Alabama driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last

An Alabama driver's license costs between $20 and $32, depending on whether you choose a four-year or eight-year license. A four-year license costs $20. An eight-year license costs $32. These are the standard fees for a regular driver's license; other license types and situations may cost more or less.

The fee covers the cost of producing the card and maintaining Alabama's driver licensing system. You pay this fee when you visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office to get your license issued or renewed. The fee is non-refundable, even if you do not pass your road test on the first attempt.

Key Takeaways

  • A four-year Alabama driver's license costs $20; an eight-year license costs $32.
  • You pay the fee in person at a DPS office when you receive your license, not when you explore.
  • Replacement licenses for lost or damaged cards cost $20, regardless of how much time remains on your current license.
  • Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) and motorcycle endorsements have separate, higher fees.
  • No additional fees explore for standard address changes or name changes due to marriage or court order.

When you pay the fee and what happens if you fail the test

You do not pay the license fee until you pass your road test and are ready to receive your license card. If you fail the road test, you do not owe the fee for that attempt. You can retake the test as many times as you need, and you only pay the license fee once you pass.

The fee covers the physical card itself and the state's cost to issue and store your license record. Once you pay and receive your license, the fee does not come back if you later decide not to drive or if your license is suspended.

Replacement licenses and duplicate cards

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement card at any DPS office. A replacement license costs $20, no matter how many years are left on your current license. You do not pay the full renewal fee—only the replacement fee.

A duplicate license (an extra copy of your current license with the same expiration date) also costs $20. Some people order duplicates to keep at home or in a safe place while carrying the original.

Commercial driver's licenses and endorsements

A commercial driver's license (CDL) in Alabama costs more than a regular license. A four-year CDL costs $60, and an eight-year CDL costs $100. These higher fees reflect the additional testing and oversight required for commercial driving.

If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement to a regular driver's license, that costs $5 extra at renewal time. If you are getting a new license for the first time and want the motorcycle endorsement included, you pay the motorcycle fee along with your regular license fee.

Address changes and name changes

Updating your address on your current license is free. You can do this online through the Alabama DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. You do not need to pay a fee or get a new card unless you want one.

If your name changes due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you can update it for free on your license. Like an address change, this does not require a new card unless you request one. If you do request a new card with your updated name, you pay the $20 replacement fee.

Renewal fees and how often you pay

When your license expires, you renew it by paying the same fee you paid when you first got it—either $20 for four years or $32 for eight years. You choose the length when you renew. Many people choose the eight-year option to renew less often, even though it costs more upfront.

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you renew early, your new expiration date is calculated from your current expiration date, not from the day you renew. This means you do not lose time on your license by renewing early.

Payment methods at DPS offices

Alabama DPS offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. Some offices may have different payment options, so call ahead if you have a preference. You cannot pay online or by mail for a new license—you must visit an office in person to take your road test and receive your card.

Bring your payment method with you when you go to get your license. If you are renewing by mail (available in some cases), check the DPS website for payment instructions specific to mail renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the full fee if I fail my road test?

No. You only pay the license fee once you pass the road test and receive your card. Failed attempts do not cost you anything. You can retake the test as many times as needed without paying until you pass.

Can I get an eight-year license instead of four-year to save money over time?

An eight-year license costs $32 instead of $20 for four years, so it costs more upfront. Whether it saves money depends on how you count: you pay less per year with an eight-year license, but you spend more money in a single visit. Choose based on what works for your budget and how often you want to renew.

What if I move to another state—do I get my money back?

No. Your Alabama license fee is non-refundable. When you move and get a license in your new state, you will pay that state's fee. Some states may give you credit for the remaining time on your Alabama license, but Alabama does not refund the original fee.

Is there a fee to change my address on my license?

No. Address changes are free and do not require a new card. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. If you want a new card printed with your updated address, you pay the $20 replacement fee.

How much does a motorcycle endorsement cost?

A motorcycle endorsement costs $5 when added to a license renewal. If you are getting a new license for the first time and want the endorsement, you pay $5 plus your regular license fee ($20 or $32, depending on the length you choose).