In Alabama, a driver's license is mandatory for anyone operating a motor vehicle on the state's highways. As per Alabama Code Title 32, it is the responsibility of every individual, with a few exceptions, to obtain a driver's license before driving.
New residents of Alabama are required to obtain an Alabama driver's license within 30 days of establishing residence in the state. The issuance of driver's licenses in Alabama falls under the jurisdiction of the Driver License Department, which operates under the Department of Public Safety (DPS) of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
Understanding the specific regulations and requirements for Alabama driver's licenses is crucial for residents. It ensures compliance with the law and allows individuals to enjoy the privileges and benefits of holding a valid license.
What Are the Types of Driver's Licenses in Alabama?
The Alabama DPS offers a range of driver's licenses to cater to different vehicle classifications and transportation requirements in this state. Here are the types of licenses in Alabama:
Commercial Driver Licenses
To operate a commercial vehicle in Alabama, one must possess an Alabama commercial driver's license (CDL). The classification of CDLs may differ from state to state, but in Alabama, commercial vehicles requiring a CDL are categorized in Class A, B, and C.
- Class A - In Alabama, individuals need a Class A CDL to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 11,794 kilograms or more. This requirement applies if the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the towed vehicle(s) exceeds 4,536 kilograms.
- Class B - Holders of this license are authorized to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR of 11,794 kilograms or more or a car towing another with a GVWR not exceeding 4,536 kilograms.
- Class C - An Alabama Class C CDL is necessary for operating a single vehicle or a combination of vehicles that do not fall under the definitions of Group A or Group B. This includes vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or vehicles used for transporting hazardous materials.
Class D
A Class D driver's license in Alabama is for private passenger vehicles and regular operators. It's the most common license type for everyday driving needs, such as commuting and personal errands. With this license, individuals can legally operate cars, vans, and small trucks for personal use.
Class M
In Alabama, a Class M license is specifically for motorcycle riders. It authorizes individuals to operate motorcycles on public roads. This driver's license is crucial for those who enjoy riding motorcycles for leisure or as a primary mode of transportation.
Class V
Alabama's Class V driver's license is specifically for operating water vessels. This license is essential for individuals who want to navigate Alabama's waterways legally. It covers various types of watercraft, including boats, jet skis, and other recreational vessels.
How To Obtain a Driver's License in Alabama?
Obtaining a driver's license in Alabama varies depending on the license type. For those who want to receive a regular driver's license or Class D in Alabama, the state follows a Graduated Driver's License Program (GDL), which took effect on October 1, 2002. Under this program, there are three main stages to the regular driver's license in Alabama, which are as follows:
Learner's Permit
In Alabama, individuals who are 15 years old can obtain a learner's permit. To acquire the permit, one must pass a written knowledge test and a vision test. Once passed, a learner's permit is issued, which is classified as a Class D License with a "Y" restriction.
Note that a licensed adult over 21 or a driving instructor must be seated beside the individual when driving with a learner's permit.
Restricted License
Those 16 years or older who can operate a vehicle can obtain a restricted license in Alabama. This license is obtained by completing the road skills test. With a restricted license, individuals are allowed to drive unsupervised, but there are specific restrictions that must be followed.
Both learner's permit and restricted license come with certain restrictions. These restrictions include not driving with more than one non-family member in the vehicle.
Driving between midnight and 6 a.m. is only allowed if accompanied by a parent or guardian or when traveling to or from work, a school event, a religious activity, or an emergency.
Furthermore, using any handheld communication device while driving is strictly prohibited under any circumstance.
Unrestricted Driver's License
Individuals aged 16 to 18 can seek an unrestricted driver's license in Alabama after holding a permit for at least six months (including permits from other states). This requires passing the road skills test (behind-the-wheel exam).
For those under 18, a minimum 6-month period with a restricted license is mandatory before applying for an unrestricted license. However, those over 18 can bypass the restricted license stage and transition directly from a learner's permit to an unrestricted license.
Credential Requirements for Class D Driver's License Applicants
Common requirements for Class D driver's license applicants include:
- Social Security card
- Acceptable proof of school enrollment or graduation
- Two proofs of a principal residence
- $5 test fee
- $36.25 license fee
Applicants for a driver's or learner's license aged 16 and older must also provide two forms of identification, at least one with a photograph. Furthermore, applicants 18 or older who complete all licensing testing need a licensed driver, proof of car insurance, and a vehicle for inspection.
Learner license applicants aged 15 must also provide a certified U.S. birth certificate issued by the Bureau of Vital Statistics, and it should not be a photocopy.
Class D Tests
Applicants must pass all the tests to qualify for a regular or Class D driver's license in Alabama. Here are the critical requirements for each stage of the test:
Vision Screening
Applicants with corrective lenses must wear them during the vision screening. If an individual fails the vision exam, they may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving. To continue the test safely, a report from a licensed eye specialist confirming the improved eyesight with the corrective lenses is necessary.
Written Test
The written test consists of 30 questions that assess knowledge of traffic laws, road signs, and Alabama traffic legislation. To pass, applicants must answer a minimum of 24 questions correctly.
Road Skills Test
The road skills test is the final step before obtaining a driver's license. A driver's license examiner administers this test, which 16-year-old applicants must take with a parent or guardian.
Before the test begins, the examiner will inspect the vehicle to ensure its safe operating condition and the presence of required equipment such as brake lights, turn signals, and a horn. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of insurance and vehicle registration.
Once all necessary documentation has been completed, tests passed, fees paid, and all other requirements met, individuals are ready to obtain their Class D or regular driver's license at their local Driver's License Office.
For additional information on obtaining a regular Alabama driver's license, read the Alabama Driver Manual prepared by the ALEA. Meanwhile, for getting a state CDL, check the Alabama Commercial Driver License Manual.
Those interested in obtaining a Class M driver's license should study the Motorcycle Operator Manual. For Class V driver's license aspirants, the Boat Alabama Certification Manual is an essential reading.
To initiate a driver's license application in Alabama, visit or call the local Driver's License Office or use the Driver License Online Services of the ALEA.
How To Renew or Replace a Driver's License in Alabama?
Having a valid driver's license is essential for driving in Alabama. Driving without one can lead to fines, penalties, and legal consequences. In Alabama, driver's licenses expire on the licensee's birthday, and renewal is required every four years.
Any ALEA office in the state does not send renewal notices before a license expires. However, they send a notice 30 days after the expiration date, allowing an additional 30 days to renew before the license becomes invalid.
Renewing after the expiration date will incur additional fees in addition to the regular renewal fee of $36.25. The good news is that renewing or replacing a driver's license in Alabama is a straightforward process, and in many cases, it can be done online.
The steps for renewing or replacing a driver's license in Alabama generally follow the guidelines below, although the specific requirements and fees may differ based on the type of license:
Renewing In-Person
Individuals can visit any state driver's license issuing office in Alabama to renew or replace their license. They must bring their current driver's license and another form of identification. Proof of state residency may also be requested.
Cash or a money order will be required to pay the renewal fees.
When renewing in person, a temporary license will be issued, valid for 30 days, until the permanent license is received by mail.
Renewing by Mail
If an individual is temporarily residing out-of-state or serving in the military, they can renew their driver's license by mail in Alabama.
To initiate the process, visit the ALEA website and complete an out-of-state renewal form. The required fees must be paid using a money order or cashier's check, as personal checks are not accepted.
Additionally, individuals should include proof of eligibility for mail renewal, like a copy of their student ID from an out-of-state university or military ID card.
All documents must be mailed to the mailing address specified on the form.
Renewing Online
Renewing a driver's license in Alabama has become more convenient with the option to renew online. However, online renewal is only available for every other renewal cycle.
To begin the online renewal process, individuals can visit the ALEA online driver's services portal and carefully follow the provided instructions. They must have the current license number and a valid credit card for payment.
In addition, individuals should access the portal from a computer connected to a printer, as a temporary license can be printed upon successful renewal. This temporary license is valid for 30 days while waiting for the permanent license to arrive by mail.
When renewing online, ensure that the license issuing office has the correct mailing address to ensure timely delivery. If the address changes, visit an ALEA office in person to update it.
What Happens if a Driver's License Is Suspended in Alabama?
When an individual's driver's license is suspended or revoked in Alabama, they will receive written notification from the Alabama DPS. Once formally notified, the individual has 30 days to surrender their driver's license to the DPS.
Various reasons can lead to a license suspension or revocation, including habitual traffic offenses, DUI (driving under the influence) convictions, failure to pay traffic tickets, and reckless or careless driving.
If a driver's license is suspended, the Alabama DPS temporarily withholds the license for a specific duration. However, if the license is revoked, it is terminated entirely, and the individual must apply for a new license after a designated period to regain their legal driving privileges.
In Alabama, individuals convicted of driving with a suspended or revoked license may face penalties, including fines ranging from $100 to $500 and a potential jail term of up to 180 days. In certain cases, additional time, up to six months, can be added to the initial suspension or revocation.
To reinstate a driver's license after a suspension, file a Request for Reinstatement Requirements form and mail it to the specified address.
Additionally, individuals must pay the required reinstatement fee, which is $200 for the first suspension and $400 for subsequent suspensions. Proof of current Alabama liability insurance coverage must also be provided.
Reinstatement fees can be paid online at the ALEA website or through the mail with a cashier's check or money order payable to the Driver License Division of the ALEA.
Can Someone Drive in Alabama With a Foreign License?
Driving a car in Alabama requires a valid state driver's license. For long-term visitors to the U.S., an international license can be used temporarily until they obtain an Alabama license.
However, there is a possibility that a police officer may not accept an international license, especially in the event of a traffic violation. In such cases, additional tickets, fees, and court costs may be incurred.
To address this issue, Alabama requests a Letter of Good Standing from international visitors, which demonstrates their legal status in the U.S. and their compliance with maintaining that status. The letter must be issued within 30 days and is necessary for applying for an Alabama driver's license within the same timeframe.
Can a Foreigner Get a Driver's License in Alabama?
Foreigners in Alabama can obtain a driver's license, but there are certain requirements to fulfill. If an individual does not possess an international driver's license, they must be accompanied by a licensed driver willing to provide their vehicle for the road test.
Proof of car insurance is also necessary, and the car must be in proper working condition before the road exam can be taken. The associated fees for the test and the license cost must be paid, and credit cards are accepted with a 4% convenience fee.
For the documentary requirements, non-U.S. citizens must provide a valid foreign passport along with a resident alien card or an acceptable visa, verification of their Social Security number, or a letter stating ineligibility from the Social Security Administration.
Secondary documents, such as court or certified school records, may be required to establish a U.S. presence over 160 days. Refer to the "Acceptable Forms of Identification" section on the ALEA website for a list of secondary documents valid for proving U.S. presence over 160 days.
It is worth noting that Alabama has treaties with Canada, Japan, and Germany, under which citizens of these countries who hold a license from their home country automatically receive an Alabama license.
Table of Contents
- What Are the Types of Driver's Licenses in Alabama?
- How To Obtain a Driver's License in Alabama?
- How To Renew or Replace a Driver's License in Alabama?
- What Happens if a Driver's License Is Suspended in Alabama?
- Can Someone Drive in Alabama With a Foreign License?
- Can a Foreigner Get a Driver's License in Alabama?