Where to Go and What to Bring in Morgan County

The Morgan County Driver License Office is located in Decatur at 302 Lee Street Northeast, Decatur, AL 35601. This is the only full-service DMV location in Morgan County where you can take the written test, vision test, and road test, and walk out with a license the same day if you pass. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays.

Before you go, gather these documents: a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current Alabama address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian and their ID as well. Bring the originals — photocopies are not accepted.

The fee for a Class D (standard passenger vehicle) license is $28.50 for a four-year license or $42.50 for an eight-year license. Payment is cash or card. If you fail any test, you pay a retest fee of $5.00 each time you return.

Key Takeaways

  • The Morgan County Driver License Office in Decatur is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is the only location in the county where you can complete all tests and receive your license the same day.
  • You must bring original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and current Alabama address; photocopies will not be accepted.
  • A four-year Class D license costs $28.50; an eight-year license costs $42.50; retests cost $5.00 each.
  • If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must accompany you with their own ID.
  • You can take the written test, vision test, and road test on the same visit if you are ready, but most first-time drivers need to study before attempting the written exam.

The Written Test and What It Covers

Alabama's written test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass (80 percent). The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and safe driving practices. You have one hour to complete it. The questions come from the Alabama Driver's Manual, which is free and available online at the Alabama Department of Public Safety website or in print at the Morgan County office.

You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day; there is no waiting period between attempts in Alabama. However, most people study for at least one week before their first attempt. The manual is short — about 40 pages — and covers everything on the test.

Common mistakes include not reading the questions carefully, guessing on questions about right-of-way (which have specific rules), and not knowing Alabama's specific speed limits in residential areas (25 mph) and school zones (15 mph during school hours). Bring a pen and paper if you want to take notes while studying, but you cannot bring notes or your phone into the test room.

The Vision and Road Tests

After you pass the written test, you take the vision screening at the same office. The test checks your ability to see at 20 feet and your peripheral vision. You must see at least 20/40 in each eye (with or without glasses or contacts). If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the test and on your license. If you fail the vision test, you cannot take the road test that day and must return after seeing an eye doctor.

The road test is a 15- to 20-minute drive with an examiner in your vehicle. You must provide a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping at signs and lights. You must follow all traffic laws during the test. Common reasons for failing include not coming to a complete stop at stop signs, speeding, improper lane changes, and hitting the curb while parking.

You can schedule the road test in advance or take it the same day as your written test if you pass. If you fail the road test, you must wait at least one day before retaking it. You can retake it as many times as needed, but each attempt costs $5.00.

Renewing or Replacing Your License in Morgan County

If your Alabama license is expiring, you can renew it at the Morgan County office without retaking the tests. Bring your current license, proof of your current address, and the renewal fee ($28.50 for four years or $42.50 for eight years). The renewal takes about 15 minutes. You can also renew online through the Alabama Department of Public Safety website if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not changed your address or name.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Morgan County office. Bring your ID, proof of address, and $5.00. A replacement license is issued the same day. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew or replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted; contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety for details on your case.

Special License Types and Restrictions for Morgan County Drivers

Alabama offers several license types beyond the standard Class D. A Class M license is required to ride a motorcycle and involves a separate written test and road test on a motorcycle. A Class CD license allows you to drive a commercial vehicle (truck or bus) and requires a commercial driving test and a medical certificate. A Learner's Permit (Class CP) is for drivers under 18 or new drivers of any age and allows supervised driving only — the supervising driver must be at least 21 and hold a valid license.

If you are under 18, Alabama's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law applies. You must hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before taking the road test. After you receive your license, you cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. for the first six months, and you cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car (except family members). These restrictions lift after six months or when you turn 18, whichever comes first.

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, you may need a restricted license. The Morgan County office can discuss this with you, but you will need a letter from your doctor describing the restriction (for example, daylight driving only, or no highway driving).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is arriving without all required documents. Many people bring a utility bill but forget their Social Security card, or bring a copy instead of the original. Check the list above before you leave home. If you are missing even one document, the office will not process your process, and you will have to return another day.

The second mistake is not studying the Alabama Driver's Manual before the written test. The manual is free and takes a few hours to read. Many people think they can pass by common sense alone and fail on questions about specific Alabama laws (like the speed limit in a school zone or the right-of-way rule at a four-way stop). Spend one week studying if you are new to driving, or a few days if you are transferring from another state.

The third mistake is scheduling the road test too soon. You need time to practice driving in Morgan County traffic, learn where the test route is, and build confidence. If you take the road test within a few days of getting your learner's permit, you are likely to fail. Most people practice for at least two weeks before attempting the road test.

What Happens After You Pass and Get Your License

Your new license is printed on the spot and is valid when ready. You can drive alone as soon as you leave the office (unless you are under 18 and subject to GDL restrictions). Your license is valid for four or eight years, depending on which you chose. You do not need to renew it before the expiration date, but you cannot drive legally after it expires.

Keep your license on you whenever you drive. If you are stopped by police, you must show it along with proof of insurance and vehicle registration. If you move within Alabama, you do not need to update your license unless you want to change your address on it (you can do this at the Morgan County office for free). If you move out of Alabama, your Alabama license remains valid until it expires, but you should get a license in your new state within the timeframe that state requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test without a learner's permit first?

No. Alabama requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before taking the road test, but you can take the written test and get your permit on the same day. Once you have the permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult before returning for the road test.

What if I fail the road test — how long do I have to wait to retake it?

You must wait at least one day before retaking the road test. You can return the next day if you want, or wait longer to practice more. Each retake costs $5.00. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

Do I need an appointment at the Morgan County Driver License Office?

No appointment is required, but wait times can be long during peak hours (mid-morning and early afternoon). Arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon usually means a shorter wait. Call the office at (256) 353-7500 if you want to ask about current wait times before you go.

Can I renew my license online if I live in Morgan County?

You can renew online through the Alabama Department of Public Safety website if your license is not suspended, you have not changed your address or name, and your license is not expiring within 30 days. If any of these conditions explore, you must renew in person at the Morgan County office.

What if I have a suspended or revoked license — can I get a new one?

No. You cannot renew, replace, or obtain a new license while it is suspended or revoked. Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you must do to lift the suspension or revocation. This may involve paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.