Getting an Alabama Driver's License
An Alabama Class D driver's license is the standard credential for non-commercial passenger vehicles. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) — Driver License Division issues licenses on a 4-year cycle, with the federally compliant STAR ID moving to an 8-year cycle starting in 2024.
Eligibility
The minimum age for a full unrestricted Class D license in Alabama is 17, and only after the applicant has held a Class D Restricted license (Stage II) for at least 6 months without a major violation. Adult applicants 18 or older follow a faster path that still requires a learner's permit, written exam, and road test, but skips the graduated stages. The graduated sequence is on the Alabama teen license page.
Documents required
For a STAR ID — Alabama's REAL ID-compliant license — bring:
- One identity document — certified U.S. birth certificate (with raised seal) or valid U.S. passport.
- Proof of your Social Security number — Social Security card, W-2, or SSA-1099.
- Two proofs of Alabama residency from two different sources, dated within 90 days — utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, voter registration card, or vehicle registration.
- Proof of any name change since the identity document was issued (marriage license, divorce decree, court order).
- The application is completed at the ALEA office; signatures are made in front of the examiner.
Non-citizens must show valid lawful-presence documents, and the issued license expires no later than the lawful-presence document.
Fees
The standard Alabama original driver's license fee is $36.25 for a regular 4-year Class D license. The STAR ID upgrade adds about $5 at first issuance to cover the federal verification overhead. ALEA accepts cash, check, and most major credit and debit cards at examining offices.
Knowledge test
Alabama's knowledge test is a 30-question multiple-choice exam drawn from the current Alabama Driver Manual. Applicants must answer at least 24 correctly (80%) to pass. Topics emphasized:
- Move-Over Law for emergency and stopped vehicles.
- School-bus passing rules — Alabama is strict on the four-lane divided-highway exception.
- Right-of-way at uncontrolled and four-way stops.
- BAC table and Alabama's 0.08%/0.15% aggravated DUI thresholds.
- Roundabouts (increasingly common across the state).
- Hand signals and signaling distance requirements.
The test is offered in English and Spanish at most ALEA offices. A failed test can be retaken after a short waiting period; the third failed attempt typically requires re-application.
Behind-the-wheel exam
The ALEA road test runs roughly 15-25 minutes and covers handling on local streets near the examining office. The examiner watches for:
- Pre-drive checks (signals, brakes, mirrors, defroster, parking brake).
- Smooth starts, stops, and acceleration.
- Lane changes with mirror, signal, and head check.
- Right and left turns from the correct lane to the correct lane.
- Three-point turn or two-point turn in a residential block.
- Parallel parking is required at some examining offices but not all.
- Backing in a straight line for a short distance.
Common reasons applicants fail in Alabama: rolling through stop signs, late or missed mirror checks during lane changes, and turning into the wrong lane on a four-lane road.
License delivery
After passing both tests, you'll receive a printed paper interim license valid for 60 days. The permanent card is mailed in 7-14 business days. If you don't receive it within 30 days, contact the ALEA Driver License Division through the MyDMV portal — see the Alabama DMV hub for contact options.
Renewals and updates
Most Alabama Class D licenses renew on a 4-year cycle. STAR IDs renew on an 8-year cycle. Online renewal is available for many drivers if the previous renewal was completed in person; see Alabama license renewal for full eligibility rules. Address updates can also be made online without re-issuing the card — see address change.
For broader context on driver licenses, see our national driver's license guide.