How Much Does a Alabama
Driver's License Cost?
A Alabama driver's license costs $36.25 and lasts 4 years. Below are all 6 official fees from the Alabama ALEA.
Alabama License Costs at a Glance
- Permit + first license (approx.)
- $77.50
- License valid for
- 4 years
- About $9.06 per year
- Replacement
- $36.25
- REAL ID
- No extra cost
At $36.25, Alabama's license fee is higher than in 26 other states. The national median is $34.
📊Official Alabama ALEA Fees
From the Alabama ALEA fee schedule. Verify current amounts before paying.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Class D Driver License (4 year) | $36.25 |
| Learner License (includes the knowledge test fee) | $41.25 |
| Restricted License | $36.25 |
| STAR ID (REAL ID) upgrade | No additional cost |
| Replacement License | $36.25 |
| Driver Education (optional) | $200–$500 (varies by provider) |
🗓️When You Pay Each Fee in Alabama
- 1
Apply for a Learner License at 15
Visit any ALEA Driver License Examination Office or Probate Office with your parent/guardian, required documents, the $5 test fee, and the $36.25 license fee.
- 2
Receive the Restricted License at 16
Pay the $36.25 Restricted License fee.
- 3
Renew Class D License Every 4 Years
Standard Class D renewal cycle is 4 years for $36.25.
How much does an Alabama driver's license cost?
A Class D license is $36.25 (4-year), the Learner License is $36.25 (plus a $5 test fee), and the Restricted License is $36.25. STAR ID upgrade is included at no additional cost. Replacement licenses are $36.25. Optional Driver Education is $200–$500 at private schools. Alabama's licensing fees are among the lowest in the U.S. for the number of years of validity.
🗺️Alabama Compared With Neighboring States
You must be a resident to get a state's license, but if you live near a border, here is how Alabama's fees compare.
| State | License | Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $36.25 | $41.25 |
| Florida | $48 | Included |
| Georgia | $20 | $10 |
| Tennessee | $28 | $28–$33 |
| Mississippi | $24 | $7 |
🚚Moving to Alabama With a License?
New Alabama residents must transfer their license within 30 days. Visit any ALEA Driver License Examination Office or Probate Office with your old license, identity documents, SSN, and 2 AL residency documents. The vision test is required; the written and road tests are typically waived for valid U.S. licenses in good standing. Out-of-country licenses require both the written and road test.
Transfer deadlines in every state →Budgeting Beyond the ALEA Fee
The figures above are Alabama's official fees. Driver education, behind-the-wheel lessons, and insurance can cost more than the license itself.
Estimate your total Alabama cost
The official fees above are only part of the bill. Add your age, REAL ID, driver education and retests to see a realistic total for Alabama.
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Most states charge $5–$35 per failed road-test attempt. Optimistic? First-try pass rates run 50–60% in most states.
Estimates use the fees listed on this page. Open the full calculator to compare other states.
Fees change. Always confirm the amount on the official Alabama ALEA website before paying. US Driver Guide is not affiliated with any government agency.