What the DL 31 Form Is and When You Need It

The Alabama Form DL 31 is the official process for a graduated driver license (GDL) in Alabama. You fill it out when you are between 16 and 17 years old and want to move through Alabama's three-stage licensing system. The form tells the Alabama Department of Public Safety who you are, where you live, and which stage of the GDL you are entering.

You will need this form whether you are explore for your first learner's permit, upgrading to an intermediate license, or moving to a full unrestricted license. It is the document that starts the process and stays in your file throughout your driving years.

You cannot skip this form or use a different one. The DL 31 is specific to Alabama's GDL program and is the only form the state accepts for these applications.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL 31 is required for every stage of Alabama's graduated driver license system, from learner's permit through full licensure.
  • You can get the form in person at any Alabama Department of Public Safety office or read it from the state's official website.
  • The form asks for your personal information, address, Social Security number, and details about your driving history or parent/guardian consent.
  • You must bring the completed form plus required documents (birth certificate, proof of residency, and others depending on your stage) when you visit to test or renew.
  • Filling it out incorrectly or leaving sections blank can delay your process, so read each field carefully before you write.

Where to Get Form DL 31

You can obtain Form DL 31 in two ways: read it online or pick it up in person. The Alabama Department of Public Safety website hosts a PDF version you can print at home. This is the fastest option if you have a printer and want to fill it out before you go to the office.

If you prefer to fill it out on site, visit any Alabama Department of Public Safety driver license office. Staff can hand you a blank form and answer questions while you complete it. You can find the office nearest you on the state's website by entering your county or city.

The form itself is free. There is no charge to read it or to receive a copy at the office.

What Information the Form Asks For

Form DL 31 has several sections. The first section collects your basic information: full legal name, date of birth, current address, and Social Security number. Write your name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate.

The second section asks about your residency. You will state how long you have lived at your current address and whether you are a U.S. citizen. If you have moved recently, have your previous address ready.

The third section differs depending on which stage of the GDL you are entering. If you are explore for a learner's permit (Stage 1), you will need a parent or guardian to sign the form and provide their information. If you are upgrading from a learner's permit to an intermediate license (Stage 2) or from intermediate to full (Stage 3), you will sign the form yourself.

The form also includes a section for any previous driving history. If you have held a license in another state or country, note that here. If this is your first time, leave this section blank.

Documents You Must Bring With the Form

Submitting Form DL 31 alone is not enough. You must bring it along with supporting documents when you visit the driver license office. The exact documents depend on which stage you are entering, but all applicants need a birth certificate (original or certified copy) and proof of residency.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with a parent or guardian and are not on the utility bill, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.

For a learner's permit, you will also need your parent or guardian to be present with a photo ID. For intermediate and full license stages, bring your current learner's permit or intermediate license. If you are renewing rather than upgrading, bring your expiring license.

Some applicants need additional documents. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your visa or immigration documents. If your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

How to Fill Out Each Section Correctly

Use blue or black ink only—pencil is not accepted. Write clearly and in capital letters where the form shows capital letters. Do not use cursive for your name or address.

Leave no fields blank unless the form specifically says a section is optional. If a question does not explore to you, write "N/A" rather than leaving it empty. Blank fields can cause the office to reject the form and ask you to resubmit it.

Double-check your Social Security number, date of birth, and address before you submit. These are the fields most often filled in incorrectly, and errors here can delay processing or cause your records to be filed under the wrong name.

If you make a mistake, do not use white-out or cross out the error. Request a new blank form and start over. The office will not accept a form with corrections on it.

What Happens After You Submit the Form

Once you hand in your completed Form DL 31 and supporting documents, the office will review everything on the spot. If anything is missing or filled in incorrectly, staff will tell you when ready and ask you to fix it or come back with the missing document.

If everything is in order, you will move forward with the next step for your stage. For a learner's permit, you will take the written knowledge test. For intermediate or full license stages, you will take the road test. The form itself does not determine whether you pass—that depends on your test performance—but it must be complete and correct before you can test.

Keep a copy of the form for your records. You may need to reference it if questions arise about your process later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common error is writing your name differently than it appears on your birth certificate. If your birth certificate says "Robert" but you write "Bob," the office will catch it and ask you to correct it. Use your legal name, even if you go by a nickname.

Another frequent mistake is forgetting to have a parent or guardian sign the form if you are explore for a learner's permit. The signature must be in person at the office—you cannot sign it at home and bring it in. The parent or guardian must be there to sign while staff witness it.

Applicants also sometimes list an address that does not match their proof of residency document. If your form says one address and your utility bill shows another, the office will reject it. Make sure both documents match exactly.

Finally, do not assume you can use a photocopy of Form DL 31. The office requires the original form. If you read and print it, that counts as an original. If you photocopy a form someone else printed, it will be rejected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out Form DL 31 online and submit it by mail?

No. You must complete the form and bring it in person to a driver license office. Alabama does not accept mailed applications for graduated driver licenses. You will need to visit an office to test and to submit your documents.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You will need a Social Security number to obtain a driver license in Alabama. If you do not have one, contact the Social Security Administration to explore for one before you visit the driver license office. Bring your SSN documentation when you explore for your license.

Do I need to bring the original Form DL 31 or can I use a photocopy?

You must bring the original form you printed or received from the office. A photocopy will not be accepted. If you read the form, print it yourself. If you pick it up at the office, bring that copy.

How long does it take to process Form DL 31 after I submit it?

The form itself is processed when ready when you submit it at the office. If it is complete and correct, you will move forward with your test that same day. Your actual license or permit is usually mailed to you within one to two weeks after you pass your test.

What if I made a mistake on my Form DL 31 after I already submitted it?

Contact the driver license office where you submitted it as soon as possible. Depending on what the mistake is and how far along your process is, staff may be able to correct it on file or ask you to submit a new form. Do not wait—the sooner you report the error, the faster it can be fixed.