate license and name change fees
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, a duplicate costs $15. You can get a duplicate at any driver's license office by bringing your ID and proof of residency. The duplicate is issued the same day in most cases.
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must get a new license. The fee is the same as renewal: $25.50 for standard or $28.50 for Real ID. Bring your current license, your birth certificate or passport, and the legal document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
What happens if you do not pay the fee
You cannot get a driver's license without paying the fee. If you cannot afford the full amount at the time of your visit, the office cannot issue a partial license or payment plan — you must pay the entire fee before the license is printed. If cost is a barrier, contact your county's Department of Human Resources to ask about fee waivers or information programs, though these are not may provide.
If your license expires because you did not renew it, you cannot legally drive. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine. The renewal fee does not increase if your license is expired — you still pay $25.50 or $28.50 — but you should renew as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license online or by mail?
No. Alabama requires all driver's license renewals to be done in person at a driver's license office. You cannot renew by mail or online, even if your license is not yet expired. Plan to visit an office at least a few weeks before your expiration date to avoid delays.
Do I have to pay extra to get a Real ID if I already have a standard license?
You do not have to upgrade right away. When your current license expires, you can choose to renew it as Real ID (paying $28.50 instead of $25.50) or keep it standard (paying $25.50). You can switch at any renewal without penalty or extra fee beyond the standard renewal cost.
What if I lost my license and need a duplicate urgently?
Duplicates are issued the same day at most Alabama driver's license offices. Bring your ID, proof of residency, and $15. Call your local office first to confirm they have duplicates in stock and to ask about current wait times, especially if you need it the same day.
Are there any discounts on driver's license fees for seniors or low-income drivers?
Alabama does not offer automatic discounts based on age or income. However, some counties may have fee waiver programs through their Department of Human Resources. Contact your county's DHR office to ask whether information is available in your area.
Do I have to pay the full fee if I am getting a restricted license as a teen?
Yes. A restricted license for drivers aged 16 to 17 costs $25.50, the same as a standard adult license. The fee does not change based on the restrictions placed on your license.