What you need to get an Alabama driver license

Alabama issues a standard driver license valid for eight years, or a REAL ID-compliant license valid for the same period. Both require you to visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The main difference is that REAL ID licenses meet federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings, while standard licenses do not.

You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit, 17 to get a restricted license, and 18 to get an unrestricted license. If you are under 18, you will also need parental or guardian consent. Alabama does not issue licenses to people who cannot prove legal presence in the United States.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an Alabama DPS office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to get either a standard or REAL ID license.
  • REAL ID licenses cost more than standard licenses and require additional documents, but are required for domestic air travel and federal building access after May 7, 2025.
  • You must pass both a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test; the written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.
  • Minors under 18 need parental consent and must hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before taking the driving test.
  • Alabama accepts out-of-state licenses and does not require you to retake tests if you have a valid license from another state, though you will need to pay the license fee.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued identity document. You will also need to prove your Social Security number — bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. Do not bring a photocopy of your Social Security card; Alabama will not accept it.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Alabama address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from your landlord or a family member stating that you live at that address.

If you are explore for a REAL ID license, bring the same documents plus one additional document from the REAL ID list: a certified birth certificate, passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID from another state. Some documents cost money to obtain — for example, a certified birth certificate from the Alabama Vital Records office costs $20 to $30 depending on how quickly you need it.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. The test covers Alabama traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, and safe driving practices. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most DPS offices, though some offices may require you to wait a few hours or return another day.

Alabama provides a free study guide called the Alabama Driver's Manual, available on the DPS website and in print at DPS offices. The manual covers everything on the test. Many people study it for a few hours or a few days before taking the test; there is no required study period. If you are under 18, you must pass the written test before you can get a learner's permit.

The driving test and learner's permit rules

After you pass the written test, you will receive a learner's permit if you are under 18, or you can move directly to the driving test if you are 18 or older. The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DPS office. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping, and will observe how you handle traffic and follow road signs.

If you are under 18 with a learner's permit, you must hold it for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test. During this time, you must drive only with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the front seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. If you are 18 or older, you can take the driving test when ready after passing the written test.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must pay the test fee each time.

License fees and how long they take to arrive

A standard Alabama driver license costs $25.50 and is valid for eight years. A REAL ID license costs $32.50 and is also valid for eight years. If you are under 18, the license is valid only until your 18th birthday, and you can renew it at no cost when you turn 18. Fees may vary slightly by county; call your local DPS office to confirm the exact amount.

You will receive your license on the spot at the DPS office if you pass the driving test. The physical card is printed when ready, though it may take a few days to arrive by mail if the office is busy. You can drive with a temporary paper license while you wait for the card. If you are under 18, your license will have a "Restricted" designation until you turn 18, which means you must follow the learner's permit rules even after you pass the driving test.

If you already have a license from another state

Alabama does not require you to retake the written or driving test if you have a valid driver license from another state. You can exchange it for an Alabama license by visiting a DPS office with your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Alabama, and proof of your Social Security number. You will pay the license fee and receive your Alabama license when ready. Your out-of-state license will be surrendered.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to retake both tests. If you have a suspended or revoked license from any state, you must clear that suspension or revocation before Alabama will issue you a license. Contact the DPS office in the state where your license was suspended to find out what you need to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Alabama driver license if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. You can bring a passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID from another state instead. If you do not have any of these, you can contact the Alabama Vital Records office to order a certified birth certificate, which costs $20 to $30 and takes one to two weeks by mail. Some DPS offices can help you explore for a birth certificate on the spot.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pay the test fee each time. Most people pass within two or three attempts. If you are under 18, you must still hold your learner's permit for at least 30 days before retaking the test.

Do I need a REAL ID license to drive in Alabama?

No. A standard driver license is valid for driving anywhere in Alabama and the United States. You need a REAL ID license only if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If you already have a passport or passport card, you can use that instead of a REAL ID license for air travel.

Can I renew my Alabama license by mail or online?

No. Alabama requires you to renew your license in person at a DPS office. You must bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Renewals cost the same as a new license and take about 15 minutes.

What if I move to Alabama from another country?

You must prove legal presence in the United States. Bring your passport, visa, employment authorization document, or other immigration document along with your other required documents. If you do not have proof of legal presence, Alabama will not issue you a license. Contact the DPS office for a list of documents that count as proof of legal presence.