Where to go and what to bring
The Alabama Department of Public Safety's Driver License Division issues driver's licenses and handles renewals. You'll visit a local Driver License Examiner's Office — not the DMV, which doesn't exist in Alabama — to explore in person, take your written test, and have your photo taken. You cannot renew online or by mail; you must appear at an office.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, proof of Alabama residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days), and proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID). If you're renewing, bring your current license. If you're explore for the first time, you'll also need to pass a vision screening at the office — this is separate from any medical exam your doctor may have done.
The office will take your photograph and fingerprints during your visit. You cannot bring a photo from home. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them during the vision test and photo, because your license will note whether correction is required.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person; Alabama does not offer online or mail renewal.
- Bring your Social Security card or proof of your number, a recent utility bill or lease showing your Alabama address, and a valid ID like a passport or birth certificate.
- The office performs a vision screening on-site, so you cannot use results from your doctor's office or eye doctor.
- If you wear glasses or contacts while driving, wear them during your vision test and photo so your license reflects that requirement.
- Alabama licenses are valid for four years for drivers under 65 and eight years for drivers 65 and older.
Finding your nearest examiner's office and hours
The Alabama Department of Public Safety maintains a list of Driver License Examiner's Offices on its website, organized by county. Each office has its own hours, and many close for lunch or operate part-time. Call ahead before you go, because some offices have limited staff and may close unexpectedly.
Wait times vary widely. Urban offices in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville often have longer lines, especially on Fridays and at the end of the month. Rural offices typically move faster. If you have flexibility, visiting early in the week or mid-morning usually means a shorter wait.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, you'll check in and wait to be called. A staff member will review your documents to confirm you've brought everything required. If something is missing or expired, you may be turned away and asked to return with the correct paperwork.
Next, you'll take a vision screening. The examiner will test each eye separately and ask whether you can read standard-sized print. If you wear glasses or contacts, tell the examiner before the test begins. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot get a license that day and will be told to see an eye doctor. Your doctor's exam results are not accepted in place of the office screening.
If your vision passes, you'll answer questions about traffic laws and road signs — this is the written test. The test covers Alabama traffic rules, right-of-way, speed limits, and what different road signs mean. You can study the Alabama Driver's Manual, which the office provides free or you can read from the Department of Public Safety website. You must score at least 80 percent to pass.
After you pass the written test, a staff member will take your photograph and fingerprints. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that obscures your face. Your expression should be neutral. The photo is taken against a plain background and is used on your license for its entire validity period.
Fees and how long approval takes
The cost of a new Alabama driver's license is $25.50. A renewal costs $25.50 as well. If you need a replacement because your license is lost or damaged, the fee is also $25.50. Payment is cash or card, depending on the office.
You will receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass your test. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your permanent card is being printed and mailed. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. Do not discard the temporary license until your card arrives.
Medical conditions and vision requirements
Alabama law requires that you have vision of at least 20/60 in each eye, with or without correction, to hold a license. If you wear glasses or contacts, your corrected vision must meet this standard. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely — such as seizures, severe arthritis, or a recent stroke — you may be required to provide a medical report from your doctor before the office will issue your license.
The examiner may ask you about your medical history during your visit. If they have concerns, they will tell you what documentation your doctor needs to provide. This is not a full medical clearance; it is a statement that your condition does not prevent safe driving. Your doctor's office can contact the Department of Public Safety for the specific form required.
If you have a condition that makes it difficult to take a standard photo — for example, you cannot remove a medical device or head covering for religious reasons — contact your local examiner's office before your visit to discuss accommodations.
Renewing before your license expires
You can renew your license up to 90 days before it expires. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for a full four or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.
You do not need to take the written test again when you renew, but you will take the vision screening and have a new photo taken. Bring the same documents you would for a first-time process: Social Security card or proof of number, proof of residency, and your current license.
If your license has expired, you can still renew it at any examiner's office. There is no grace period, but an expired license can be renewed at any time. You will need to take the vision test and written test again if your license has been expired for more than a certain period — ask your local office about their specific policy.
What to do if you fail the vision test
If you do not pass the vision screening at the examiner's office, you cannot receive a license that day. The examiner will give you a form explaining what you need to do next. You must see an eye doctor — an optometrist or ophthalmologist — and have them perform a comprehensive eye exam.
Your eye doctor will test your vision and determine whether you can meet Alabama's 20/60 standard with glasses, contacts, or surgery. If you can, your doctor will provide a statement or form that you bring back to the examiner's office. You will then retake the vision screening at the office. You do not need to return to your eye doctor for a second exam; the office screening is what matters for your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online or by mail?
No. Alabama requires you to appear in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office to renew your license. You cannot renew online, by phone, or by mail under any circumstances. You must visit an office, pass a vision screening, and have a new photo taken.
What if I wear glasses or contacts?
Wear them during your vision test and photo. The examiner will note on your license that correction is required for driving. If you do not wear them during the test but normally wear them while driving, your license will not reflect that requirement, and you could be cited if stopped.
How long is my temporary license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Keep the temporary license until your card arrives; do not throw it away early.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day or return another day. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test. Study the Alabama Driver's Manual before your next attempt. The manual covers all topics on the test and is available free at any examiner's office or online.
Do I need a doctor's note to get a license?
Not unless the examiner asks for one. If you have a medical condition that might affect your driving — such as diabetes, heart disease, or a neurological condition — the examiner may request a statement from your doctor. Your doctor does not need to perform a special exam; they provide a brief statement that your condition does not prevent safe driving.