Alabama driver license guide

Minimum age for a learner license

15 (Stage I of the graduated license).Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Learner license (Stage I) fee

$36.25, plus the $5 knowledge test fee.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge test fee

$5.00 per knowledge test; checks are not accepted.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How to pay at ALEA offices

No personal checks. Cash or money order; MasterCard, Visa or Discover are taken with a 4% convenience fee.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

County differences

Fees can change and may be a little higher in counties whose local laws allow it.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Learner license validity

Valid for four years.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Learner license supervision

Drive only with a parent, legal guardian or licensed driver aged 21+ (or a licensed/certified driving instructor) in the front seat beside you.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Time on the learner license (under 18)

At least 6 months on Stage I before applying for the Stage II restricted license.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Parental permission

A parent, grandparent or legal guardian must give permission for the Stage II restricted license.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

School enrollment proof

First-time applicants under 19 must show school enrollment (form DL-1/93) or proof of graduation/GED.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Documents for a 15-year-old learner applicant

Certified U.S. birth certificate (no photocopies), Social Security card, proof of school enrollment, 2 proofs of principal residence, and fees.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

What the knowledge test covers

Alabama traffic laws, road signs and safe-driving rules, all taken from the Alabama Driver Manual.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge test languages

English plus Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese; oral (automated) exams are also available.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Vision screening

Applicants take a vision screening; if you fail, an eye specialist must examine you and report back before you finish testing.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Appointments

Road-skills test appointments can be booked online up to two weeks ahead at select offices; walk-ins are welcome at all testing sites.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Supervised driving (under 18)

At least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, certified on an ALEA form signed by a parent, grandparent, guardian or certified instructor, or an approved driver-ed course.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Road test vehicle

Bring a safe vehicle with working brake lights, turn signals and horn, plus proof of insurance and registration; a 16-year-old must come with a parent or guardian.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Stage II restricted license rules

Age 16+, pass the road skills test; no driving midnight to 6 a.m. (with exceptions), at most one non-family passenger, no handheld devices.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Stage II passenger limit

No more than one passenger besides parents, legal guardians or family members.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

License term

A driver license expires four years after it is issued.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

When you can renew

Up to 180 days before expiration; there is a 60-day grace period after expiration.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewing after expiration

You can renew without testing up to 3 years after expiration, but you may not drive on an expired license.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Online renewal

Eligible drivers can renew through ALEA online services (alabamadl.alea.gov); ALEA adds a $2.75 online transaction fee.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewal fee

$36.25 for Class D (and C or ID) renewals, per the 2025 renewal/duplicate form.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

STAR ID (Alabama REAL ID)

Alabama's REAL ID is called STAR ID; a first STAR ID is issued only at ALEA Driver License exam offices.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

STAR ID documents

Four documents: one for identity and date of birth, one showing your full SSN, and two proofs of principal residence. No photocopies.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

STAR ID cost

No separate STAR ID fee is listed; getting a STAR ID before your current card expires means paying for a duplicate.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How to recognize STAR ID

A gold star in the upper left corner of the card.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

New residents

You may drive on a valid license from your previous state for 30 days after becoming an Alabama resident.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Tests for out-of-state license holders

No driver examination if your out-of-state license has not been expired over one year.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Out-of-state transfer fee

$5 transfer fee plus $36.25 for the license (no checks); must be done at an ALEA office.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Surrender other licenses

ALEA will not issue an Alabama license until you surrender every driver license you hold.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Duplicate license fee

$31.25 for a duplicate of any license class or ID.Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Address change deadline

Notify ALEA within 30 days of moving within Alabama; the record update is free (no new card is issued).Source: alea.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

These links open official government websites. USA DMV is an independent study site and is not affiliated with any of them.