What the Alabama Driver's License Division does and how to reach them
The Alabama Department of Public Safety's Driver's License Division issues driver's licenses, handles renewals, manages vision and medical restrictions on licenses, and processes name changes on your license. If you need to update medical information, add or remove vision restrictions, or understand what conditions might affect your driving privileges in Alabama, this is the office that handles those decisions.
You can reach the Driver's License Division by phone at 334-242-4400 during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. For questions about medical or vision restrictions specifically, ask to speak with someone in the medical review section when you call. You can also visit in person at any Alabama Driver's License Office location — the main office is at 301 South Ripley Street in Montgomery, but there are branch offices in most counties.
Before you call or visit, have your driver's license number ready, along with any medical documentation or vision test results you're bringing. The division moves faster when you come prepared with the specific documents they need.
Key Takeaways
- The Alabama Driver's License Division handles medical and vision restrictions on your license, and you can reach them at 334-242-4400 during weekday business hours.
- Medical conditions or vision changes that affect driving safety may result in restrictions on your license, such as corrective lenses required or daylight-only driving.
- You can visit any county Driver's License Office in person, or contact the main office in Montgomery to ask about your specific situation.
- Bring your current license, any medical documentation, and vision test results when you contact them so they have what they need to review your case.
- If your license has medical restrictions, you will need to renew or update them according to the timeline the division sets, which varies by condition.
How medical and vision restrictions appear on your Alabama license
When you renew your license or report a medical or vision change, the Driver's License Division may add restrictions that appear on the front or back of your card. Common restrictions include "corrective lenses required," "daylight driving only," "no interstate driving," or "automatic transmission only." These restrictions are legally binding — driving outside the limits of your restriction can result in a ticket, even if you have a valid license.
The division bases restrictions on information you provide during renewal, reports from your eye doctor, or medical records they receive. If you have a condition that affects your ability to drive safely — such as vision loss, seizures, sleep disorders, or certain medications — the division may require documentation from your doctor before they issue or renew your license.
You can see what restrictions are on your current license by looking at the back of your card. If you disagree with a restriction or believe your condition has improved, you can request a review by contacting the division with updated medical or vision documentation from your doctor.
What to do if you have a medical condition affecting your driving
If you have a medical condition and are unsure whether you need to report it to the Driver's License Division, contact them directly at 334-242-4400. Describe your condition and ask whether Alabama law requires you to report it. Some conditions must be reported; others do not affect your license status. The division can tell you which category yours falls into.
If you do need to report a condition, gather documentation from your doctor that describes your condition, any treatment you're receiving, and whether your doctor believes you can drive safely. The division will review this documentation and decide whether to issue your license with restrictions, without restrictions, or to deny renewal until your condition improves or is better controlled.
Reporting a medical condition does not automatically mean your license will be suspended or restricted. Many people with managed medical conditions drive with no restrictions at all. The division's goal is to match restrictions to your actual abilities, not to remove licenses from people who can drive safely.
Vision testing and corrective lens requirements
Alabama requires you to pass a vision test when you renew your license. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the test, and your license will be restricted to "corrective lenses required." This means you must wear your glasses or contacts every time you drive — it is not optional.
If your vision has changed since your last renewal, you may need an updated eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The Driver's License Division does not perform eye exams themselves; you get the exam from your own eye doctor, and they provide the results to you. You then bring those results to the division when you renew or update your license.
If you have vision in only one eye, have significant vision loss, or have other vision conditions, the division may require more frequent renewals or may add additional restrictions such as "daylight driving only" or "no highway driving." Ask your eye doctor whether your vision condition might trigger restrictions, so you are not surprised when you renew.
Renewing your license with medical or vision restrictions
If your license has medical or vision restrictions, you must renew it according to the timeline set by the Driver's License Division — typically every 4 or 8 years for standard licenses, but more frequently if you have restrictions. The division will mail you a renewal notice before your license expires, and it will tell you whether you need to visit an office in person or whether you can renew by mail.
When you renew, bring any updated medical or vision documentation your doctor has provided. If your condition has improved or changed, bring documentation showing that as well. The division will review the new information and decide whether to keep your restrictions the same, modify them, or remove them.
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. If you have restrictions, renewing early gives the division time to process your paperwork and mail you a new license before the old one expires. If your license expires while you are waiting for renewal, you cannot legally drive, even if your process is pending.
What happens if the division denies or suspends your license for medical reasons
If the Driver's License Division denies your license renewal or suspends your license because of a medical condition, they will send you a written notice explaining the reason and telling you how to request a hearing. You have the right to challenge their decision by requesting a hearing before an administrative judge.
To request a hearing, follow the instructions in the denial or suspension notice. You will need to submit your request within the timeframe the notice specifies — usually 10 to 30 days. At the hearing, you can present medical documentation showing that you can drive safely, and you can ask questions about the division's decision.
If you win the hearing, the division will issue or renew your license. If you lose, you can appeal to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, though this is a longer process. Many people find it helpful to have their doctor attend the hearing or provide a detailed written statement supporting their ability to drive.
Visiting a Driver's License Office in person
If you need to discuss your medical or vision situation in detail, visiting an office in person often moves faster than phone calls. Bring your current driver's license, any medical or vision documentation, and a form of identification such as a passport or birth certificate. The office staff can review your documents on the spot and tell you what the division needs to make a decision.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. County offices are usually less crowded than the main Montgomery office. Call ahead if you can — some offices allow you to schedule an appointment, which eliminates the wait.
If you are unable to visit an office because of a medical condition, call 334-242-4400 and ask whether the division can process your renewal by mail or whether they can make an exception for your situation. Some offices have accommodations for people with mobility or health limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to tell the Driver's License Division about my medical condition?
Alabama law requires you to report certain medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely. Call 334-242-4400 and describe your condition — the division will tell you whether you are required to report it. Reporting a condition does not automatically result in restrictions or suspension; the division reviews your specific situation.
What if my doctor says I can drive but the division disagrees?
You can request a hearing to challenge the division's decision. Bring your doctor's written statement to the hearing, and ask your doctor to explain why they believe you can drive safely despite the condition. The administrative judge will consider both the division's concerns and your doctor's opinion.
How long does it take to get a decision on medical restrictions?
Processing time varies depending on how complete your documentation is and how busy the division is. straightforward cases may take two to four weeks; complex cases involving multiple medical conditions or appeals can take several months. Submitting all required documents at once speeds up the process.
Can I drive while my license renewal is pending if I have medical restrictions?
Yes, you can continue to drive under your current license and its restrictions while your renewal process is being reviewed, as long as your license has not expired. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive even if your renewal is still pending.
What if I move to another state — do my Alabama restrictions transfer?
No. Each state has its own Driver's License Division and its own rules about medical restrictions. If you move, you will need to get a license from your new state, and that state will make its own decision about restrictions based on your medical history and their laws.