Alabama DMV Locations That Issue Learner's Permits

You must visit a Driver License Examiner office in person to get your Alabama learner's permit. These are run by the Alabama Department of Public Safety, not by county tag offices or other DMV-type locations. The state operates 29 permanent examiner offices across Alabama, plus several part-time locations that open on a rotating schedule.

Not every office issues permits on every day. Some locations operate Monday through Friday, while others have limited hours or are open only certain days of the week. Before you go, you need to know which office serves your county and what days it's open.

You cannot renew or obtain a learner's permit by mail, online, or through a third-party service in Alabama. You must appear in person with your documents and pass the written test at the examiner office.

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama has 29 permanent Driver License Examiner offices; the location nearest you depends on which county you live in.
  • Hours vary by location—some are open weekdays only, others have limited schedules—so you must check before you visit.
  • The official Alabama DMV website lists all office addresses, phone numbers, and hours; calling ahead prevents wasted trips.
  • You must bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity to the examiner office on the day you test.
  • Part-time locations operate on a rotating monthly schedule and serve rural counties; check the schedule before planning your visit.

Finding Your County's Examiner Office

The Alabama Department of Public Safety maintains a searchable office locator on its official website. You can search by county name or city to find the examiner office that serves your area. Each listing shows the street address, phone number, and operating hours.

If you live in a county with a permanent office, that office is open year-round. If your county is served by a part-time location, the office operates on a rotating schedule—typically one or two days per month. The schedule changes monthly, so calling the office or checking the website before you visit is essential.

Some larger counties have more than one examiner office. If you have a choice, pick the one most convenient to you, but confirm its hours first. A few offices close for lunch or have split schedules (morning and afternoon only).

Hours and Days When Offices Are Open

Most permanent examiner offices operate Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but many close for one hour at lunch. Some offices open as early as 7:30 a.m. or stay open until 6:00 p.m. A handful of locations have Saturday hours, but these are rare and vary by office.

Part-time offices in rural counties typically operate one or two days per month, often on a Wednesday or Thursday. The schedule rotates, so the same office might be open the first Wednesday of one month and the third Wednesday the next month. You must check the current month's schedule before you drive there.

All examiner offices close on state holidays and sometimes on days when the state building is closed for weather or emergency. If you are planning a visit during winter or severe weather season, call ahead to confirm the office is open.

What to Bring to the Examiner Office

You must bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number (or a Social Security card). The office will not issue a permit without all three.

Acceptable proof of identity includes a passport, birth certificate, or certified copy of your birth certificate. A school ID alone is not enough. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

Bring the original documents, not copies. The examiner will inspect them and may keep them on file or return them to you depending on the type of document. Ask the office staff what they will do with your documents before you hand them over.

Testing and Fees at the Examiner Office

When you arrive, you will complete an process form and pay the learner's permit fee. As of 2024, the fee for a learner's permit is $20.25, but fees can change. Call your local examiner office to confirm the current fee before you visit.

You will then take the written test on a computer or paper, depending on the office. The test covers Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most offices, but you may have to pay the fee again.

If you pass, the office will issue your learner's permit on the spot. Your permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. Keep it with you whenever you drive with a licensed adult supervisor.

Visiting During Peak Times and Wait Times

Examiner offices are busiest on weekday mornings, especially between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., and on the first few days of each month. If you can visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday afternoon, you will likely wait less time.

Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Rural offices may have no wait, while offices in larger cities can have waits of 30 minutes to over an hour during peak times. Some offices use a ticket system; others serve customers on a first-come, first-served basis.

Arriving 15 to 30 minutes before the office opens can reduce your wait. Some offices allow you to call ahead and ask about current wait times, though not all do. If the wait is very long, you can leave and return at a different time or on a different day.

Part-Time and Mobile Examiner Locations

Alabama operates part-time examiner offices in counties that do not have a permanent location. These offices are usually housed in county courthouses, libraries, or other public buildings and are open one or two days per month on a rotating schedule.

The schedule for part-time offices changes every month. You must check the Alabama Department of Public Safety website or call the office directly to find out when it will be open. Missing the scheduled day means waiting until the next month.

Part-time offices offer the same services as permanent offices—written tests, permit issuance, and license renewals—but on a limited schedule. Bring the same documents and be prepared to pay the same fee as you would at a permanent location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my learner's permit at a county tag office or courthouse?

No. Only Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Examiner offices issue learner's permits. County tag offices handle vehicle registration only. Some courthouses house part-time examiner offices, but you must confirm this before you visit.

What if the nearest examiner office is more than an hour away?

You can visit any examiner office in the state, not just the one in your county. If a closer office in a neighboring county is more convenient, you can go there instead. All offices issue permits under the same rules and fees.

Do I need an appointment to take the learner's permit test?

Most Alabama examiner offices do not require appointments and serve customers on a first-come, first-served basis. A few offices may accept appointments during certain hours. Call your local office to ask whether appointments are available.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test at most offices on the same day, though you may have to pay the fee again. Some offices limit retakes to one per day. Ask the examiner what their policy is before you leave if you fail.

Can someone else pick up my learner's permit for me?

No. You must be present in person to take the written test and receive your permit. A parent or guardian cannot obtain it on your behalf.