STEPS TO OBTAIN OR RENEW A LICENSE IN ALABAMA
Alabama Driver License Online Services Site
(adapted from http://www.dmv.org/al-alabama/apply-license.php, a private, non-governmental site; for the official site, visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety – https://www.alabamadl.alea.gov/)
Everyone needs a valid driver’s license of some sort before driving. Even if you’ve moved to Alabama from another state, you need to exchange your out-of-state license for an Alabama license.
Class D Licenses, which are available to 16-year-olds with restrictions and to older drivers without restrictions, are the licenses discussed here.
NOTE: You must have 160 days remaining on your immigration status to be eligible to apply for a Driver’s License, ID, or Driver Permit (e.g. I-20, DS-2019, H-1B, etc. must be valid at least 160 days into the future). If you are on a Visitor Visa (B-1/B-2 or WB/WT), you are not eligible for an Alabama Driver’s License.
- Take a Driver’s Education Course – Drivers who are at least 18 years old don’t have to take a driver education course, but it’s always a good idea for anyone who has never driven before to get supplemental driver training.
- Prepare for the Test – Study the Alabama Driver’s Manual and consider taking a supplemental driver training course.
- Prepare SSN Card or SSN Denial Letter – if you don’t have a Social Security Card, you must do this before submitting a Verification Letter Request (DOCUSIGN Form) to ISSS:
- OBTAIN SSN, IF ELIGIBLE: If you are an F-1 or J-1 student employed on-campus or Faculty, Staff, or Scholar, you can obtain a Social Security Card by following the steps outlined on our SSN Page.
- OBTAIN SSN DENIAL LETTER IF NOT ELIGIBLE FOR SSN: If you are a student who doesn’t have employment or you are a dependent spouse or child (F-2, J-2, H-4, etc.), you are not eligible for a Social Security Number and will need to request a “SSN Denial Letter” from the Social Security Administration. The Driver’s License Office requires a “SSN Denial Letter” if you don’t have a Social Security Card.
- To request an SSN Denial Letter, you must submit a request for a Denial Letter to the Social Security Administration by doing the following:
- Complete an SSN DENIAL LETTER REQUEST
- Include copies/scans of the following supporting documents:
- Your passport main information page;
- Your most recent Visa (even if it has expired);
- Your F-1/F-2 I-20 (pages 1 and 2 only), J-1/J-2 DS-2019 (page 1 only), or I-797 Approval Notice showing other visa status; and
- Your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
- Send the complete SSN DENIAL LETTER REQUEST and all supporting documents to the SSA Office via one of the following methods:
- Please note, expect a 2-3 week processing timeline for SSN Denial Letters.
- Obtain Verfication Letter from ISSS – Once you have either the SSN Card or SSN Denial Letter, then complete a Verification Letter Request (DOCUSIGN Form) with International Student & Scholar Services so that you may obtain a verification of your visa status. This letter is required for F-1 and J-1 students as well as for their dependents. NOTE: a Verification Letter Request (DOCUSIGN Form) is not required for J-1 Scholars, H-1B Employees, TN Workers, or their dependents to apply for a License/ID.
- Gather your immigration documents – Make sure to take have all of your immigration documents, including your I-20, DS-2019, or H-1B Approval Notice, your passport, and your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
- Make an appointment online with the Driver’s License Office – You will need to take both your written test and your driving test at your local driver license office. You must make an appointment online in advance (NOTE: Select Foreign National New or Foreign National Renewal/Replacement for Service Type).
TUSCALOOSA TROOPER OFFICE
2645 Skyland Blvd E.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
Open Monday – Friday; 8 am – 5 pm
Phone: 205-553-0729
Other locations in Alabama
- Make Test-Day Preparations – On the day of your driver’s license test, be prepared to:
- Pay the written test fee of $5, and/or the driver license application fee of $25. Note that checks are not accepted. A list of fees can be found here.
- Present the required forms of photo identification or non-photo identification (Alabama provides examples of acceptable forms of identification online)
- Present your valid foreign passport with acceptable visa documentation or your valid resident alien card.
- Present verification of your Social Security Number or a letter of non-eligibility from the Social Security Administration.
- Present documentation that shows you have at least 160 days remaining to stay in the United States (e.g. your I-20, DS-2019, I-797 Approval Notice is valid at least 160 days into the future).
- Present an enrollment verification letter from International Student & Scholar Services.
- Come to the driver’s license office accompanied by a licensed driver and in a properly insured and registered vehicle if you’re taking the driving test (see below).
- Pass a vision exam.
- Have your picture taken.
- Take the Written Test – Alabama takes information from the Alabama Driver’s Manual to create test questions, so it’s wise to study the manual in addition to any driver education course you complete.The written test is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, French, Greek, German, Russian, Arabic, and Farsi.NOTE: Alabama uses automated testing equipment to provide oral exams, as well as exams using American Sign Language, for applicants with special needs. These special exams may not be available at every driver license office, so be sure to specify your needs when you make an appointment.
- Once You Pass – Once you pass the written test, your next move depends on your age. If you’re younger than 18, you must hold your permit for six months before taking the driving test. If older than 18, you can generally take the driving test on the same day. But, if you’re just 18 years old and want to take your driving test the same day, you must meet one of the following requirements: Be enrolled in school. Be graduated from school. Be a new mother.
- If You Fail The Test – Your driver license office will allow you to take the written test twice in one day. You must pay the fee of $5 each time you take the test.
- Get a Car – While your driver’s education class or training course may provide a vehicle for you to use while practicing, you will need your own vehicle to use to take your driving exam. Make sure your vehicle is properly registered and insured.
- Get Car Insurance – Alabama requires all drivers to cover their vehicles with liability insurance, and carry proof of such insurance when they drive. Insurance requirements are listed below.
- Take the Driving TestIf you have moved to Alabama from another state, and your out-of-state license is valid or hasn’t been expired for more than one year, you don’t have to take the driving test. You simply need to make an appointment with your nearest driver license office and present your out-of-state license, your Social Security card, and one other primary form of identification (Alabama provides examples of acceptable forms of identification online) You will also need to pay $5 for transferring and $25 for your new license.First-time drivers must take the driving test. Alabama requires all testers to make an appointment and show up with a licensed driver and a properly registered and insured vehicle. Our Insurance Center can help you make sure your policy meets Alabama’s minimum liability requirements.NOTE: Driver license offices don’t administer driving tests on rainy days. Be prepared to reschedule if it’s raining on the day of your appointment.
- Once You Pass – If you pass your driving test, your driver license office will take your picture and issue you a temporary license once you pay the appropriate fee. Your temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to legally drive while you wait for your permanent driver’s license to arrive in the mail.
- If You Fail The Driving Test – Your driver license examiner will determine the length of time between the day you fail your driving test and the day you take the test again, and that time depends on your performance during your initial test. For example, if you only made a few mistakes your driver license examiner may allow you to retake the test in just a few days. At the same time, if you make several mistakes, or mistakes of great magnitude, the examiner might suggest you hold a permit for a while longer.
- Receive Your License in the Mail –You should receive your license in the mail within 30 days, so make sure your driver license office has your most up-to-date mailing address. If you don’t receive your license after 30 days, contact your driver license office for further instructions.
CAR INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
PLEASE NOTE: IT IS ILLEGAL TO DRIVE IN ALABAMA WITHOUT AUTO INSURANCE.
Alabama Liability Insurance Requirements for Private Passenger Vehicles – If you choose to purchase traditional liability coverage from an insurance carrier rather than obtain a Motor Vehicle Liability Bond or Certificate of Cash Bond, your policy must include:
• $25,000 injury liability for one person
• $50,000 for all injuries in one accident
• $25,000 property damage in one accident
Purchasing basic liability coverage ensures you’re meeting the state’s minimum financial responsibility requirements, but you should consider insurance coverage that includes more protection for yourself, your passengers, and your car, including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (which protects you in case someone hits you and does not have auto insurance).
Proof of Insurance and Financial Responsibility
You must carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times when driving. There are several ways you can show proof that you’re meeting the state’s financial responsibility requirements:
• An insurance card, premium receipt, binder, declarations page, or a certificate of liability policy from your provider.
• A copy of your liability insurance policy.
• A copy of the proof of vehicle purchase and the old insurance card for the vehicle your purchase replaced (only valid for 60 days after purchasing the new vehicle).
• A copy of the rental agreement if you’re renting the vehicle.
• A copy of your Motor Vehicle Liability Bond.
• A copy of your Certificate of Cash Bond.
Penalties for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility
The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) can suspend your vehicle’s tag registration if you fail to maintain financial responsibility. The steps to reinstate the registration depend on the offense number:
1. First Offense: You must obtain and provide proof of liability insurance and pay a reinstatement fee of $100.
2. Second Offense: Your registration will stay suspended for four months, you must obtain and provide proof of liability insurance, and you must pay a reinstatement fee of $200.
Need more information about the state’s financial responsibility requirements, penalties for no proof of insurance, and how to reinstate your vehicle registration? Contact the Motor Vehicle Division at (334) 242-3000 or the MVD website.
