Where to go for a Morgan County driver's license
The Alabama Department of Public Safety issues all driver's licenses in the state, including those for Morgan County residents. You cannot get a license directly from Morgan County government — the county has no separate licensing authority. Instead, you visit one of Alabama's driver's license offices, which are run by the state.
Morgan County has a driver's license office located in Decatur. The address and hours change occasionally, so call ahead or check the Alabama Department of Public Safety website before you go. You can also visit other offices in nearby counties if the Decatur location is closed or if you find another location more convenient.
The state office handles all license types: regular driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses (CDL), learner's permits, and ID cards for people who do not drive. Each type has different requirements and fees.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama's Department of Public Safety, not Morgan County, issues driver's licenses at the Decatur office and other state locations.
- You need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to get a license.
- First-time applicants must pass a written test, vision test, and road test before the license is issued.
- Renewal by mail is available in Alabama if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical restrictions.
- The state charges different fees for different license types and validity periods, ranging from a few dollars to over $30.
Documents you need to bring
Alabama requires three categories of documents to issue a driver's license. First, you need proof of identity. Acceptable documents include a valid passport, a military ID, a birth certificate, or a previous Alabama driver's license. A school ID or work ID alone is not enough.
Second, you need proof of residency in Morgan County. The state accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The document must show your current name and address.
Third, you need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
If you are renewing a license that has expired, bring the expired license itself. If you are changing your name due to marriage or court order, bring the marriage certificate or court document.
Tests and fees for first-time applicants
If you have never held an Alabama driver's license, you must pass three tests before the state issues one. The written test covers traffic laws and road signs — you study the Alabama Driver's Manual, which the office provides free. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass.
The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The office will test you with and without correction. If you fail, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving.
The road test is a practical driving test with an examiner in a vehicle. You drive on public roads while the examiner watches and scores your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to hazards. The test usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
The state charges a fee for the license itself, which varies by the type of license and how long it is valid. A regular driver's license valid for four years costs less than one valid for eight years. Fees also vary if you are getting a commercial license or a special ID. Call the Decatur office or check the state website for the exact fee you will owe.
Renewing or replacing an expired license
If your Alabama driver's license has expired, you can renew it in person at the Decatur office or by mail if certain conditions are met. Renewal by mail is available if your license expired no more than five years ago, you have no medical restrictions on your license, and you have no outstanding traffic violations or suspensions. You do not take any tests for a mail renewal — you straightforward send in your expired license, a completed form, and the renewal fee.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may have to retake the written and vision tests. The road test is usually waived for renewals unless the examiner has reason to believe you are unsafe to drive.
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement license at the office. Bring your proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number as if you were getting a new license. You do not retake tests for a replacement. The fee for a replacement is typically lower than the fee for a new license.
Learner's permits and teen drivers
Drivers under 18 in Alabama must first get a learner's permit before they can take the road test for a full license. A learner's permit allows you to drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You get a learner's permit by passing the written test and vision test — no road test is required.
Once you hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days, you can schedule a road test to get your full license. Some teens must hold the permit longer or follow other rules depending on their age and when they got the permit — the office can explain the rules for your situation.
Teen drivers also face restrictions on when they can drive and who can be in the car with them. These restrictions are printed on the license itself and are part of Alabama's Graduated Driver Licensing system. The restrictions ease as the driver gets older and gains experience.
What to expect at the Decatur office
When you arrive at the Morgan County driver's license office in Decatur, you will check in at the front desk and take a number. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week — mornings and weekdays are usually less crowded than afternoons and Saturdays. You may wait anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour.
When your number is called, you go to a window where an examiner checks your documents, takes your photo, and collects your fee. If you are taking a test, the examiner will direct you to a testing area. Written tests are usually done on a computer at the office. Vision tests happen at the office. Road tests require you to drive with an examiner in a separate vehicle, so you will need to schedule that separately or do it the same day if the office has availability.
After you pass all required tests and pay the fee, the office issues your license on the spot or mails it to you within a few days, depending on the type of license and whether the office prints licenses on-site. Ask the examiner what to expect for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online or by phone?
No. Alabama does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions, or you can renew in person at the Decatur office or any other state driver's license office.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day or come back another day. There is usually a small fee each time you take the test. You have multiple chances to pass — there is no limit on how many times you can retake it.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Decatur office?
Alabama driver's license offices typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis without appointments. However, some offices may offer appointment scheduling during certain hours. Call the Decatur office to ask whether appointments are available.
What if I moved to Morgan County from another state?
You must get an Alabama driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Morgan County, and proof of your Social Security number. You may not have to retake all tests — ask the examiner what applies to your situation.
How long does it take to get a license after I pass all the tests?
If the office prints licenses on-site, you receive it the same day. If the office mails licenses, it usually arrives within five to seven business days. Ask the examiner which method applies when you finish your tests.