Transportation, Driving & Driver’s Licenses

DRIVING IN ALABAMA

Drivers must carry with them at all times a valid Driver’s License from their home country with a valid International Driver’s License/Permit, a valid Driver’s License from another US state, or a valid Alabama Driver’s License.

Driver’s Licenses from other states, other country driver’s licenses, and International Driver’s Licenses are valid for use within the State of Alabama – see point 6 on the list of “An Alabama License is not required for these people” found at the bottom of page 5 (page 7 of 88 in the pdf) of the Alabama Driver’s Manual.

While it is possible to drive on a valid foreign or out-of-state license, it is strongly advised that you obtain an Alabama State license if you plan to operate a vehicle in Alabama. This will help to avoid problems if you are stopped for a traffic violation or at any other time when you need to present a driver’s license. In addition, if you purchase a vehicle, you will need an Alabama license to be able to register your vehicle with the state and obtain a license plate. Also, if you do not have a US driver’s license, many car insurance companies will not insure your vehicle, or will insure you through a “high risk” pool at much higher rates.

Alabama Driving Regulations: All drivers, regardless of where they received their license, must obey the driving laws of the State of Alabama while driving in Alabama. The Alabama Driver’s Manual is available here.

 

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND TRAFFIC STOPS

 

 

The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Tuscaloosa Police Department, Northport Police Department, and The University of Alabama Police Department have a public service announcement regarding proper response to a traffic stop. The video was developed in response to questions posed to law enforcement by civilians wanting to know the proper procedure for responding to officers when they are pulled over for a traffic violation.

Watch on YouTube or Vimeo.

Review UAPD Traffic Safety Brochure

 

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 30 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 30 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.

  1. 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.
  2. Prepare for the Test – Study the Alabama Driver’s Manual and consider taking a supplemental driver training course.
  3. 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:
        1. Complete an SSN DENIAL LETTER REQUEST
        2. 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.
        3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. 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 $36.25. Note that checks are not accepted but payment can be made in cash or by credit/debit card; payment by card has a small service fee in addition t the test or license fees.  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 30 days remaining to stay in the United States (e.g. your I-20, DS-2019, I-797 Approval Notice is valid at least 30 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.

BUYING A CAR

PARKING
Parking on campus is restricted and requires that students and employees register their vehicles with the UA Parking Services for a parking hangtag and lot assignment.  The Parking Services website is: http://bamaparking.ua.edu/

BUYING A CAR (Information adapted from the DMV website)
When you buy a used car, you will need to transfer registration with the state, apply for a title, and pay taxes on your purchase. Take the following information to the tag office, usually located in your county courthouse:

  • The original title signed over to the buyer from the seller on the back of the title
  • Bill of Sale
  • Applicable fees and taxes

The title fee is $15. Sales tax, ad valorem, and license fees vary in each county. Transfer fee is $1.25.

A few tips for buying a car:

  • Do your homework. Figure out what kind of car you want or need to fit your lifestyle and budget. Read consumer reports, comparison guides, and forums to learn about the car you are researching.
  • The next step is to check the classified ads in local newspapers or shop at various used and new car dealerships.  Many vehicles are posted for sale on fliers around campus, Facebook Marketplace, KBBAutoTrader, and on Craigslist.
  • Test drive each car. You’ll want to know if you are comfortable behind the wheel. Climb in the backseat to check for leg room and head space.
  • Check on insurance rates for the vehicle you are exploring. Rates vary greatly depending on make, model, year, and body style.
  • Once you decide on a car, get a car report on it (such as Carfax). This car report will provide a title search, accident report, lemon report, odometer check, and registration details.
  • Have a mechanic examine the car to warn you of any damage or problems with the vehicle.
  • Negotiate a price. Don’t pay more than you should. Most sellers do not expect the buyer to pay their original asking price. Offer a dollar amount lower than you are willing to pay, then work upwards as the seller makes a counter-offer. To compare prices of new and used vehicles, check Kelley Blue Book – http://www.kbb.com/.
  • You have 20 days to register your new car. A title application must be completed before the registration can be processed.

Finally, you can get help with the bill-of-sale and title transfer through the UA Civil Law Clinic.  It is extremely important to make sure that when you purchase your car, you get all of the documents needed to be able to get a title and show proof of ownership of the car.  The UA Civil Law Clinic can help you.

 

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 MVD at (334) 242-3000 or http://www.ador.state.al.us/motorvehicle/index.html

Car Insurance for International Students

There are many companies which provide insurance coverage.  Please see some of the following options:

 

BUSSES, BIKES & TAXIS

TUSCALOOSA – CITY TRANSPORTATION

TUSCALOOSA BUS AND TROLLEY SYSTEM – http://tuscaloosatransit.com/
Tuscaloosa has an affordable public bus system which serves the UA campus and the city, but bus routes are limited to the most popular destinations.  For bus schedules, routes, maps, and rates, please visit the Tuscaloosa Transit Authority website: http://tuscaloosatransit.com/ or download the route map here: http://www.tuscaloosatransit.com/routeInfo.php.

CRIMSONRIDE – UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA’S BUS SYSTEM – http://www.crimsonride.ua.edu/
The University of Alabama is a large campus, and CrimsonRide provides quick and easy access to all areas of campus, whether you live on- or off-campus.  To find route maps, visit: http://crimsonride.ua.edu/maps/.

BICYCLES
Bikes are cheap, efficient, and great exercise.  When riding a bicycle, please use the utmost care.  Cyclists are to obey the same traffic regulations as cars, which means not riding on the sidewalk. Remember to yield to pedestrians and automobiles.  Be sure your bicycle is in good working order, especially the steering and brakes.  Bike Safety information, bike maps, and bike laws and regulations can be found here: https://urec.sa.ua.edu/outdoor-recreation-news/bike-safety/.

The UA Rec Center has a pro bike shop where you can rent bikes https://urec.sa.ua.edu/outdoor-recreation-news/bamabikes/ or have your bike repaired: https://urec.sa.ua.edu/outdoor-recreation-news/bike-shop/

Bikes can also be found for sale at local pro bike shops VeloCity Cycles  and Trek Bicycle and also on Craigslist and FB Marketplace.

TUSCALOOSA TAXIS & RIDESHARE SERVICES
There are several taxi and rideshare services in the Tuscaloosa area.  See Yelp or do a search for currently available taxi and rideshare services (including LYFT and UBER) .

Rates for transportation via taxi or rideshares are generally much more expensive than public transportation.

LONG DISTANCE TRANSPORTATION

AIRPORT
Most international students fly into the Birmingham International Airport.  The city of Birmingham is approximately 60 miles from the UA campus.  In general, transportation to and from the Airport is done by personal vehicle.  ISSS recommends that students seeking transportation from Birmingham first contact their respective student nationality organization, which can be found in the listing of organizations here: http://thesource.ua.edu/.

AIRPORT SHUTTLES
Most international students fly into the Birmingham International Airport.  The city of Birmingham is approximately 60 miles from the UA campus.  In general, transportation to and from the Airport is done by personal vehicle, bus, or shuttle.  ISSS recommends that students or scholars seeking transportation from Birmingham first contact their respective student nationality organization, which can be found in the listing of organizations here: http://thesource.ua.edu/.

TAXI SERVICE FROM BIRMINGHAM TO TUSCALOOSA
Although it is more expensive than the shuttle service, taxi service is also available from the Birmingham Airport to Tuscaloosa. The cost is approximately $100-120 (plus tip). Taxis are normally waiting outside the baggage claim area of the airport. You should ask the driver for the price and agree to the price before you get in the taxi.

GREYHOUND BUS LINES – http://www.greyhound.com/
Tuscaloosa is served by the Greyhound bus line.  Fares vary depending on the date and time that you travel. Schedule and fares are subject to change without notice. For more information, call Greyhound at (205) 758-6651 or 1-800-231-2222 ext. 9 (www.greyhound.com).  Please note that you will need to make arrangements to get from the Birmingham Airport to the bus station as well as from the Tuscaloosa bus station to campus.

STATION ADDRESS PHONE
BIRMINGHAM GREYHOUND STATION 618 N 19th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 252-7190
TUSCALOOSA GREYHOUND STATION 7022 HWY 82 East,  Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (inside BP Country Mart) (205) 758-6651

 

AMTRAK TRAIN SERVICES – http://www.amtrak.com/ Information/Reservations (800-872-7245)
Please note that you will need to make arrangements to get from the Birmingham Airport to the train station as well as from the Tuscaloosa train station to campus.

STATION ADDRESS PHONE
BIRMINGHAM AMTRAK STATION 1819 Morris Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 752-3200
TUSCALOOSA AMTRAK STATION 2105 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 3540 (205) 758-3578