Alabama driver's license
Get your first license in Alabama after moving to the US.
The short answer
You take a written test and a road skills test for a first Alabama driver license, unless you bring an out-of-state license that has not been expired for more than one year.1, 2, 3 The license costs $36.25 to buy.4 Each document you bring must be current, or of a kind that has no expiry date.5 Bring your Social Security card if the Social Security Administration has given you a number.6 For the road test you need proof of car insurance and a vehicle that will pass inspection.7
How it goes
- 1You arriveYou have moved to Alabama and you want to drive here.
- 2Your permitYou practice on the road with a learner permit.
- 3The written testYou take the written test.
- 4Behind the wheelYou take the drive test behind the wheel.
- 5Your licenseYou pass the tests, and the license is yours.
What it costs
If you just arrived in the US
Your immigration status
A license issued to a foreign national carries a designation saying it was issued to a foreign national.8
Documents you need
Your Social Security Number
Giving your number, and who may see it
You must show your Social Security card if you have been assigned, or are eligible for, a Social Security number from the Social Security Administration.6
You must show proof of your Social Security number when applying for any driver license class, a renewal, a vessel license, or an identification card, unless the number is already in the database.11
Tests you take
Eye test
If you do not pass the vision screening, you must have your eyes examined by a licensed eye specialist and return the report to the examiner. If the report shows you can see well enough to operate a motor vehicle safely, you will be allowed to take the remainder of the test.12
Drive test
No — a holder of an out-of-state license that has not been expired over one year does not have to pass a driver examination.3
Practising with your permit
Who can sit with you while you practise
After your sixteenth birthday, you may drive with any licensed driver occupying the seat beside you.14
What to bring to the drive test
The car and its insurance
If you are 18 or older and completing all testing for a license, bring a licensed driver, proof of car insurance, and a vehicle that will pass inspection with its required equipment in working order.7
Where to go
Who gives the tests
A driver license examiner, an agent of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, administers the road skills test.2
Booking an appointment
Alabama takes driver license appointments online at https://www.AlabamaDL.alea.gov.15
Office locations
You can find ALEA driver licence offices at alea.gov/dps/driver-license/driver-license-offices.16
Other states
U
Sources
Every numbered fact above is quoted from the page that publishes it, in the words it uses.
- 1
“this test contains questions on alabama traffic laws, road signs, and rules of safe driv-ing. the test will be taken from material found in this booklet.”
alea.gov/sites/default/files/ALEA%20DL%20Manual.pdfChecked August 4, 2026
- 2
“A driver license examiner will administer the road skills test”
alea.gov/sites/default/files/ALEA%20DL%20Manual.pdfChecked August 4, 2026
- 3
“A holder of an out of state license which has not been expired over one year does not have to pass a driver examination.”
alea.gov/dps/driver-license/driver-license-informationChecked August 3, 2026
- 4
“$36.25 to purchase license (no checks)”
alea.gov/…/document-requirements-and-feesChecked August 3, 2026
- 5
“Unless otherwise noted, documents must be current or be of the type that does not expire.”
alea.gov/sites/default/files/ALEA%20DL%20Manual.pdfChecked August 4, 2026
- 6
“Social Security card (Required for all applicants who have been assigned and/ or are eligible for the assignment of a social security number by the Social Security Administration.)”
alea.gov/sites/default/files/ALEA%20DL%20Manual.pdfChecked August 4, 2026
- 7
“Applicants 18 or older who wish to complete all testing for a license must have a licensed driver, proof of car insurance and a vehicle that will pass inspection”
alea.gov/…/document-requirements-and-feesChecked August 1, 2026
- 8
“The driver's license/non-driver identification card/vessel license issued to a foreign national shall include a designation that the license is issued to a foreign national”
web.archive.org/…/32-6-10.1.htmChecked August 1, 2026
- 9
“All applicants who have not been licensed in Alabama or whose Alabama license has been expired for over three years must pass the required drivers examination. A holder of an out of state license which has not been expired over one year does not have to pass a driver examination.”
alea.gov/dps/driver-license/driver-license-informationChecked August 1, 2026
- 10
“• US Passport* (current)”
alea.gov/sites/default/files/ALEA%20DL%20Manual.pdfChecked August 4, 2026
- 11
“Proof of Social Security Number must be presented by the applicant under the following circumstances, unless the number is already in the database: (a) When applying for any class driver license, driver license renewal, vessel license, or non-driver identification card, whether or not the applicant wishes to have the number appear on the license.”
alea.gov/sites/default/files/ALEA%20DL%20Manual.pdfChecked August 4, 2026
- 12
“If you don’t pass your vision examination, you will be required to have your eyes examined by a licensed eye specialist and return the report to the examiner.”
alea.gov/sites/default/files/ALEA%20DL%20Manual.pdfChecked August 3, 2026
- 13
“This manual is available on our web site: www.alea.gov/driver license/manuals.”
alea.gov/sites/default/files/ALEA%20DL%20Manual.pdfChecked August 4, 2026
- 14
“After the holder’s sixteenth birthday, the holder may operate a motor vehicle with any licensed driver occupying the seat beside the driv- er.”
alea.gov/sites/default/files/ALEA%20DL%20Manual.pdfChecked August 4, 2026
- 15
“Schedule DL Appointment online, visit: www.AlabamaDL.alea.gov”
alea.gov/sites/default/files/ALEA%20DL%20Manual.pdfChecked August 4, 2026
- 16
“ALEA Driver License Offices”
alea.gov/dps/driver-license/driver-license-officesChecked July 26, 2026
Applying for a driver's license in Alabama?
Answer a few questions and see the steps that apply to you.