How to Get an Alabama Driver’s License in 2025: A Complete and Thorough Guide

Table Of Content

Getting an Alabama driving license hasn’t been easier! Learn everything you need to know about getting a new AL driver’s license and renewing your expired one. This will serve as your guide to taking the driver's seat faster!

Driver's License Classes in Alabama 

Each category corresponds to a specific permit.

Class D

This standard driver's license allows you to operate private cars. Refer to the AL Driver’s Manual or utilize a free Alabama driver’s permit practice test to prepare.

Class A and B

These licenses authorize the operation of any vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds and beyond. Class A allows towing of vehicles with a GCWR exceeding 10,000 pounds. On the other hand, Class B prohibits towing a vehicle with a GCWR exceeding 10,000 pounds. Explore the Alabama CDL Manual for more information.
Note: GCWR stands for gross combination weight rating.

Class C

This license category permits the driving of a vehicle:

• Designed for 16 or more passengers (driver included)
• Used for transporting hazardous materials

Refer to the Alabama CDL Manual or partake in a free driver’s license test to prep for your test.

Class M and V

Class M authorizes the operation of motorcycles, while Class V is for driving water vessels. 

What AL Class D Driver’s License Do I Need?

There are three types of licenses: a learner's permit, a provisional license, or a full license. The license you’ll get will depend on your age, driving experience, and state or country regulations.

How Can I Get a Driver’s License in Alabama?

If you are between 15 and 17, you must complete the Alabama Graduated Driver’s License program. The GDL comprises three steps:

1. Get your learner's license.
2. Get a provisional license.
3. Apply for a full or unrestricted license.

Stage 1: How to Get an Alabama Learner’s Permit: Guidance for First-time Drivers 

Getting a learner's license is the first step in the license program. The learner’s permit allows a 15-year-old to drive as long as an adult is present. The adult can be a parent, legal guardian, or licensed driver aged 21 or older.

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet the following requirements to qualify for a learner’s permit:

• You must be at least 15 years of age. 
• You must be a resident of the state. 

Documents Required

Here are the following documents you must bring to the DMV:

• Social Security card
• USA birth certificate 
• Acceptable proof of school enrollment or graduation 
• Two proofs of state residency

Learn more about the required documents here. 

Fees 

You’ll incur the following fees: 

• $5 testing fee (no checks)
• $36.25 to purchase a license (no checks)

Alabama Learner’s Permit Process

Here’s how the Al learner’s permit process works: 

1. Apply In Person

Visit your local Driver’s License Office to apply. Locate an office near you and schedule your appointment online 48 hours before your preferred date.

2. Double-check and Keep Required Documentation

You must bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of school enrollment. Bring your Enrollment/Exclusion form, Graduation Certificate, or GED if it applies.

3. Pass Your Vision Test

Pass a vision test with at least 20/40 eye acuity and a horizontal temporal field of at least 110 degrees. You'll need a specialist's examination if your uncorrected vision is below the above-mentioned requirements.

4. Pay the Fee 

Pay the $5 testing fee in cash or by money order. The driver’s license office doesn’t accept checks. 

5. Take the Knowledge Test

You will have to attempt the knowledge test to show your understanding of traffic rules and road safety. Don’t be overwhelmed by the thought of a theory test. Have a look at our AL driver’s license test resources and materials. 

Tip: If you want to pass the test, study the Alabama Driver’s Handbook. Access the Official Manual here or try out our free DMV permit practice tests.

6. Pay the License Fee

If you clear the knowledge test, pay the license fee of $36.25 in cash or money order – no checks are accepted. 

7. Get Your Learner’s Permit

Your learner license will have a 4-year validity and a "Y" restriction.

Restrictions

The Alabama learner's permit comes with certain restrictions to ensure safe and supervised driving: 

1. Permit holders must have a licensed adult aged 21 or older in the front seat at all times while driving. 
2. There are limitations on nighttime driving and the number of passengers allowed in the vehicle. 

Learner’s permits are valid for four years. 

Stage 2: How to Get an Alabama Provisional License 

The second stage of the GDLP is applying for a restricted (provisional) license. This driver’s license allows you more freedom, but it comes with certain restrictions as well. You have the option to keep your learner's permit until you reach the age of 18. In such cases, you can bypass stage 2 (a provisional license) and apply for a full license. However, your driving privileges will remain restricted until your 18th birthday.

Eligibility Criteria

You can progress to stage two if you meet the following requirements:

• You must be between 16 and 17 years of age.
• You must be a resident of the state. 
• You must meet your learner’s permit phase requirements. This includes the completion of 50 hours of supervised driving. 
• You must have held your learner's license for six months. 

Documents Required

Here are the following documents you must bring to the DMV:

• A valid learner's permit
• Your Social Security card
• Proof of identity, which requires either: one document considered primary, or two documents, with at least 1 showing your photograph, or three documents if none have your photograph.
• Proof of school enrollment or graduation, such as:
• Enrollment/Exclusion form (DL1/93)
• Graduation certificate or GED
• Certified letter from your school confirming enrollment

Learn more about the required documents here. 

Fees 

You’ll incur the following fees: 

• $5 testing fee (no checks)
• $36.25 to purchase a license (no checks)

Application Process

Here’s how you can apply for your provisional driver’s license in Alabama: 

1. Verification Form Submission

You must provide a signed verification form for 30 hours behind the wheel. Your parents or legal guardian must endorse this form. If not, a grandparent or certified driving instructor would do. You must submit a completion certificate if you don't have a verification form. This certificate must confirm a finished SDE-approved driver’s ED course.

2. Submit Permission Slip from Guardian

You must submit a slip titled 'Permission to drive without supervision.' This must be duly signed by your legal guardian, parent, or grandparent.

3. Pass Your Driving Exam

You must complete the driving test. It assesses your vehicle-operation ability. 

4. Pay the Fee

Pay $36.25 as your driver's license fee. This payment must only be made in cash or as a money order. 

5. Surrender Your Learner’s License

You must submit your learner’s license to get your provisional license.

6. Get Your Provisional License

You must fulfill the requirements, submit the documents, and pass the exam for your license. This license comes with fewer restrictions than a learner's permit. It allows you greater independence while maintaining certain safety measures.

Restrictions

Those with a provisional license must follow these restrictions:

1. Driving is not allowed between midnight and 6 a.m., except when:
   • A parent/guardian or a licensed driver aged at least 21 accompanies you. 
   • You’re commuting to or from school, work, church, or in case of an emergency.
2. Besides immediate family members, only one other passenger is allowed.
3. Using a cell phone or any other handheld device while driving is strictly prohibited. 

Stage 3: How to Apply for an Alabama Full (Adult) Driver’s License

Alas, you’ve reached the last phase of Alabama's GDL program. Now, you can get a standard driver's license to enjoy complete driving privileges.

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet the following requirements in order to qualify for a full driver’s license:

• You must be at least 17 and should have maintained your provisional license for about six months.
• You must be at least 18 and should have maintained your learner’s permit for six months. 
• You must be a state resident. 

Application Process

Here’s how you can apply for your unrestricted driver’s license in Alabama: 

1. Visit a Local Driver’s Office

Once you’ve turned 17 and have maintained your restricted license for six months, you must visit a nearby Driver’s License Office. 

2. Pay the Fees

Pay $36.25 as your driver's license fee. This payment must only be made in cash or as a money order. 

3. Get Your Unrestricted License

Great! You’re all ready to exchange your provisional license for an unrestricted driver’s license.

What’s the Process for a Full License in Alabama If You Skip Your Provisional License? 

Many people skip their provisional license and jump from a learner’s to a full license. If so, you can follow these steps: 

1. Schedule your road test online or visit the local license office without an appointment.
2. Pass your road skills exam (check out our Alabama permit test study guide).
3. Pay the $36.25 license fee in cash or via a money order.
4. Submit your learner’s license.
5. Get your regular license.

Alabama Knowledge Test

Every driver has to pass the Alabama Knowledge test for their license. It is a multiple-choice exam covering Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safety regulations. The topics include sharing the road, interpreting road signs, consequences of speeding, and more. The test comprises 30 questions. To achieve an 80% passing score, the candidate must correctly answer at least 24.

How to Pass the Alabama Knowledge Test

Unfortunately, many drivers are unable to pass the knowledge test. But there is nothing to worry about. You must familiarize yourself with the Alabama Driver Manual. All the test questions are derived from its content. Make sure to cover every section of the manual. Once done, utilize the Alabama permit test study guide and free driving permit practice tests offered here. Once you feel confident in your performance, give your test! 

Alabama Road Test: What You Need to Know

Taking the Alabama Road Test? No worries! Here’s a quick guide to help you prepare and know what to expect on test day.

What’s the Alabama Road Test?

The road test is your chance to prove that you can safely operate a vehicle and follow Alabama’s traffic laws. During the test, an examiner will evaluate your driving skills in real-world situations like turning, parking, lane changes, and more.

How to Schedule Your Test

To take the road test, you’ll need to visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Some locations allow walk-ins, while others require appointments. Be sure to check with your local office ahead of time.

What to Bring

Before you head to the DPS, gather the essentials:

• A vehicle in safe, working condition (including up-to-date registration and insurance)
• Your learner’s permit
• Any necessary paperwork or fees (call ahead to confirm)
• A licensed driver to accompany you if you don’t already have a license.

What to Expect During the Test

Your examiner will guide you through a series of tasks, including:

• Proper starting and stopping
• Lane changes and merging
• Following traffic signs and signals
• Parallel or straight-line parking
• Maintaining proper speed and vehicle control

They’ll also watch for safe driving habits like using your mirrors, checking blind spots, and signaling appropriately.

Test Results

At the end, your examiner will review your performance. If you pass, you’ll receive instructions on how to get your license. If not, you can reschedule after practicing a bit more.

How to Renew Your Driver’s License in Alabama 

You can renew your license any time within 60 days before its expiry. This can be done at:

• The Offices of Probate Judge
• DL Examining Offices
• License Commissioner's Offices.

You can renew your driver’s license in three ways: 

In Person

Here are the steps to renew your AL driver’s license in person:

1. Bring your present driver's license.
2. Provide your primary ID documents (any type).
3. Retake the test if your license expired over three years ago.
4. Pay the license fee of $36.25 (no checks accepted).

Online 

You can renew your driver's license online once every eight years. You can start the process as early as 180 days before expiration. To complete the online renewal:

1. Visit ALEA online services.
2. Ensure you have your current driver's license and SSN ready.
3. Pay the $36.25 fee using a credit card.
4. Have access to a working printer to print your temporary license. You can also download a digital license using a smartphone.

Your license will be sent to you by mail within the following 30 days.

By Mail

You can renew your license by mail if you’re out of state due to college attendance or military service. Here's how:

1. Download the renewal application. Access all applications here. 
2. Complete and mail the application, along with the $36.25 license fee, as a money order only.
3. Include the necessary supporting documentation as specified on the form.

Note: Alabama law allows a grace period of 60 days after the expiration date to renew your license. During this period, your old license remains valid.
If your AL driver's license expired over 60 days ago, you can still renew it. You can do this within a three-year period after expiration without examination. However, operating a motor vehicle before your license renewal is not legally allowed.

Alabama Driver License for New Residents

Moving to Alabama comes with a to-do list, and getting your Alabama driver’s license should be near the top. Whether you’re settling down in Birmingham, Montgomery, or anywhere in the Heart of Dixie, new residents are required to transfer their out-of-state license within a specific timeframe.

Do I Need to Transfer My Driver’s License?

If you're an Alabama resident, you don't have to transfer your license in the following situations:

1. You work for the US Federal Government and operate a vehicle leased or owned by the government.
2. You are at least 16 and a non-resident with a valid driver's license from your home state or country. This includes military professionals from other states and their families in Alabama. 
3. You are a non-resident full-time student in Alabama. You have a valid license from your home country or state. 
4. You are a non-resident aged at least 16, and your home country doesn't mandate driver licensing. You may operate a vehicle for up to 90 days in any year. However, the vehicle is appropriately registered for the present year in your home country.

My Out-of-State Driver’s License is Valid

The Alabama DPS Driver License Department oversees the state's licensing process. You can transfer another state’s valid driver's license to an Alabama driver's license. This can be done within 30 days of establishing residency.

• Visit the local DPS Driver License office and bring:
• Your out-of-state driver's license.
• Your Social Security card.
• Primary identification proof like a birth certificate or U.S. passport.

For individuals under 19 years old, provide one of the following proofs of school enrollment or graduation:

• Enrollment/Exclusion form.
• GED or graduation certificate.
• Certified letter from your school confirming your enrollment.
• Payment for the $5 transfer fee and $36.25 license fee (no checks; only cash or pay orders).

Note: If your learner's permit is from another state, you must adhere to Alabama’s driver licensing requirements.

I Have a Valid Foreign License

You will need your driver's license if you're relocating from another country. Visit a nearby ALEA office to transfer your existing driver’s license to an Alabama license. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices. For some, you can schedule your appointment online 48 hours before your desired date. Please remember to bring the following documents:

U.S. Citizens:

• One primary identification form (passport or birth certificate)
• Social Security Card
• Graduation pr school enrollment proof (if younger than 19)

You must bring the above documents and surrender your foreign license at the office. Moreover, you must incur a $5 transfer and a $36.25 license fee.

Non-U.S. Citizens:

• Your foreign driver's license.
• Your valid foreign passport with a resident alien or an acceptable visa card.
• Your Social Security Card (or) a letter from Social Security indicating non-eligibility.  
• A document from the secondary list that authorizes your presence in the US for over 160 days.

Please note: If your foreign license has expired over a year ago, you must take a driving exam (the fee is $5.00).

Alabama Driver’s License Special Circumstances

Military Personnel

The driver's license process follows specific guidelines for military personnel in Alabama:

Licensing from Another State

Military personnel with a valid out-of-state license don’t need an AL driver's license. The same applies to their dependents.

Expiry Extensions

Alabama grants a grace period for military personnel whose licenses expire while deployed. The license remains valid for 60 days after returning to the state.

License Renewal

Active-duty military personnel and their dependents can renew their license. The renewal can be completed through the mail, including the document and fee submission.

Non-Resident Military

Non-resident military personnel in Alabama can use their valid out-of-state license. But only for the duration of their assignment.

STAR ID Exemption

Military personnel may be exempt from obtaining a STAR ID. This is only if they possess a valid military ID card.

Senior Citizens

There aren’t any specific license renewal rules for senior citizens. The same policy applies to all Alabama drivers.

• A driver must renew their license every four years in person.
• Drivers can renew their driver's license online once every eight years under certain conditions.*
• Drivers may have to retake their vision test if licensing authorities believe their vision may be compromised.
• Seniors or other drivers may have to take a written and road test. This applies if licensing authorities believe the candidate’s driving ability may be compromised.

Alabama Driver License FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions related to AL driver’s licenses.