Alabama Driver's License
Requirements
In Alabama, driver's licenses are issued by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Division — and processed at both ALEA Driver License Examination Offices and Probate Office / License Commissioner offices in each of Alabama's 67 counties. The standard non-commercial credential is a Class D Driver License. Alabama operates a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for drivers under 18: a Learner License at 15 (with parental consent), a Restricted License at 16 with strict passenger and night-driving restrictions, and a full Class D License at 17 (after 6 months on the Restricted License with no convictions). Driver Education is not state-mandated, and Alabama does NOT specify a minimum number of supervised driving hours — making it one of the most lenient GDL programs in the U.S. on practice requirements. Alabama issues the federally-compliant STAR ID (the state's name for REAL ID) — required to board domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. Alabama's baseline licensing fees are among the lowest in the country, and Probate Office locations across the state make in-person service highly accessible.
Requirements Overview
Must be an Alabama resident. ALEA requires two documents proving Alabama residency. New residents from another state must transfer their out-of-state license within 30 days of establishing residency. Alabama does NOT issue licenses to undocumented immigrants — proof of lawful presence is required for both STAR ID and Standard licenses.
Required Documents
Bring original documents only — photocopies are not accepted. Verify the complete current list at the official Alabama DMV website.
- Proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or valid permanent resident card)
- Social Security number — SSN card, W-2, 1099, or paystub showing the full SSN
- Proof of name change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree) if applicable
- Two proofs of Alabama residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or current AL vehicle registration in your name)
- Parental/guardian consent (Form DL-CDL-95) signed in person at the office — required for applicants under 18
- Vehicle for road test with valid AL registration and proof of insurance
Fees & Costs
Fees change frequently. Always verify the current fee at the official Alabama DMV website before your visit.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to get your Alabama driver's license. Steps may vary based on your age and residency status — always confirm with the official DMV.
Study the Alabama Driver Manual
Download the current Alabama Driver Manual from alea.gov. The written knowledge test is 40 questions covering AL traffic laws, road signs, severe-weather (tornado, ice) safety, and the state's Move Over law. You need 80% (32 correct) to pass.
Apply for a Learner License at 15
Visit any ALEA Driver License Examination Office or Probate Office with your parent/guardian, required documents, and $5 fee. Pass the vision test and the written knowledge test. The Learner License allows driving only when supervised by a licensed driver age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
Pro tip: Probate Office (or License Commissioner) locations are spread across all 67 Alabama counties — often closer and quicker than the larger ALEA offices.
Hold Learner License for 6 Months
Alabama requires a 6-month Learner License period for under-18 applicants. There is NO state-mandated minimum number of supervised driving hours, but a parent affidavit confirming reasonable practice is required at the road test. Most Alabama parents log 30–50 informal hours.
Pass the Road Test
Schedule the road test through alea.gov. Bring your Learner License, parent consent (Form DL-CDL-95), vehicle insurance/registration, and a sober adult sponsor. The 15–25 minute test covers parallel parking, three-point turn, controlled intersections, lane changes, and basic city driving.
Pro tip: Smaller Alabama Probate Offices typically have road-test appointments within 1–2 weeks.
Receive the Restricted License at 16
Pay the $36.25 Restricted License fee. The Alabama Restricted License has restrictions for the first 6 months: no driving 12am–6am unless accompanied by a parent/guardian or going to/from work or school. No more than ONE non-family passenger under 21 at any time. Cell phone use of any kind (even hands-free) is prohibited.
Hold Restricted License for 6 Months
Alabama requires applicants to hold the Restricted License for at least 6 months with no convictions before upgrading. Any moving violation during this period resets the 6-month clock.
Upgrade to Full Class D at 17
On the 17th birthday — after at least 6 months on the Restricted License with no convictions — the license automatically upgrades to a full Class D Driver License. Standard 4-year renewal cycle begins; restrictions lift completely. No additional test or office visit required.
Renew Class D License Every 4 Years
Standard Class D renewal cycle is 4 years for $36.25. Online renewal is available for most cycles via alea.gov's online services portal; every other cycle requires an in-person visit and new photo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alabama's 67-county Probate Office (or License Commissioner) network has handled vehicle titling and motor-vehicle services for over a century. In the 2010s, ALEA expanded the Probate Office role to include driver-license issuance — making Alabama uniquely accessible for in-person driver-license services. While ALEA Driver License Examination Offices handle road tests and complex transactions, Probate Offices handle most renewals, duplicates, and STAR ID upgrades.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official Alabama DMV to start your application with the correct, up-to-date requirements.
This website is not affiliated with any government agency or DMV office. Information is for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official DMV website before taking action.