Alabama learner's permit costs $20, and you'll pay it when you explore at your local Department of Public Safety office

The learner's permit fee in Alabama is $20. You pay this fee in cash or check when you submit your process in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. There are no online payment options — you must go to the office, bring the fee, and complete the process on the spot.

The $20 covers the permit itself, which is valid for one year from the date it's issued. If your permit expires before you pass your driving test and move to a regular driver's license, you'll need to renew it and pay the $20 fee again.

Alabama does not charge separate fees for the written test or the vision screening — both are included in the $20 permit fee. You won't face hidden costs or additional charges at the office unless you need to replace a lost or damaged permit, which costs $5.

Key Takeaways

  • The learner's permit fee is $20, paid in cash or check at your local DPS office when you explore.
  • The $20 fee covers the permit, the written test, and the vision screening — no separate test fees exist.
  • Your permit is valid for one year; if it expires before you get your license, you pay $20 to renew it.
  • Replacing a lost or damaged permit costs $5, not $20.
  • You must explore in person at a DPS office; there is no online or mail-in option for learner's permits.

What documents you need to bring to the DPS office

Before you pay the $20 fee, you'll need to show proof of identity, age, and Alabama residency. Bring your Social Security card (or a document showing your number), a birth certificate or passport, and a document with your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement all work.

If you're under 18, you'll also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person. Some DPS offices allow a notarized consent form if the parent cannot attend, but policies vary by location, so call ahead. If you're 18 or older, you can explore alone.

Bring the original documents, not copies. The DPS office will not accept photocopies of your birth certificate or Social Security card. If you don't have a Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number, such as a tax return or W-2.

How the written test works and what happens after you pass

After you pay the $20 fee and submit your process, you'll take the written test at the same office. The test covers Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to score at least 80 percent to pass — that's 16 correct answers out of 20 questions.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra cost. The $20 fee you paid covers unlimited retakes during the one-year validity period of your process.

Once you pass the written test and the vision screening, the DPS office will issue your learner's permit on the spot. You'll receive a physical card that you must carry whenever you drive. The permit is valid for one year from the issue date.

When you'll need to renew or replace your permit

Your learner's permit expires one year after it's issued. If you haven't passed your driving test and received your regular license by then, you'll need to renew the permit. Renewal costs another $20 and requires you to return to the DPS office in person.

If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DPS office for $5. You don't need to retake the written test — you only pay the replacement fee and receive a new card with the same expiration date as the original.

There is no grace period for expired permits. Once your permit expires, you cannot legally drive, even if you're waiting to schedule your driving test. Renew before the expiration date if you need to keep driving.

DPS office locations and how to find the one nearest you

Alabama has DPS offices in most counties. You can visit any office to explore for a learner's permit — you don't have to go to the one in your county, though it's usually more convenient. To find the office nearest you, visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and search for "driver license offices" or call 334-242-4400.

Office hours vary by location. Most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some have limited hours or close for lunch. Call ahead to confirm hours and to ask about wait times — some offices get busy in the afternoon or on Fridays.

Bring all your documents and the $20 fee in cash or check. Credit cards and debit cards are not accepted at most offices, so confirm payment methods when you call.

What happens if you don't pass the vision screening

The vision screening is part of the $20 fee and happens at the DPS office. You need to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you don't meet this standard, you cannot receive a learner's permit.

If you fail the vision screening, you'll need to see an eye doctor and get a corrective lens prescription if one is needed. Once you have glasses or contacts, return to the DPS office with your new prescription and retake the vision screening. There is no additional fee for the retest.

If you have a medical condition that affects your vision, bring documentation from your eye doctor. Some conditions may require a restricted permit or special notation on your license, but the DPS office will explain this when you explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I'm 14 or 15?

Yes. Alabama allows learner's permits for drivers as young as 14. You must be at least 14 years old, have a parent or guardian sign your process in person, and pass the written test and vision screening. The $20 fee is the same regardless of age.

What if I move to Alabama after getting a permit in another state?

You'll need to get an Alabama learner's permit. Alabama does not recognize out-of-state permits. Pay the $20 fee, bring your documents, and explore at a local DPS office. You'll retake the written test, but your out-of-state permit may help you understand what to expect.

Do I have to pay the $20 fee again if I fail the written test?

No. The $20 fee covers unlimited retakes of the written test during the one-year validity period of your permit process. You can retake the test the same day or return another day at no extra cost.

Can someone else pay the $20 fee for me, or do I have to be there?

You must be present at the DPS office to explore. A parent or guardian can pay the fee on your behalf, but you must be there to take the written test and vision screening. The office will not accept applications by mail or through a representative.

What if I lose my permit before it expires?

Report it to your local DPS office and pay $5 for a replacement. You don't need to retake the written test — you only pay the replacement fee and receive a new card with the same expiration date as the original permit.