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Who needs an Alabama driver license?
Every Alabama resident who operates any motor vehicle must have a driver license. Exceptions:
Any person working for the US Federal Government while driving a motor vehicle owned or leased by the US Federal Government.
Any person while driving any farm tractor or implement of husbandry temporarily operated or moved on the highway.
Who cannot be licensed?
Any person suffering from a physical or mental impairment.
Any person who is a habitual drunkard or addicted to the use of narcotic drugs.
Any person who is under the age of 19 that is not in compliance with Alabama Act 93-368.
I did not pass the written knowledge test. Can I get an Alabama driver license?
No.
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What is the age requirement to obtain a driver license in Alabama?
You must be at least 16 years old.
What kind of document is accepted to prove my age?
A record existing on the driver license database (ie. a previously issued Alabama driver license / non-driver identification card) or an original or certified copy of one Primary Document (see the full list on the Alabama Driver Manual).
I am 15 year old. Can I get a driver license?
You can get a Learner License for the purpose of learning to safely operate a motor vehicle, with a “Y” restriction. The “Y” restriction indicates that you may operate a motor vehicle while accompanied by a person who is at least 21 years old and duly licensed in this state or by a driving instructor occupying the seat beside you.
I am 16 years old and I have a Learner License. Is the “Y” restriction still valid?
Yes, but after your sixteenth birthday, you may operate a motor vehicle with any licensed driver occupying the seat beside you. This Learner License is valid for four years, and can be renewed once.
I am between 16 and 18 years old and I have a Learner License. How can I get a regular license?
You need to present to the local driver license examiner for the road test. If you pass the test you will receive a regular license with the “Y” restriction removed for the remainder of the four year period.
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Do I need a proof of authorized presence in the US to get an Alabama driver license?
Yes. You must submit a proof of authorized presence in the United States as authorized under Federal Law in order to apply for an original Alabama driver license.
Which documents do I need to prove my authorized presence in the US in order to get an Alabama driver license?
2 forms of identification (one of which must contain a photograph and one must be a Primary Document, see the full list on the Alabama Driver Manual)
3 forms of non-photo identification (one must be a Primary Document, see the full list on the Alabama Driver Manual).
I am transferring an Out of State driver license. Which documents do I need to present?
the 5 forms of identification listed above
your Out of State driver license
1 acceptable document for social security number (ie. your Social Security card)
1 other form of identification from the 'primary' list (see the full list on the Alabama Driver Manual).
I am a non-working authorized foreign national applicant for an Alabama driver license, what do I have to do?
You have to present documents evidencing, to the satisfaction of the Department, that your presence in the United States is authorized (see the full list of additional Secondary Documents for non-U.S. citizens on the Alabama Driver Manual).
I was deported from the United States and I want to apply for an Alabama driver license, what do I have to do?
You must present proof from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that your legal presence status has been restored.
I am a foreign-born applicant, which document do I need to prove my date of birth?
You must have your birth certificate translated into English and certified by the Embassy of your country or a US Passport.
I am lawfully present in the US as a non-immigrant. Which VISA categories make me eligible to apply for an Alabama driver license?
A, B (except B-1), E, F (F visa holders must also present Form I-20), G-4, H, I, J (J-1 and J-2 visa holders must also present Form DS-2019 or IAP-66), K, L, M (M visa holders must also present Form I-20), NATO, O, P, Q, R, S, T, TN, TD, TPS or U or V visa categories.
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How is the written test structured?
The test contains questions on Alabama traffic laws, road signs and rules of safe driving. The written knowledge test consists of 40 questions. To pass the test, you must correctly answer at least 32 questions.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Driver license written examinations are available in: Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese.
I am hearing impaired. How can I take the written examination?
The test can be administered in American Sign Language using automated testing equipment and is available only at certain Driver License offices.
I am unable to read and comprehend the knowledge test. How can I take the written test?
You can take an oral examination. Oral examinations may be administered using automated testing equipment.
I passed the written knowledge test and I am applying for a Learner License. Can I get my Learner License?
Yes, upon payment of the required fee.
I passed the written knowledge test and I am applying for a regular driver license. Can I get my driver license?
No, you have to pay the required fee and pass the road test in order to get your Alabama driver license.
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My Alabama license has expired, what do I have to do?
If your Alabama driver license has been expired for less than three years, it can be renewed without examination. All applicants whose Alabama license has been expired for over three years must pass the required driver examination.
My Alabama driver license is lost, destroyed or illegible but has not yet expired. What do I have to do?
You should apply for a duplicate license at your Probate Judge or License Commissioner Office, showing a proof of identity.
I have a valid Alabama driver license but I want to change my address within Alabama. What do I have to do?
You need to notify the License Services Division of the new address within 30 days.
I am a non-resident and have a driver license from another state or nation. How can I get an Alabama license?
If your out of state license has not been expired over one year you do not have to pass a driver examination.
I am a non-resident and my country does not require licensing of drivers. Do I need an Alabama license?
No, if your home country does not require licensing of drivers you 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 your home country.
I am a resident and have a valid driver license issued from another state or country. Do I need an Alabama license?
No. An Alabama driver license is not required if you are a resident at least 16 years old and you have in your immediate possession a valid driver license issued in your home state or country.
I just moved to Alabama and have a valid license from another state. What do I need to do?
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.
I am a non-resident full time student in Alabama. Do I need an Alabama driver license?
No, if you are properly enrolled and registered in a school, college, university, or trade school in Alabama and if you hold a valid license from your home state or country, you may drive in Alabama without an Alabama driver license.
My driving rights are suspended or revoked in another state or country. Can I be licensed in Alabama?
No.
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Who requires a driver's license in Alabama?
Every Alabama citizen who drives a motor vehicle is required to hold a driver's license. Exceptions:
Any individual working for the United States Federal Government while driving a motor vehicle owned or leased by the United States Federal Government.
Any individual who is driving a farm tractor or a husbandry equipment while temporarily operating or moving it on the roadway.
Who cannot get a license?
Any individual who has a physical or mental disability.
Any individual who is a chronic alcoholic or addicted to narcotic narcotics.
Any individual under the age of 19 who is in violation of Alabama Act 93-368.
I failed the written knowledge exam. Can I acquire a driver's license in Alabama?
No.
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What is the minimum age in Alabama to receive a driver's license?
You must be at least 16 years old to participate.
What kind of documents are acceptable to establish my age?
A record in the driver licensing database (for example, a previously issued Alabama driver license or non-driver identity card) or an original or certified copy of one Primary Document (see the full list on the Alabama Driver Manual).
I am fifteen years old. Can I get a driver's license?
With a "Y" limitation, you may get a Learner License to learn how to safely drive a motor vehicle. The "Y" limitation indicates that you may drive a motor vehicle when accompanied by a person over the age of 21 and fully licensed in this state, or by a driving instructor in the seat beside you.
I am 16 years old and hold a Learner's Permit. Is the "Y" limitation still in effect?
Yes, however after the age of sixteen, you may operate a motor vehicle with any licensed driver in the passenger seat alongside you. This Learner License is valid for four years and is renewable once.
I am between the ages of 16 and 18 and hold a Learner's Permit. How can I get a normal license?
For the road test, you must show yourself to the local driving license examiner. If you pass the exam, you will be issued a standard license with the "Y" restriction lifted for the remaining four years.
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Do I need to provide documentation of legal status in the United States to get an Alabama driving license?
Yes. To apply for an original Alabama driving license, you must provide documentation of legal presence in the United States, as permitted by Federal Law.
Which papers do I need to show my legal status in the United States in order to get an Alabama driving license?
There are two types of identification (one of which must contain a photograph and one must be a Primary Document, see the full list on the Alabama Driver Manual)
There are three types of non-photo identification (one must be a Primary Document, see the full list on the Alabama Driver Manual).
I'm transferring a driver's license from another state. What papers do I need to bring?
The five ways of identification mentioned above
You have an out-of-state driver's license
There is just one eligible document for obtaining a social security number (ie. your Social Security card)
1 more kind of identification from the 'main' list (see the full list on the Alabama Driver Manual).
What should I do if I am a non-working permitted foreign national seeking an Alabama driving license?
You must produce documentation that demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Department, that your presence in the United States is legal (see the full list of additional Secondary Documents for non-U.S. citizens on the Alabama Driver Manual).
What should I do if I was deported from the United States and want to apply for an Alabama driving license?
You must provide documentation that your lawful presence status has been restored from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Which document do I need to establish my date of birth as a foreign-born applicant?
You must get your birth certificate translated into English and authenticated by your country's embassy or obtain a US passport.
As a non-immigrant, I am legally present in the United States. Which VISA categories allow me to apply for a driver's license in Alabama?
A, B (excluding B-1), E, F (F visa holders must also provide Form I-20), G-4, H, I, J (J-1 and J-2 visa holders must also present Form DS-2019 or IAP-66), K, L, M (M visa holders must also present Form I-20), NATO, O, P, Q, R, S, T, TN, TD, TPS, U, V visa categories
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What is the format of the written exam?
The exam includes questions on Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving standards. There are 40 questions in the written knowledge exam. To pass the exam, you must answer at least 32 questions correctly.
Is it possible to take the written exam in a language other than English?
Written driver license exams are accessible in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Thai, and Vietnamese.
I have a hearing impairment. How do I sit for the written exam?
The exam is only offered at specific Driver License offices and may be conducted in American Sign Language utilizing automated testing technology.
The knowledge exam is difficult for me to read and grasp. How can I take the written exam?
You have the option of taking an oral examination. Automated testing equipment may be used to give oral exams.
Where can I get a copy of the official "Alabama Driver Manual"?
The handbook may be found here.
I passed the written knowledge exam and am now applying for a Learner's Permit. Can I acquire my Learner's Permit?
Yes, after paying the requisite money.
I passed the written knowledge exam and am now applying for a standard driver's license. Can I get my driver's license?
No, in order to get your Alabama driving license, you must pay the proper price and pass the road test.
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What should I do now that my Alabama driver's license is expired?
If your Alabama driving license has been expired for less than three years, you may renew it without having to take an exam. All candidates whose Alabama license has been inactive for more than three years must pass the mandatory driving exam.
My Alabama driver's license has been lost, damaged, or rendered unreadable, but it has not yet expired. What should I do?
You should apply for a duplicate license at your local Probate Judge or License Commissioner Office, bringing identification with you.
I hold a valid Alabama driver's license but would want to modify my residence inside the state. What should I do?
Within 30 days, you must inform the License Services Division of your new address.
I am a non-resident with a driver's license from another state or country. How can I get an Alabama driver's license?
If your out-of-state license has not been expired for more than a year, you do not need to take a driver's test.
I am a non-resident, and my nation does not need drivers to be licensed. Do I need an Alabama driver's license?
No, if your home nation does not need driver licensure, you may operate a motor vehicle as a driver for no more than 90 days in any calendar year provided the vehicle driven is lawfully registered in your home country for the current year.
I am a resident with a driver's license from another state or nation. Do I need an Alabama driver's license?
No, an Alabama driver license is not necessary if you are a resident of at least 16 years of age and hold a valid driver license issued in your home state or nation.
I just relocated to Alabama and hold a legal driver's license from another state. What should I do?
A non-resident holding a valid driving license from their prior state may drive in Alabama without obtaining an Alabama license for 30 days after becoming a resident.
I am a full-time non-resident student in Alabama. Do I need a driver's license in Alabama?
You may drive in Alabama without an Alabama driver license if you are officially enrolled and registered in an Alabama school, college, university, or trade school and possess a valid license from your home state or nation.
