Driver License Renewal In Alabama

Frequently Asked Questions

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Determine the Status of Your License

Driver s licenses are valid for four years; after that, you must renew your license. The Driver License Division of the Alabama Department of Public Safety DPS allows you to renew your license 60 days before it expires, and even gives you a grace period of 60 days after it expires in which your license will still be valid.

In addition to renewing your license every four years, you must also maintain a car insurance policy or some other acceptable alternative that meets the State s minimum coverage requirements. You can review these requirements and even shop for car insurance online when you visit our Insurance Center.

Valid License

If you have a valid Class D driver s license or Class M motorcycle license, you must renew your license every four years using one of the methods explained at length below:

Checking your driving record will let you know whether your license is valid.

NOTE: Visit our CDL section to find the process to renew your commercial license.

Expired License

If your license has been expired for up to three years, you can renew it without examination using one of the same options:

Please remember you can only drive with your expired license as long as it s within the 60-day grace period. After that, you can no longer legally drive. You can look at the date on your driver s license or check your driving record to determine if your license is expired and, if so, for how long.

Suspended License

Residents with suspended or revoked licenses don t renew they reinstate. Check your driving record to determine whether or not your license is suspended or revoked. If it is, our section on license suspension clearly explains the process you ll need to follow, including the required fees of between 100 and 275 or more.

Too, license suspension often brings increases in your car insurance rate. If this happens to you, it s a good idea to shop around for a lower rate.

Lost License

Our Replacing a Lost License page outlines what you need to do to get a duplicate driver s license.

Check Your Renewal Notice

The DPS typically only mails you a renewal notice if you don t renew your license within the 60 days prior to your expiration date. Your renewal notice includes all the requirements you need to meet in order to renew your license. Generally, this just means your time limit, fee, and where you can renew.

If you haven t received a renewal notice, or have any questions regarding your renewal notice, the DPS recommends contacting them via their online contact form.

Renew Online

Currently, the DPS doesn t offer online license renewals.

Renew By Mail

You may renew your license by mail only if you ve obtained a license with your photo and signature within the last four years, and you re:

Military personnel or the dependent of someone in the military.A college student who s away from home.A resident who s temporarily out of the state due to work.

If this is you, you may apply within 60 days of your expiration date.

Complete the Application for a Renewal License for Alabama Drivers Temporarily Out of State.

Obtain a money order for 23 made payable to the Driver License Division.

Gather proof of your reason for being out of state, such as a copy of your military ID and orders or your student ID and enrollment papers, or a certification letter on company letterhead from your employer.

Mail the application, fee, and proof of your reason for being out of state to:

Alabama Department of Public SafetyMontgomery, AL 36102-1471 Renew In Person

If you re ineligible to renew by mail, you must renew in person.

Gather up your current license and the fee of 23. The fee may be more in certain parts of the state, so be sure to check before you go to the driver license office.

Be prepared to complete any paperwork and take any exams the driver license office employee deems necessary. This normally only applies to drivers with licenses that have been expired for more than three years.

Be prepared to have your picture taken and provide your signature.

Call ahead to your nearest driver license office to make an appointment or ask about hours of operation. At this point, you may want to ask about fees and tests specific to your situation.

The DPS will immediately give you a temporary paper license and send your permanent hard copy in the mail. If you don t receive your permanent hard copy within a few weeks, please contact your driver license office.

Update Your Driving Skills

Driver training is an ongoing process, so consider taking a supplemental training course to sharpen your skills. In some cases, training courses may help you dismiss tickets and possibly even become eligible for a discount on your car insurance.

Check with your current car insurance provider about obtaining discounts when you complete a training course. If the company doesn t offer such discounts, maybe it s time to browse our Insurance Center for one that does.

DMV Practice Tests. Prepare to pass the written driver s license exam with online practice tests. Select Practice Test; Practice Permit Test; Drivers License Practice.

Alabama Drivers License Renewal Guide at DMV.org

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency today unveiled new initiatives, including online driver license renewals, which it says will reduce wait times for residents and.

Alabama. Renewal license issued after the expiration of original license does not require examination if renewed within 3 years of expiration. After original license.

ALABAMA LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY Information Bureau Licensing Services Division 2 of 2 Fees Mail this form, supporting documents and a payment to.

Beginning May 1st, 2013, Alabama Veterans will have the option of displaying proof of military service on their driver license.

Your License to Drive in AlabamaAlabama s Driver License RequirementsAn Alabama Driver License is not required for these peopleWho cannot be licensed in Alabama.What is the difference between learner s license and restricted license.What does the vision screening consist of.What does the written test consist of.What does the road test consist of.Do I ever have to be re-examined.How do I get a non-driver Identification cards.How do I renew my Alabama license.What is the grace period to renew my license.My Driver License is expired, can I renew or must I take the test again.How do I replace a lost, destroyed or damaged licenses.How do I change my address.How do I change my name.How do I get a Commercial driver license, what is the cost and where can I take the test.I want to inquire about mandatory liability insurance and how to get titles replaced on vehicles.Your License To Drive In AlabamaClick here for a list of the requirements, fees, and restrictions for obtaining a new license or identification card.

FROM CHAPTER ONE IN ALABAMA DRIVER LICENSE MANUAL

Under the laws of Alabama, every person with some exceptions must be licensed to operate a motor vehicle upon public streets and roadways. Driver licenses are issued by the Alabama Department of Public Safety.

This chapter tells you who may qualify and what you must do to obtain an Alabama driver license. If applying for a motorcycle driver license, you should also study the motorcycle operator manual.License RequirementsEvery Alabama resident who operates any motor vehicle except a farm tractor or implement of husbandry temporarily upon any street or highway must have a driver license. 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.

Station schedules and locations are available from the office of your local probate judge, license commissioner, or Trooper office.

An Alabama driver license will not be issued to an individual unless-and until all driver licenses in the person s possession are surrendered to the Department of Public Safety. You may view the station locations and schedules online by Clicking Here.An Alabama Driver License is not required for these peopleThe following persons may drive a motor vehicle upon the streets or highways in Alabama without an Alabama driver license.Any person in the employ or service of the United States Federal Government while driving or operating a motor vehicle owned or leased by the United States Federal Government.Any person while driving any farm tractor or implement of husbandry temporarily operated or moved on the highway.A non-resident at least 16 years old who has in his immediate possession a valid driver license issued to him in his home state or country. This includes military personnel from other states and their families stationed in Alabama, even though their assignment in Alabama may be of long duration.A non-resident at least 16 years old whose home country does not require licensing of drivers may operate a motor vehicle as a driver of not more than 90 days in any calendar year, if the vehicle operated is duly registered for the current year in the home country of the non-resident.A non resident who has a valid driver license from the state of previous residence may drive without an Alabama license for 30 days after becoming a resident of the state.Any non-resident fulltime student, properly enrolled and registered in a school, college, university, or trade school in this state, who holds a valid license from his home state or country.Who cannot be licensed to drive in Alabama.An Alabama driver license shall not be issued to:Persons under 16 years of age. See Pages 2-4 for exceptions Any person who s driving rights or privilege is suspended or revoked in any state.Any person afflicted with or suffering from a physical or mental impairment which, in the opinion of the Director of Public Safety or examining officer, will prevent such person from exercising reasonable and ordinary control over a motor vehicle.Any person failing to pass the examination when required.Any person who is a habitual drunkard or addicted to the use of narcotic drugs.Any person who is under the age of 19, not in compliance with Alabama Act 93-368, which requires secondary school graduation or current attendance, with limited exclusions.The Learner s License and Restricted LicenseThe minimum driving age in Alabama is 16. However, there are certain exceptions and restrictions:

Learner s License - Fifteen year olds may obtain a restricted Learner s License for the purpose of learning to safely and effectively operate a motor vehicle. The examination for the license is taken from information in the Alabama Driver s Manual. Upon satisfactory completion of the required examination, the applicant will be issued a regular Alabama driver license with a Y restriction. The Y restriction indicates that the holder may operate a motor vehicle while accompanied by a person who is 21 years of age or older and, who is duly licensed in this state or a licensed or certified driving instructor occupying the seat beside the operator. This Learner s License is valid for four years.

Learner s license - Sixteen Year Olds - Any person 16 years of age or older who, except for his lack of Instruction In operating a motor vehicle, would otherwise be qualified to obtain a driver license, may obtain a Learner s License upon satisfactory completion of the required examination. The examination for this license is taken from Information in the Alabama Driver s Manual. After satisfactory completion of the required examination, the applicant will be issued a regular Alabama driver license with a Y restriction. The Y restriction indicates that the holder may only operate a motor vehicle with a licensed driver occupying the seat beside the driver. This license is valid for four years. Both Learner s Licenses may be suspended or revoked in the same manner and for the same cause as a driver license and may also be revoked for any violations of the terms and conditions on which it was issued.

Learner s License - Y Restriction Removal - Any person 16 years of age or older who holds a Learner s License and has developed the necessary skills to safety operate a motor vehicle may present himself to his local driver license examiner for the road test. He must surrender his picture Learners License at the time of the road test. Upon satisfactory completion of the road test, the applicant will be issued a new regular license for the remainder of the four- year period. This will be at no cost to the applicant.

NOTICE: Before any restrictions can be removed or any other changes in your driver license status takes place, it is mandatory that you have your permanent picture license in your possession at the time of requesting a change. If you have lost or destroyed your license, you must obtain a duplicate and wait for the permanent picture license before any changes can be made.

Motor Driven Cycle License - Fourteen and 15 year olds may obtain a restricted license to operate a motor driven cycle weighing not more than 200 pounds, nor exceeding 150cc engine displacement. The examination for this license is taken from the Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual and the Alabama Drivers Manual. Upon satisfactory completion of the required examination, the applicant will be issued a Class M Alabama driver license with a B restriction. The B restriction indicates that the holder may operate a motor driven cycle only. This license is valid for four years.

Motorcycle License - Sixteen year old and older may obtain a restricted license to operate a motorcycle. A motorcycle is defined as a motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground but excluding a tractor. The examination for this license is taken from the Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual and the Alabama Driver s Manual. Upon satisfactory completion of the required examination, the applicant will be issued a Class M Alabama driver license. Class M indicates that the holder may operate a motorcycle only. The license is valid for four years.

In addition to the above restricted licenses, the Director of Public Safety has the authority to impose restrictions on your driver license when it appears that these restrictions are necessary for you to operate a motor vehicle safely. A common restriction is the requirement of wearing corrective lenses while driving. Another is the use of mechanical devices that aid physically impaired persons. Operation of a motor vehicle in violation of restrictions may result in the loss of your license.Vision ScreeningThose who wear corrective lenses should wear them when taking any part of the driver license examination, including the road test. Neglect to do so may cause delay or postponement in subsequent steps of the examination.

IF, AS A RESULT OF THE VISION EXAMINATION, IT IS FOUND THAT LENSES ARE NEEDED TO IMPROVE EYESIGHT, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR CORRECTIVE LENSES WHILE DRIVING. 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. IF THE REPORT SHOWS THAT YOU CAN SEE WELL ENOUGH TO OPERATE A MOTOR VEHICLE SAFELY, YOU WILL BE ALLOWED TO TAKE THE REMAINDER OF THE TEST.Written TestThis test contains written questions on Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and rules of safe driving. The test will be taken from material found in the Alabama Driver License manual.

If you are applying for a learner s license and pass the written test, the examiner will issue you a temporary learner license, upon payment of required fee, with your picture that shows you have the privilege of driving a motor vehicle in Alabama. If you are applying for a regular driver license, the examiner will issue your license upon successful completion of the road test and payment of required fee. You will receive your permanent license by mail within thirty days.

If you are applying for a motor driven cycle license and a learner s license, you will be required to take both the motor driven cycle and the learner s license examination.

If you are applying for a motor driven cycle or a motorcycle license, you will need to study the material found in the motorcycle manual that the Department of Public Safety publisher. You may pick this manual up at the Driver License Examining Station, State Trooper Office, or Probate Judge or License Commissioner Office.The Road TestThe road test is the final step toward qualifying for the privilege of driving on public streets and highways. A driver license examiner of the Department of Public Safety gives all road tests. You must furnish a vehicle for the road test.

The vehicle will be checked by the examiner before the test begins. It must be in safe operating condition and have the required equipment.

The equipment required for the examination includes rear view mirror, horn, windshield wipers, two separate methods of applying brakes, muffler, headlights, rear tail lights, valid license plate, stop light, and directional signals. This equipment must be in good operating condition. The license examiner may refuse to give the road test in event of hazardous weather or road conditions.

The driving test will determine your ability to operate a motor vehicle properly under traffic conditions. Ordinary maneuvers may include:Right and left turnsSignaling hand or approved electrical devices Use of marked and unmarked lanes of trafficBacking of vehicleObservance of traffic signs and signalsMaking a quick stopGeneral control of vehicleObservationThree point turn. Stop vehicle at right edge of curb. When safe, make sharp left turn; back vehicle. Move forward in right lane. Do not bump curb or use driveway.During the test, you should turn your head when you observe traffic to indicate to the examiner you are aware of conditions around you. The examiner must mark items during the test indicating acceptable or needs training. Do not be distracted by the scoring, as it does not indicate you are receiving all bad marks. No passengers or pets are permitted in the vehicle during the road test. Loose items like cameras or radios should not be in the car during the road test.

Causes for immediate failure and termination of the road test are:Violation of a traffic law.A dangerous action.Any accident which you could have prevented, regardless of legal fault.Lack of cooperation or a refusal to perform any maneuver.If you fail the test, you will be allowed to try again after you have had time to improve your driving. Only one road test per day is permitted.

Unless you already have a legal right to drive in Alabama, you must come for the road test in a vehicle driven by a licensed driver. The licensed driver must remain to drive the vehicle away if you fall.

When you have passed all tests, and paid the required fee, the examiner will issue your temporary license with your picture that shows you have the privilege of driving a motor vehicle in Alabama. You will receive your permanent license by mail with in thirty days.

If you do nor receive your license in 30 days, call the driver license division at 334-242-4400. The license must be carried on your person at all times while driving.Re-ExaminationWhen it appears that you have some physical or mental impairment which might affect your driving ability, you may be required to furnish a statement by a doctor showing your medical history and present condition as it pertains to your driving ability.

Under some circumstances, you may be required to appear before a driver license examiner at any time after you have been issued a license to prove your ability to drive a motor vehicle. If you fail to report for such a driver test or fail to submit any required statements from your doctor, your driver license can be revoked.Identification Cards Non-Driver A citizen of Alabama may apply to the local driver license examiner for a non-driver identification card. The same degree of proof of identification required of applicants for driver licenses in the state shall be required of applicants for non-driver identification cards. Identification cards are issued to applicants who do not physically qualify for a driver license, do not have a current driver license, or who wish to discontinue driving and surrender their license. The non-driver identification card bears a number and the name, date of birth, address, description of the person, and a color photo. May be higher in counties where local legislation authorizes a higher fee. The I.D. Cards are available wherever driver licenses are available. They are not issued to holders of a valid Alabama driver license.Renewing Your LicenseYour driver license expires four years after it is issued and the expiration date is shown on the license. The license may be renewed at any time within 60 days prior to expiration at your Probate Judge or license Commissioner Office.Grace PeriodAlabama law grants a grace period of 60 days after expiration date of a driver s license for the purpose of driver license renewal and the driver license shall be valid for this time period.Active Duty with Armed Forces or any person out of Alabama at License Renewal Time Military personnel, their dependents, college students, or other licensed Alabama drivers who are temporarily out of state due to their job requirements may be eligible to apply if you have obtained an Alabama driver license with your picture and signature in the last four years. Please visit the Driver License Forms Page to download an application.

The required fee should be submitted by money order made payable to the Driver License Division and mailed to the Driver License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, Alabama 36102-1471. The licensee s full name, birth date, and driver license number, social security number and out-of-state address should be included along with documentation providing reason for being out-of-state. A license will be issued, provided a photo and signature are on file and mailed to the licensee s out-of-state address. The license must bear an Alabama address.Renewal of LicenseAn Alabama driver license may be renewed without examination within a three-year period after expiration. A license issued under these circumstances will be valid for a four-year period from the last expiration date instead of four years from date of issue. Even though license renewal is possible up to three years after expiration, a person could not legally operate a motor vehicle with an expired license.Lost, Destroyed or Damaged LicensesIf your license is lost, destroyed, or becomes illegible, but has not yet expired, you should apply for a duplicate license at your Probate Judge or License Commissioner Office with acceptable identification. No examination is necessary but proof of identity such as a certified birth certificate is required at time of application.

Any person making a false affidavit in obtaining a duplicate driver license may be charged with Forgery Title 13A-9-3 or Perjury Title 13A-I 0-102 or both under the Criminal Code of Alabama and punished accordingly by fine and imprisonment or both.New Change of AddressYou can now submit a change of address for your Driver License and Identification Card to ALEA without having to pay a duplication fee. To change your address, fill out the new Change of Address Form PDF/337kb and mail it to ALEA or drop it by any ALEA Driver License Office throughout the state. State law requires all Alabama drivers to notify ALEA within 30 days of changing your address. Additionally, you may also use this form to Register to Vote or update your voter registration address.Change of Name and Reissuance with a New AddressIf you have changed your name or would like a new license/ID card with your new address, you must visit a local probate or licensing office, or visit an ALEA Driver License Office to be issued a duplicate license. To find the closest location to serve you, use our Citizen Services Locator Tool.

For a name change, you will need to present valid name change documents e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order or legal name change document, along with proof that your name has been changed with the Social Security Administration. You can take these documents to your probate judge, license commissioner, or ALEA Driver License office. A duplicate license will be issued with the corrected information for the normal duplicate fee.Organ Donor Program

All persons age 18 and older may participate in Alabama s Organ Donor Program by indicating their desire to be an organ donor on the back of their Alabama driver license or photo ID card. If you hold a current driver license or ID Card and wish to be a donor, fill in the information on the back of your license or ID card using a pen or pencil.

By signing the back of your license or ID card as a donor, you are making a commitment to become an organ donor. The Alabama Organ Center strongly recommends you discuss this decision with your family. For more information, please contact the Alabama Organ Center toll-free at 1-800-252-3677.

Your gift remains effective as long as your driver license is properly renewed and remains current. Upon the expiration, cancellation, revocation or suspension of your driver license, your gift is invalidated.Commercial Driver LicenseAlabama adopted the Federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986, and is part of a nationally uniform system of classifying, testing, and licensing commercial vehicle drivers.

If you drive a commercial vehicle that falls into one of the following classifications, you must secure an Alabama Commercial Driver License CDL.

CLASS A - This classification applies only to combination vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating GCWR exceeding 26,000 pounds, provided the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating GVWR of the vehicle being towed exceeds 10,000 pounds. The holder of a Class A license, which includes any appropriate endorsements, may operate all vehicles included in Class B, C, and D

CLASS B - This class includes single or combination vehicles where the GVWR of the single vehicle exceeds 26,000 pounds. The vehicle in tow must not exceed 10,000 pounds. Class B licensees, with appropriate endorsements, may drive all vehicles in Class C or D.

CLASS C - Vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials, that do not meet the criteria for Class A or B above fall under this classification and may drive all vehicles in Class D.

CDL Endorsements are required for double/triple trailers, tanker vehicles, passenger vehicles and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. If a hazardous material endorsement is required, Click Here to find out more information.

Commercial Drivers Manuals and information are available at your local driver license office. Click Here to view a list of driver license examination sites.

Commercial Driver License Fees:

NOTE: Some counties add additional processing fees to the cost of a license or test.Knowledge Tests - 25.00Skills Fee - 20.00Class A CDL - 66.25Class B CDL - 56.25Class C CDL - 36.25Mandatory Liability Insurance and Title ReplacementsPlease contact the Alabama Department of Revenue for information regarding mandatory liability insurance and title replacements.

Renew Your Alabama Driver s License You can renew your AL driver s license online, by mail, or in person at your local AL DPS office. The Alabama DPS will accept your.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency now offers online driver s license renewals and replacements.