How to get a driver's license in Alabama
This page explains, step by step, how to get an Alabama driver license for a regular car and which documents to bring. It is based on the website of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Division and on the Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024). This site is independent and is not ALEA.
Independent educational site · not affiliated with any government agency or DMV
Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-04. Requirements can change: always confirm with Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Division before you go.
How it works
Who needs a license
Every Alabama resident who drives a motor vehicle on public roads must have a driver license. The one exception named in the manual is a farm tractor or implement of husbandry that is temporarily on a road. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Division, issues Alabama driver licenses. You must have your license (or learner permit) with you while driving and be ready to show it to a law enforcement officer who asks.
Source: [1]
The minimum driving age
The minimum driving age in Alabama is 16, with certain exceptions and restrictions. One exception is the learner license, which is available from age 15.
Classes and restrictions
- Class D is the private passenger, regular operator license.
- Class M is a motorcycle license.
- Class V is a water vessel license.
- ALEA's list of restriction codes includes A (corrective lenses), B (motor driven cycle) and C (daylight only).
Source: [5]
Your steps depend on your age
Alabama uses a graduated driver license for young drivers. It has three stages: Stage I (learner license), Stage II (restricted license) and Stage III (regular, unrestricted license). The details are in the sections below. The graduated license rules do not apply in these cases:
- to people who are 18 or older;
- to people who are 17 or older and have held a valid driver license for six months or longer;
- to people who are 16 or older, married and considered the head of household.
Source: [4]
Who cannot be licensed
- A person whose driving privilege is suspended or revoked in any state cannot be issued an Alabama driver license.
- A person under 19 who is not in compliance with Alabama Act 93-368, which requires graduation from secondary school or current attendance (with limited exclusions), cannot be licensed.
- A person who fails the examination when one is required cannot be licensed.
Use ALEA's own pages
The Driver License Division's pages are on alea.gov, and the links at the bottom of this guide go to them. This site is independent and is not ALEA.
If you are 15 to 17: teen licensing in Alabama
Step 1: the Stage I learner license
The minimum age for the Stage I learner license is 15. You must complete the written examination and receive a passing grade. The examination is based on the Alabama Driver Manual.
- A 15-year-old applicant brings a certified U.S. birth certificate (no photocopies), a Social Security card and proof of school enrollment or graduation.
- A person who is 16 or older and is qualified except for lack of driving instruction can also get a learner license after passing the examination.
- The 15-year-old learner license is valid for four years and can be renewed once.
- If neither parent nor guardian holds a license, they may name up to two people to act in place of a parent (in loco parentis) to supervise the permit holder when the 15-year-old applies. The examiner records them on a special form.
Step 1: practice with the learner license
A Stage I license lets you drive when you are accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or licensed driver who is 21 or older and who sits in the front seat beside you. You may also drive with a licensed or certified driving instructor in the front seat beside you. The learner license carries a "Y" restriction.
- A student enrolled in a driver and safety education course approved by the Director of Public Safety may drive without a learner license in the school's driver education car, with a certified instructor, during the regular school day.
Proof of school enrollment or graduation
A person under 19 who is applying for, renewing or seeking reinstatement of a license must present one of these:
- a diploma or other certificate of graduation;
- a GED certificate;
- a completed and signed School Enrollment/Exclusion Form (ALEA Form DL-1/93).
- A home-school applicant uses the Home School Affidavit, in which a parent or guardian affirms that the applicant is instructed at home in secondary educational subjects. Both forms are on ALEA's Driver License Forms page.
50 hours of practice or a driver education course
ALEA's graduated license page says students must provide one of these:
- a verification form provided by ALEA, signed by a parent, legal guardian or certified driving instructor, showing that the applicant has completed at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice;
- or a completion form supplied by the State Department of Education (SDE) showing that the applicant has completed an SDE-approved driver education course.
- Form DL-31 combines the parent's consent to licensing and the parent's certification of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
Step 2: the Stage II restricted license
The minimum age for Stage II is 16. Applicants under 18 must have held a Stage I license for at least 6 months before applying. Otherwise the minimum age is 18.
- You need permission from a parent or legal guardian to receive the Stage II license and drive without supervision.
- You must complete the road skills examination with a passing grade. It is based on the Alabama Driver Manual.
- A person aged 16 to under 18 who has held a learner license (including a comparable license from another state) for six months or until the 18th birthday, and who can drive safely, may present to the local driver license examiner for the road test.
- The Stage II rules are in Rules for young drivers below.
Step 3: the Stage III regular license
The minimum age for Stage III is 17. A 17-year-old must have held a Stage II license for at least six months before applying. People who are 18 or older may apply immediately. A passing score on the road skills examination is required.
Source: [4]
Driver education at school: third-party testing
In school systems where the program is available, students may use the Third-Party Testing program through a driver education course. The private high school course is an elective mainly for tenth graders who are 15 or older and eligible for the learner license.
- To receive the certificate, the student has a valid learner license and a signed parental permission form, completes the skill requirements and driver education, and completes 50 hours of supervised driving with a parent or guardian.
- The certificate is not valid until the student turns 16 and has held a learner license for at least six months.
- Passing driver education does not guarantee that the student will receive the ALEA/SDE certificate. The certificate is not a valid document to use in place of a driver license.
- After the student turns 16, has had a learner license for six months and has completed all required objectives, the student can get the driver license through an online process, a probate office or an ALEA examining office.
Rules for young drivers
Stage II: night driving
A Stage II license holder must not drive between midnight and 6 a.m. ALEA's graduated license page lists these exceptions: when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; when accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older with the parent or legal guardian's consent; when going to or from an event sponsored by a school or religious organization; when going to or from work; or when driving for a medical, fire or law-enforcement emergency.
Source: [4]
Stage II: passengers and phones
ALEA's graduated license page lists these Stage II rules:
- No more than one passenger may be in the vehicle other than parents, legal guardians or family members.
- A Stage II holder must not use any handheld communication device while driving.
Source: [4]
If you break a restriction
- A violation of any graduated driver license restriction extends the restricted period by six months or until the licensee reaches age 18. No points are assessed for violating the restrictions themselves.
- A licensee convicted of a second moving traffic violation, or of an offense such as failure to give information, rendering aid, racing, fleeing or eluding an officer, reckless driving, illegal passing, driving on the wrong side of the road, or any other offense worth four or more points, has the license suspended automatically for 60 days.
Source: [4]
If you are 18 or older
Who applies for a regular license
People who are 18 or older may apply immediately for a Stage III (regular) license. A passing score on the road skills examination is required. If you have not been licensed in Alabama before, you must pass the driver examination before the license is issued; for an out-of-state license, see Moving to Alabama.
What you need for the tests
Applicants who are 18 or older and want to complete all testing for a license must have a licensed driver, proof of car insurance and a vehicle that will pass inspection.
Source: [3]
If your Alabama license has expired
An Alabama driver license may be renewed without examination within three years after it expires. If you do not apply in time, you must pass a written examination and a driving test. See Renewing under After you pass.
If you are under 19
A first-time applicant who is younger than 19 also brings proof of school enrollment or graduation. See Proof of school enrollment or graduation above.
Moving to Alabama
Deadline: 30 days
The Code of Alabama says every new resident must get an Alabama driver license within 30 days after establishing residence in the state. A person with a valid license from the state of previous residence may drive without an Alabama license for 30 days after becoming a resident.
Whether you test
A holder of an out-of-state license that has not been expired for more than one year does not have to pass a driver examination.
- Out-of-state transfers are done at an ALEA office.
- Bring the out-of-state driver license, your Social Security card and one item from the primary list of documents.
- Applicants younger than 19 also bring proof of school enrollment or graduation.
- An Alabama license is not issued until all driver licenses in your possession are surrendered to ALEA.
Visitors and some non-residents
These people may drive in Alabama without an Alabama license:
- A non-resident on active duty in the U.S. armed forces, and the spouse and dependent children, while they hold a valid license from their home state.
- A non-resident full-time student properly enrolled and registered in a school, college, university or trade school in Alabama, who holds a valid license from his or her home state or country.
- A non-resident who is at least 16 and whose home country does not license drivers may drive for no more than 90 days in a calendar year if the vehicle is registered for the current year in the home country.
Drivers from other countries
- A foreign national applicant must be lawfully present in the United States. The documents that show lawful presence are listed on ALEA's Document Requirements and Fees page.
- Applications for a foreign national license are processed only at driver license offices designated by the ALEA Secretary.
- The license expires on the date the immigration document you showed at application expires. To renew, you start the process again in the same way as a first-time applicant.
- An applicant who was previously deported must also present proof from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that legal presence status has been restored.
Documents to bring
What you must show
For a driver or learner license, ALEA asks for one of these combinations of identification, plus proof of your Social Security number:
- two forms of identification, at least one with a photograph, and one of them from the "primary" list;
- or three forms of non-photo identification, one of them from the "primary" list.
- Proof of your Social Security number is normally your original Social Security card; ALEA's list also accepts a few other documents that show the full number, such as a military DD 214.
- An applicant younger than 19 who is applying for the first time also brings an acceptable school enrollment form or proof of graduation.
- ALEA's Document Requirements and Fees page is the current list. Check it before you go, because it may list further documents for your situation.
Primary documents
ALEA's primary list includes:
- a certified U.S. birth certificate;
- an unexpired U.S. passport;
- an Alabama identification card;
- an Alabama driver license;
- a Certificate of Naturalization;
- a Certificate of Citizenship;
- a U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad;
- a Permanent Resident Card;
- a valid foreign passport with a valid U.S. immigration document.
Source: [3]
The condition of your documents
Unless a document is marked otherwise, it must be current or be of a type that does not expire.
- Documents must be originals, or copies carrying an original certification from the agency that issued them.
- A document is not accepted if correction fluid has been used on it, if there are erasure markings, if information is missing, illegible or altered, if a fold, tear, hole or staple hides information, or if it is not properly signed.
If your name has changed
For a name change, present valid name change documents (for example a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order) together with proof that your name has been changed with the Social Security Administration.
Source: [9]
A non-driver ID card
The same degree of proof of identification that is required for a driver license is required for a non-driver identification card.
Source: [16]
Veteran designation
Veterans can choose to show proof of military service on their license. A veteran visits an ALEA driver license examining office, a license commissioner's office or a probate office and presents a DD-214 from the U.S. Department of Defense that shows "honorable" or "general under honorable conditions" status.
Source: [2]
STAR ID (REAL ID)
What it is
STAR ID is Alabama's name for a REAL ID: a step beyond an ordinary Alabama license or non-driver ID that meets the requirements of federal law. ALEA calls it Alabama's optional REAL ID compliant driver license/ID.
- A STAR ID has a gold star in the upper left corner.
- A license or ID issued since spring 2022 that is not a STAR ID displays "Not for Federal Identification" across the top.
- A person can hold either a STAR ID driver license or a STAR ID identification card, but not both at once.
- Since May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 or older needs a STAR ID or another acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel. Some military installations require a STAR ID for access, depending on the facility.
How to get one
To add the STAR to an Alabama license or ID, you present four documents that verify your identity and date of birth, your Social Security number and the address of your principal residence. Photocopies are not acceptable.
- A first-time STAR ID is issued only at an ALEA driver license examining office.
- You can get a STAR ID before your current license expires; you pay for a duplicate (see the fees link).
- A STAR ID holder must visit an ALEA office to change a name.
Documents for a STAR ID
- Identity and date of birth: one document such as a valid, unexpired U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate issued by a State Office of Vital Statistics, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a valid unexpired Permanent Resident Card, an unexpired employment authorization document, an unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and the approved I-94, a Certificate of Naturalization or a Certificate of Citizenship.
- Social Security number: one document showing the full number, such as a Social Security card, military form DD 214, a Medicare/Medicaid card (if the number is followed by the letter A) or a W-2 tax form from the current or previous year.
- Address of principal residence: any two documents from ALEA's residence list, which includes a valid Alabama driver license or ID card showing your current address and a voter registration card.
- If your name has changed from the name on your identity document, certified documents verifying the change are also required.
- The full STAR ID Document List is on ALEA's Star ID pages.
Source: [7]
At the office and online
Appointments and walk-ins
The manual says to schedule a driver license appointment online at AlabamaDL.alea.gov.
- Appointments for the road skills examination (for Stage II) can be scheduled online up to two weeks in advance, in select locations.
- Walk-ins are welcome at all testing sites.
- ALEA's Driver License Offices page lists offices county by county with their addresses and phone numbers.
County offices and ALEA offices
A license may be renewed within 180 days before it expires at a probate judge or license commissioner office, at a driver license examining office, or online at AlabamaDL.alea.gov if you are eligible. To add, change or remove license classes, restrictions and endorsements, you must see a driver license examiner.
- A lost or illegible license that has not expired is duplicated at a probate judge or license commissioner office with no examination, but you must bring proof of identity such as a certified birth certificate.
- Alabama driver licenses and non-driver ID cards are not forwarded to another address.
Source: [1]
Renewing by mail
Form DL-100 is for Alabama drivers who are temporarily out of state (for military service and dependents, employment, college, missionary work or a doctor's care) and for in-state residents who cannot visit an issuing office. It is on ALEA's Driver License Forms page.
Source: [9]
Paying
Fees are on ALEA's Document Requirements and Fees page. They are subject to change and are slightly higher in counties where local legislation permits a higher fee. The Driver License Division does not accept checks; check the fees page for the ways you can pay.
The manual
The Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) is on ALEA's website, linked below. ALEA says the knowledge examination is based on the information in it.
The tests
The knowledge test
The knowledge test has questions on Alabama traffic laws, road signs and the rules of safe driving. The test is taken from the material in the Alabama Driver Manual.
- Automated testing is available to all applicants taking the knowledge test.
- A learner license applicant who passes the knowledge test is issued the learner license upon payment of the fee.
- An applicant for both a motor driven cycle license and a learner license takes both examinations.
- If you pass, the examiner gives you a certificate to that effect.
Languages and help with reading
The manual (November 2024, printed page 9) says the written examinations are available in Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese, and that information about these tests is available from the Driver License District Office. Confirm with the district office what is offered when you go.
- Oral examinations may be administered using ALEA's automated testing equipment.
Source: [1]
The vision test
If you do not pass the vision examination, you must have your eyes examined by a licensed eye specialist and return the report to the examiner. If the report shows that you can see well enough to drive safely, you are allowed to take the remainder of the test. Applicants restricted to corrective lenses must wear them for the road test.
Source: [1]
What the sources do not say
The manual and the ALEA pages used for this guide describe what the knowledge test covers, but they do not state the number of questions, the passing score, or how long you must wait before taking a failed test again. Ask the driver license office.
Source: [1]
The road test: the vehicle
A driver license examiner administers the road skills test, the final step toward qualifying to drive on public roads.
- Before testing begins, an examiner inspects the vehicle to make sure it is in safe operating condition and has the required equipment: brake lights, left and right turn signals and a horn.
- You must present proof of insurance and vehicle registration.
- A rental vehicle may be used for testing only if your name appears on the rental agreement as an additional driver.
What the road test study guide says
ALEA's Road Test Study Guide lists important things to know before the driving portion of the test, reasons you may fail it and the maneuvers to practice.
- You may fail if you are involved in an accident, violate the law, drive recklessly or dangerously, fail to cooperate with the examiner, or make several errors in safe driving practices.
- The test checks that you know where the vehicle controls are and how to use them.
- Backing: back about fifty feet at a slow speed, as straight and smoothly as possible, looking to the rear.
- Turn about (three-point turn): turn around in a narrow street by backing only one time.
- Turns: signal at least 100 feet before reaching the intersection.
- Following: use the "two second rule" to judge a proper following distance.
Source: [11]
Testing through a school driver education course
A high school student in a driver education class may be tested by a school instructor who is trained as a third-party testing agent for ALEA, in school systems where the program is available. All third-party testing routes are approved by a representative of the Department of Public Safety.
If you do not pass
If a person fails the examination, no certificate is given and no application for an initial Alabama driver license is accepted by a judge of probate or license commissioner.
Source: [17]
After you pass
Getting your license
If you are applying for a regular driver license and pass the road test, you are issued your license upon payment of the required fee.
Source: [1]
Renewing
- A license may be renewed at any time within 180 days before it expires. A renewed license is valid for four years from the previous expiration date, regardless of when the renewal is issued. The expiration date is printed on your license.
- Alabama law gives a grace period of 60 days after the expiration date for renewal, and the license is valid for that time.
- A license may be renewed without examination within 3 years after it expires, but you cannot legally drive with an expired license. If you do not apply in time, you must take and pass a written examination and a driving test.
- An active-duty member of the U.S. armed forces who cannot renew in the 180-day period because of deployment is not subject to the 180-day limit, if he or she can show proof.
- A renewal applicant is not required to take the examination unless the Director of Public Safety deems it advisable.
Changing your name or address
- To change your name, present proper documents (a marriage certificate or court order with an updated Social Security card) to your probate judge, license commissioner or any ALEA driver license office. If you have a STAR ID you must visit an ALEA office.
- A licensee who changes name or address must notify the Driver License Division within 30 days.
- ALEA offers a form (DL-99) to change the address on your record at no charge. It updates the record only and no new license or ID is issued.
Learner licenses
Both learner licenses are valid for four years and may be suspended or revoked in the same way, and for the same causes, as a driver license. They may also be revoked for violating the terms and conditions on which they were issued.
Source: [2]
Motorcycles
Upon passing the required examination, a motorcycle applicant who is 16 or older is issued a Class M license. Class M means the holder may operate a motorcycle only.
Source: [1]
Keeping your license
Carry it and follow its restrictions
- A driver must have an appropriate driver license (or learner permit) in possession while driving and be prepared to present it to any law enforcement officer who asks.
- The Director of ALEA can put restrictions on a license, for example corrective lenses. Driving in violation of a restriction may result in the loss of your license.
Source: [1]
Re-examination
A driver who appears to have a physical or mental impairment may be required to provide a physician's statement and to appear periodically before an examiner to prove the ability to drive.
Source: [1]
After a revocation
After the period of revocation has expired, the driver may apply for a new license and must take and pass the complete examinations. A person whose driving privilege is suspended or revoked in any state cannot be issued an Alabama license.
Source: [1]
Official links
- Alabama ALEA: Driver License Division (alea.gov)
- Alabama ALEA: Driver License Information (alea.gov)
- Alabama ALEA: Document Requirements and Fees (the fees list) (alea.gov)
- Alabama ALEA: Graduated Driver License (alea.gov)
- Alabama ALEA: Graduated Driver License Form DL-31 (PDF) (alea.gov)
- Alabama ALEA: Student Enrollment/Exclusion form DL-1/93 (PDF) (alea.gov)
- Alabama ALEA: Driver License Forms (alea.gov)
- Alabama ALEA: Alabama Driver Manual (PDF) (alea.gov)
- Alabama ALEA: Road Test Study Guide (PDF) (alea.gov)
- Alabama ALEA: Star ID (alea.gov)
- Alabama ALEA: STAR ID Document List (alea.gov)
- Alabama ALEA: STAR ID Frequently Asked Questions (alea.gov)
- Alabama ALEA: Driver License Offices (alea.gov)
- Alabama ALEA: Appointments and online services (AlabamaDL.alea.gov) (alabamadl.alea.gov)
- Alabama ALEA: Private High School Driver & Traffic Safety Education Program (alea.gov)
- Alabama ALEA: Classes, Endorsements and Restrictions (alea.gov)
Practice-hours log · A free log for supervised driving practice: add each session, see your total and night hours, and print it. Saved only on your device.
Ready for the knowledge test?
Practice free with questions from the Alabama driver's manual.
Sources
- Alabama Driver Manual (ALEA), November 2024, English (alea.gov) — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Division
- Driver License Information (alea.gov) — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
- Document Requirements And Fees (alea.gov) — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
- Graduated Driver License (alea.gov) — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
- Driver Licenses - Classes, Endorsements, and Restrictions (alea.gov) — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
- Star ID (alea.gov) — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
- STAR ID Document List (alea.gov) — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
- STAR ID Frequently Asked Questions (alea.gov) — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
- Driver License Forms (alea.gov) — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
- Private High School Driver & Traffic Safety Education Program (alea.gov) — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
- Road Test Study Guide (PDF, published 2018-10) (alea.gov) — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
- Graduated Driver License Form DL-31 (PDF, Rev 09/21) (alea.gov) — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
- Driver Education Information Sheet and Parental Permission Form (PDF, 5/2024) (alea.gov) — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and State Department of Education
- ALEA Driver License Offices (alea.gov) — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
- Driver License (ALEA Driver License Division home page) (alea.gov) — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
- Code of Alabama 1975 Section 32-6-1 (Required; Expiration Date; Renewal; Identification Cards for Nondrivers) (alison.legislature.state.al.us) — Alabama Legislature (ALISON, Code of Alabama)
- Code of Alabama 1975 Section 32-6-3 (Examination Prior to Application for License or Renewal) (alison.legislature.state.al.us) — Alabama Legislature (ALISON, Code of Alabama)
- Code of Alabama 1975 Section 32-6-10.1 (Foreign National Licenses) (alison.legislature.state.al.us) — Alabama Legislature (ALISON, Code of Alabama)
- Alabama Administrative Code, Chapter 760-X-1 (ALEA Promulgated Rules), revised 6/14/26 (admincode.legislature.state.al.us) — Alabama Legislative Services Agency (Alabama Administrative Code)
- STAR ID flyer (PDF) (alea.gov) — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
- Online Services (ALEA) (alea.gov) — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)