What Alabama Requires for a Driver's License
Alabama issues driver's licenses through the Department of Public Safety (DPS), which operates driver license offices in every county. To get a license, you must be at least 16 years old, pass a vision test, pass a written knowledge test, and pass a driving skills test. You will also need to provide proof of identity, proof of Alabama residency, and your Social Security number.
Alabama recognizes several forms of identification as proof of identity: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. For residency, you can use a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement — the document must show your name and current Alabama address and be dated within the last 60 days.
The state issues three types of driver's licenses: a regular license valid for four years, a REAL ID-compliant license valid for eight years, and a commercial driver's license (CDL) for those operating commercial vehicles. Most people renew a regular license, but REAL ID licenses are required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 7, 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama driver's licenses are issued by the Department of Public Safety through county offices, and you must pass a vision test, written test, and driving test to obtain one.
- You will need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, military ID, or out-of-state ID), proof of Alabama residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
- Regular licenses are valid for four years, while REAL ID licenses are valid for eight years and required for federal building entry and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.
- You can renew by mail if you are renewing a regular license and have no medical restrictions, but most people renew in person at their county DPS office.
Getting Your First Alabama Driver's License
If you are getting your first license, you must visit a county DPS office in person. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You will also need to bring a completed process for Alabama Driver's License (Form DL-43), which you can read from the Alabama DPS website or fill out at the office.
The office will conduct a vision screening and administer a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs. If you pass, you will schedule a driving test at the same office or at a separate testing location. The driving test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
First-time applicants aged 16 or 17 must also complete a driver education course or hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before taking the driving test. The learner's permit is issued after you pass the written test and allows you to drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the vehicle.
Renewing Your Alabama Driver's License
Alabama sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The renewal process depends on the type of license you hold and whether you have any medical restrictions.
If you hold a regular license with no medical restrictions, you can renew by mail by returning the renewal notice with payment. Mail renewals take two to four weeks to process. If you prefer to renew in person or if you have medical restrictions, you must visit a county DPS office. In-person renewals are usually processed the same day.
If you are renewing a REAL ID license, you must renew in person and bring the same proof of identity and residency documents you provided when you first obtained it. REAL ID renewals require an in-person visit even if you renewed a regular license by mail previously.
Your license can be renewed up to 180 days before it expires. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must explore for a new license rather than renew, which means retaking the written and driving tests.
Where to Find Your Local DPS Office and Hours
Alabama has a driver license office in each of the state's 67 counties. The Alabama DPS website lists all county offices with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours.
You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some counties use a ticket system or online scheduling during busy periods. Call your county office before visiting to confirm current hours and whether you need to schedule ahead. Wait times vary by location and time of day; early morning and mid-week visits typically have shorter lines.
If you cannot visit your home county office, you can visit any county DPS office in Alabama to renew or obtain a license, though you will still need to provide proof of your current Alabama residency.
Costs and Payment Methods
A four-year regular driver's license costs $25.50. A REAL ID-compliant license valid for eight years costs $33.50. Commercial driver's licenses have different fees depending on the class and endorsements. These fees are subject to change, so confirm the current cost with your county office or the Alabama DPS website before visiting.
Alabama DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are renewing by mail, you can pay by check or money order. Some offices may accept additional payment methods, so call ahead if you have questions about payment options.
What Happens If Your License Expires
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Alabama. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited and fined. However, if your license expired within the last two years, you can renew it using the standard renewal process without retaking tests.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must explore for a new license, which requires passing the written test and driving test again. You will also need to provide current proof of identity and residency. This process takes longer than a standard renewal, so renewing before expiration is simpler.
If you are unable to renew before your license expires due to illness, military service, or other hardship, contact your county DPS office to discuss your situation. Some offices may grant extensions or allow you to renew without retesting if you can document the reason for the delay.
REAL ID Compliance and What You Need to Know
Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or passport will be required to enter federal buildings and board domestic flights. A regular Alabama driver's license will no longer be accepted for these purposes after that date. If you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, you should obtain a REAL ID license before the important date.
To get a REAL ID license, you must renew in person at a county DPS office and bring the same documents required for a new license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The REAL ID license looks similar to a regular license but includes a gold star in the upper right corner. It is valid for eight years instead of four.
If you do not obtain a REAL ID license by May 7, 2025, you can still use a valid passport for federal building access and domestic air travel. You do not have to get a REAL ID license if you do not plan to fly or enter federal buildings, and a regular license remains valid for driving in Alabama.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama driver's license online?
No, Alabama does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you hold a regular license with no medical restrictions, or you must renew in person at a county DPS office. Mail renewal requires returning your renewal notice with payment.
What do I do if I lost my driver's license?
Contact your county DPS office to report the loss and request a replacement. You will need to provide proof of identity and residency and pay a replacement fee, which is typically $5 to $10. A replacement license is usually issued the same day if you visit in person.
How long does it take to get a new driver's license after passing the tests?
If you pass the driving test at a county DPS office, your temporary license is issued when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can drive using the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.
Do I need to take the written and driving tests again if I renew my license?
No, standard renewals do not require retesting. You only retake tests if your license has been expired for more than two years or if the DPS office requests it due to medical or safety concerns.
What if I moved to Alabama from another state and already have a valid driver's license?
You can exchange your out-of-state license for an Alabama license by visiting a county DPS office with proof of identity, proof of Alabama residency, and your Social Security number. You do not need to retake the written or driving tests if your out-of-state license is valid and you are not moving from a country outside the United States.