Beneath the legal guidelines of Alabama, each particular person (with some exceptions) should be licensed to function a motorized vehicle upon public streets and roadways. The Alabama Legislation Enforcement Company, Driver License Unit, points driver licenses. This web page will cowl the Alabama driver license necessities for residence.
This chapter tells you who could qualify and what you need to do to acquire an Alabama driver license. If making use of for a motorbike license, it’s best to research the motorbike handbook.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Each Alabama resident who operates any motorized vehicle (besides a farm tractor or implement of husbandry quickly upon any road or freeway) should have a driver license. All candidates who haven’t been licensed in Alabama or whose Alabama license has been expired for over three years should move the required driver examination. A holder of an out of state license which has not been expired over one 12 months doesn’t must move a driver examination.
AN ALABAMA DRIVER LICENSE IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THESE PEOPLE
The next individuals could drive a motorized vehicle upon the streets or highways in Alabama with out an Alabama driver license.
- Any particular person within the make use of or service of america Federal Authorities
- whereas driving or working a motorized vehicle owned or leased by america Federal Authorities.
- Any particular person whereas driving any farm tractor or implement of husbandry quickly operated or moved on the freeway.
- A resident not less than 16 years previous who has in his instant possession a legitimate driver’s license issued to him in his residence state or nation. This consists of army personnel from different states and their households stationed in Alabama, though their project in Alabama could also be of lengthy length.
- A non-resident not less than 16 years previous whose residence nation doesn’t require licensing of drivers could function a motorized vehicle as a driver of no more than 90 days in any calendar 12 months if the automobile operated is duly registered for the present 12 months within the residence nation of the non-resident.
- A non-resident who has a legitimate driver’s license from the state of the earlier residence could drive with out an Alabama license for 30 days after turning into a resident of the state.
- Any non-resident full-time scholar correctly enrolled and registered in a faculty, school, college, or commerce college on this state, who holds a legitimate license from his residence state or nation.
WHO CANNOT BE LICENSED
An Alabama driver license shall not be issued to:
- Individuals beneath 16 years of age.
- Any particular person whose driving rights or privilege is suspended or revoked in any state.
- Any particular person troubled with or affected by a bodily or psychological impairment which, within the opinion of the ALEA or inspecting officer, will forestall such particular person from exercising affordable and unusual management over a motorized vehicle.
- Any particular person failing to move the examination when required.
- Any one who is a recurring drunkard or hooked on the usage of narcotic medicine.
- •Any one who is beneath the age of 19 that isn’t in compliance with Alabama Act 93-368, which requires secondary college commencement or present attendance, with restricted exclusions.
- AUTHORIZED PRESENCE
- All candidates for an unique Alabama driver’s license or identification card should submit proof of licensed presence in america as licensed beneath federal regulation. This can assist us safeguard the accuracy and integrity of the Alabama Legislation Enforcement Driver License paperwork and cut back the excessive price concerned because of utilizing fraudulent identification in acquiring items and companies.
Identification Necessities
Candidates for an Alabama Driver License or Identification card should:
1. Current two (2) types of identification, not less than one in every of which incorporates {a photograph}, (one type should be from the “Major Itemizing”).
2. Current three (3) types of non-photo identification (one type should be from the “Major Itemizing”).
3. Candidates transferring an Out of State driver license should current their Out of State driver license, Social Safety card (or one of many different acceptable paperwork for social safety quantity) AND one different type from the “Major Itemizing”. For the aim of administering the licensing of non-working licensed international nationwide candidates for an Alabama driver license and non-driver identification playing cards, the Alabama Legislation Enforcement Company presumes their standing in america to be unauthorized till the applicant presents paperwork evidencing, to the satisfaction of the Division, that their presence in america is permitted. Along with the identification necessities above, an applicant who has been deported from america should current proof from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that their authorized presence standing has been restored.
Authorized Date of Beginning Necessities
All candidates for any sort of Alabama driver license or non-driver identification card should meet the age necessities related to the license or allow.
A file current on the motive force license database, because of a beforehand issued Alabama driver license or Alabama non-driver identification card could also be thought of proof of start date. If no such file exists, solely an unique or licensed copy of one of many “Major Listed” paperwork may very well be accepted as proof of start date.
Documentation Necessities
Solely a doc, which is an unique or a replica licensed by the issuing company, will probably be accepted. If a doc is a replica, the certification connected to it should be unique. A doc could be unacceptable if:
- (a) Correction fluid (white-out) has been used on pertinent informa-
- (b) Erasure markings seem on pertinent info.
- (c) Pertinentinformationismissing.
- (d) Pertinent info is illegible.
- (e) Alterations seem in pertinent info.
- (f) A fold, crease, tear or gap obliterates or distorts pertinent info
- (g) A staple obliterates or distorts pertinent info.
- (h) The doc will not be correctly signed.
Social Safety Quantity Necessities
Proof of Social Safety Quantity should be introduced by the applicant beneath the next circumstances, except the quantity is already within the database: (a) When making use of for any class driver license, driver license renewal, vessel license, or non-driver identification card, whether or not or not the applicant needs to have the quantity seem on the license.
- An unique of one of many following paperwork is required as proof of a Social Safety quantity:
- (a) Social Safety Card
- (b) A licensed letter (on letterhead) from the Social Safety
- Administration stating the particular person’s identify and Social Safety quantity. (c) United States Army Identification Card.
- (d) United States Army type DD 214.
- (e) Medicare/Medicaid Identification Card (if Social Safety quantity is adopted by the letter A). (f) W2 Tax Kind.
Notarization Necessities
- (a) The notary’s seal or stamp should be affixed to the doc and should be legible.
- (b) The notary’s identify should be legible.
- (c) The notary’s signature should be current.
- (d) The whole date that the notary’s fee expires should be legible and should have been present on the date the doc was
- (e) The state wherein the notary is commissioned should be legible.
Acceptable documentation for proof of identify, date of start and licensed presence paperwork should be unique or copies licensed by issuing company. Except in any other case famous, paperwork should be present or be of the kind that doesn’t expire. Immigration paperwork should replicate not less than 160 days allowable time remaining in america.
All candidates beneath the age of 19 should current a present Scholar Enrollment/Exclusion Kind (DL-1-93). Kinds could also be obtained at your college or any driver license workplace. Kinds should be accomplished and signed by licensed personnel.
Social Safety card (Required for all candidates who’ve been assigned and/or are eligible for the project of a social safety quantity by the Social Safety Administration.)
PRIMARY DOCUMENTS
- Licensed U.S. Beginning Certificates issued by an company designated by state or federal authority
- US Passport (present)
- Alabama Identification Card
- Alabama Driver License
- Certificates of Naturalization
- Certificates of Citizenship
- US Certificates of Beginning Overseas
- Resident Alien Card
- Legitimate Overseas Passport with a legitimate United
- States Immigration Doc
SECONDARY DOCUMENTS
- U.S. State Issued Driver License
- Non-Driver ID Card
- Present Worldwide Driver License/Allow
- Marriage License
- US Armed Forces Driver
- License
- US Army DD-214
- Skilled License Issued by a State or Federal Company
- Selective Service Card
- Veterans Administration
- Medical Insurance coverage ID Card
- United States Army ID Card
- ID card issued by Faculty with Photograph
- Faculty Enrollment Kind (DL-1/93) Licensed Faculty Report.
- Present Transcript
- Most up-to-date report card
- Licensed Letter from Faculty
- GED Certificates
- Certificates of Commencement
- W2 Tax Kind together with a replica of the earlier 12 months’s filed tax kinds Paperwork from Court docket of Report
- Divorce Decree Adoption Decree Identify Change Decree Chapter Decree.
Probation or launch paperwork issued by State or Federal Departments of Correction with Photograph ID playing cards issued by the identical authority or Felon ID card issued by the Sheriff of the county of applicant’s residence
ACCEPTABLE VISA CLASSIFICATIONS
Any particular person lawfully current in america within the following nonimmigrant classes is eligible to use for an Alabama driver license/learner license/non-driver identification card/vessel license: A, B, besides B-1, E, F, G-4, H, I, J, Okay, L, M, NATO, O, P, Q, R, S, T, TN, TD, TPS or U or V visa classes.
Word: F and M visa holders should additionally current Kind I-20; J-1 and J-2 visa holders should additionally current Kind DS-2019 or IAP-66.
Driver License written examinations can be found in international languages: Arabic, Chinese language, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese. Info on the administration of those checks could also be obtained on the Driver License District Workplace.
HEARING IMPAIRED EXAMINATIONS
The Alabama Division of Rehabilitation Providers, in cooperation with the Alabama Legislation Enforcement Company, has made it doable for driver license written examinations to be administered to the listening to impaired in American Signal Language. That is administered utilizing our automated testing gear and is obtainable solely at sure Driver License places of work. Info on the administration of those checks could also be obtained on the Driver License District Workplace.
ORAL EXAMINATIONS
Examinations can be found for candidates which are unable to learn and comprehend the data checks. Oral Examinations could also be administered utilizing our automated testing gear.
THE LEARNER LICENSE AND RESTRICTED LICENSE
Alabama Drivers License Graduated License regulation turned efficient October 1, 2002. Contact your native driver license workplace for info or go surfing to www.alea.gov. The minimal driving age in Alabama is 16. There are particular exceptions and restrictions:
RESTRICTED LEARNER LICENSE – Any particular person 15 years of age could get hold of a restricted Learner License for the aim of studying to securely and successfully function a motorized vehicle. The examination for the license is taken from info within the Alabama Driver Guide. Upon passing the required examination, the applicant will probably be issued a Class D Alabama driver license with a “Y” restriction. The “Y” restriction signifies that the holder could function a motorized vehicle whereas accompanied by an individual who’s 21 years
of age or older and, who’s duly licensed on this state or a licensed or licensed driving teacher occupying the seat beside the operator. After the holder’s sixteenth birthday, the holder could function a motorized vehicle with any licensed driver occupying the seat beside the motive force. This Learner License is legitimate for 4 years, and may be renewed as soon as.
LEARNER LICENSE Any particular person 16 years of age or older who, aside from his lack of instruction in working a motorized vehicle, would in any other case be certified to acquire a driver license, could get hold of a Learner License upon passing the required examination. The examination for this license is taken from info within the Alabama Driver Guide. After passing the required examination, the applicant will probably be issued a Class D Alabama driver license with a “Y” restriction. The “Y” restriction signifies that the holder could function a motorized vehicle with a licensed driver occupying the seat beside the motive force. This license is legitimate for 4 years.
A Learner License could also be suspended or revoked in the identical method and for a similar trigger as a driver license and may be revoked for any violations of the phrases and circumstances on which it was issued.
DRIVER LICENSE – Any particular person 16 years of age however beneath 18 years of age who has held a Learner License (to incorporate a comparable license issued by one other state) for six months or till their 18th birthday and has developed the required expertise to securely function a motorized vehicle could current himself to his native driver license examiner for the highway take a look at. He should give up his Learner License on the time of the highway take a look at. Upon passing the highway take a look at, the applicant will probably be issued a brand new common license with the “Y” restriction eliminated for the rest of the 4 12 months interval. This will probably be without charge to the applicant.
MOTOR DRIVEN CYCLE LICENSE – Any particular person 14 or 15 years of age could get hold of a restricted license to function a motor pushed cycle weighing no more than 200 kilos, nor exceeding 150cc engine displacement. The examination for this license is taken from the Alabama Motorbike Guide. Upon passing the required examination, the applicant will probably be issued a Class M Alabama driver license with a “B” restriction. The “B” restriction signifies that the holder could function a motor pushed cycle solely. This license is legitimate for 4 years.
MOTORCYCLE LICENSE – Any particular person 16 years of age or older could get hold of a license to function a motorbike. A bike is outlined as a motorized vehicle having a seat or saddle for the usage of the rider and designed to journey on no more than three wheels in touch with the bottom however excluding a tractor. The examination for this license is taken from the Alabama Motorbike Guide. Upon passing the required examination, the applicant will probably be issued a Class M Alabama driver license. Class M signifies that the holder could function a motorbike solely. The license is legitimate for 4 years.
Along with the above licenses, the Director of ALEA has the authority to impose restrictions in your driver license when it seems that these restrictions are vital so that you can function a motorized vehicle safely. A typical restriction is the requirement of carrying corrective lenses whereas driving. One other is the usage of mechanical units that assist bodily impaired individuals. Operation of a motorized vehicle in violation of restrictions could outcome within the lack of your license.
VESSEL LICENSE – Any particular person 12 years of age or older could get hold of a vessel license upon passing the required vessel examination at your native driver license workplace. You may additionally current an accepted Certificates of Completion of a Boating Security Course. Applicant should meet identification necessities.
VISION SCREENING
These restricted to corrective lenses should put on them when taking the highway take a look at.
If, because of the imaginative and prescient examination, it’s discovered that lenses are wanted to enhance eyesight, you can be required to put on corrective lenses whereas driving. If you happen to don’t move your imaginative and prescient examination, you can be required to have your eyes examined by a licensed eye specialist and return the report back to the examiner. If the report exhibits which you could see properly sufficient to function a motorized vehicle safely, you can be allowed to take the rest of the take a look at.
KNOWLEDGE TEST
The charge for every data take a look at is $5.00, no checks accepted. This take a look at incorporates questions on Alabama visitors legal guidelines, highway indicators, and guidelines of protected driving. The take a look at will probably be taken from materials discovered on this booklet. This handbook can be present in digital format on the ALEA website at: dps.alabama.gov.
In case you are making use of for a learner license and move the data take a look at, the examiner will concern your learner license upon fee of the required charge. In case you are making use of for a daily driver license and move the highway take a look at, you’ll
be issued your driver license upon fee of the required charge In case you are making use of for a motor pushed cycle license and a learner license, you can be required to take each the motor pushed cycle and the learner license examination. In case you are making use of for a motor pushed cycle or a motorbike license, you have to to check the fabric discovered within the motorbike handbook. You could choose this handbook up at a Driver License Inspecting Workplace, State Trooper Workplace, Probate Decide or License Commissioner Workplace.
Automated testing is obtainable to all candidates taking the motive force license data take a look at.
THE ROAD TEST
The highway take a look at is the ultimate step towards qualifying for the privilege of driving on public streets and highways. A driver license examiner will administer the highway take a look at. It’s essential to furnish a automobile for the highway take a look at. Sixteen 12 months previous candidates should be accompanied by a mother or father or guardian. A seventeen 12 months previous applicant doesn’t must be accompanied by a mother or father or guardian.
The examiner will verify the automobile earlier than the take a look at begins. It should be in protected working situation and have the required gear or the highway take a look at won’t be administered. It’s essential to furnish a automobile with required paperwork, proof of insurance coverage and automobile registration, for the highway take a look at.
The gear required for the examination consists of rear view mirror, horn, windshield wipers, two separate strategies of making use of brakes, muffler, headlights, rear tail lights, legitimate license plate, cease gentle, directional alerts, seat belts, and, if relevant, window tint compliance sticker. The license examiner could refuse to offer the highway take a look at in occasion of hazardous climate, highway circumstances or an lack of ability to successfully talk.
The driving take a look at will decide your potential to function a motorized vehicle correctly beneath visitors circumstances. Unusual maneuvers could embody:
- Proper and left turns
- Signaling (hand or accepted electrical units) • Use of marked and unmarked lanes of visitors
- Backing of auto
- Observance of visitors indicators and alerts
- Making a fast cease
- Common management of auto
- Statement
- Three-point flip. Cease the automobile on the proper fringe of the curb. When protected, make a pointy left flip; again automobile. Transfer ahead in the correct lane. Don’t bump the curb or use the driveway.
- Parking (uphill or downhill)
In the course of the take a look at, it’s best to flip your head whenever you observe visitors and look over your proper shoulder whereas backing to point to the examiner you’re conscious of circumstances round you. The examiner should mark objects throughout the take a look at indicating “acceptable” or “wants coaching.” Don’t be distracted by the scoring, because it doesn’t point out you’re receiving all unhealthy marks. No passengers or pets are permitted within the automobile throughout the highway take a look at. Free objects like cameras or radios shouldn’t be within the automotive throughout the highway take a look at.
Causes for instant failure and termination of the highway take a look at are:
- Violation of a visitors regulation.
- A harmful motion.
- Any accident which you may have prevented, no matter authorized fault.
- Lack of cooperation or a refusal to carry out any maneuver.
If you happen to fail the take a look at, you can be allowed to attempt once more after you’ve had time to enhance your driving expertise.
Except you have already got a authorized proper to drive in Alabama, you need to come for the highway take a look at in a automobile pushed by a licensed driver. The licensed driver should stay to drive the automobile away for those who fail.
When you’ve handed all checks, had your picture taken, and paid the required charges, you’ll obtain a short lived license along with your picture that provides you the privilege of driving a motorized vehicle. You’ll obtain your everlasting license by mail. We should have your present mailing deal with to obtain your license. The license should be carried in your particular person always whereas driving.
LICENSE FEES
| Class A Business License | $66.25 | Motor Pushed Cycle License | $36.25 |
| Class B Business License | $56.25 | Motorbike License | $36.25 |
| Class C Business License | $36.25 | Learner License | $36.25 |
| CDL Allow | $36.25 | Duplicate License | $31.25 |
| Faculty Bus Solely | $36.25 | Identification Playing cards | $36.25 |
| Class D Operator License | $36.25 |
License charges proven above are topic to vary and will probably be barely increased in counties the place native laws permits a better charge.
The minimal age necessities for Alabama Driver License and Non-Driver Identification playing cards are as follows:
TYPE
Identification Card Class D Learner License Class D Motor Pushed Cycle Vessel License CDL Class A Unrestricted CDL Class B Unrestricted CDL Class B Restricted CDL Class C
RE-EXAMINATION
When it seems that you’ve some bodily or psychological impairment which could have an effect on your driving potential, you might be required to furnish an announcement from a physician displaying your medical historical past and current situation because it pertains to your driving potential.
Beneath some circumstances, you might be required to look earlier than a driver license examiner at any time after you’ve been issued a license to show your potential to drive a motorized vehicle. If you happen to fail to report for such a driver take a look at or fail to submit any required statements out of your physician, your driver license may be revoked.
IDENTIFICATION CARDS (NON-DRIVER)
A citizen of Alabama could apply to the native driver license examiner for a non-driver identification card. The identical diploma of proof of identification required of candidates for driver licenses within the state shall be required of candidates for non-driver identification playing cards. Identification playing cards are issued to candidates who don’t bodily qualify for a driver license, wouldn’t have a present Alabama driver license, or who want to discontinue driving and give up their license. The non-driver identification card bears a quantity and the identify, date of start, deal with, description of the particular person, and a colour picture. The Identification Playing cards can be found wherever driver licenses can be found.
RENEWING YOUR LICENSE
Your driver license expires 4 years after it’s issued and the expiration date is proven on the license. The license could also be renewed at any time inside 60 days previous to expiration at your Probate Decide or License Commissioner’s Workplace.
Army personnel, their dependents, college students attending school, or different licensed Alabama drivers who’re quickly out of state resulting from their job requirement could also be eligible to use when you have obtained an Alabama driver license along with your image and signature within the final 4 years. Utility obtainable on www.alea.gov/driver license.
It’s essential to submit the required charge of $36.25 for renewal license or $31.25 for duplicate license by cash order payable to the Driver License Unit. No private checks. Mail to the Driver License Unit, P.O. Field 1471, Montgomery, Alabama 36102-1471. The licensee’s full identify, date of start, driver license quantity, social safety quantity and out-of-state deal with ought to be included together with documentation offering motive for being out-of-state. A license will probably be issued, supplied a photograph and signature are on file and mailed to the licensee’s out-of-state deal with. The license should bear an Alabama deal with. This doesn’t apply to holders of a business driver license.
Alabama regulation gives a grace interval of 60 days after expiration date of a driver license for the aim of driver license renewal and the motive force license shall be legitimate for this time interval. An Alabama driver license could also be renewed with out examination inside a 3-year interval after expiration. A license issued beneath these circumstances will probably be legitimate for a four-year interval from the final expiration date as a substitute of 4 years from date of concern. Regardless that license renewal is feasible as much as three years after expiration, an individual can not legally function a motorized vehicle with an expired license.
DUPLICATING YOUR LICENSE
In case your license is misplaced, destroyed, or turns into illegible, however has not but expired, it’s best to apply for a reproduction license at your Probate Decide or License Commissioner Workplace. No examination is critical however proof of identification reminiscent of an authorized start certificates is required at time of software. Any particular person making a false affidavit in acquiring a reproduction driver license could also be charged with Forgery (Title 13A-9-3), Perjury (Title 13A-10-102) or each beneath the Felony Code of Alabama and punished accordingly by fantastic, imprisonment or each.
CHANGE OF NAME, ADDRESS
If you happen to want to change your identify, it’s best to current correct paperwork (marriage certificates or courtroom order) to your probate decide or license commissioner. A replica charge will probably be charged for a corrected license. Business Driver License operators should go to a Driver License Workplace.
After altering your deal with inside Alabama, you’ve 30 days
wherein to inform the Driver License Unit, P. 0. Field 1471, Montgomery, Alabama 36102-1471 or contact the division through the website at www. alea.gov. To replace your deal with in your driver license or non-driver identification card, apply for a reproduction license at a driver license inspecting workplace or renewal workplace (decide of probate or license commissioner’s workplace). A $31.25 charge will probably be charged for the corrected, duplicate license. Earlier than leaving the workplace, make sure and ensure your appropriate mailing deal with to make sure you’ll obtain your license or non-driver identification card. Alabama driver licenses and non-driver identification playing cards should not forwarded.
ORGAN DONOR PROGRAM
The Alabama Organ Heart (AOC) is the federally designated organ procurement group for the state of Alabama. The Alabama Organ Heart (AOC) encourages all Alabamians to make an knowledgeable choice about organ and tissue donation. Anybody can register to be a donor by way of the Alabama Legislation Enforcement Company (ALEA) or by our web site, alabamaorgancenter.org. It will be important for folks to share their donation choice with their households. In case you are a minor, beneath the age of 18, you’ll be able to register your needs to be a donor, however a mother or father’s consent is required for donation to happen. For extra info, please contact the Alabama Organ Heart toll-free at 1-800-252-3677
SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY
If you happen to drive a business automobile that falls into one of many following classifications, you need to safe an Alabama Business Driver License (CDL).
CLASS A – This classification applies solely to “mixture” automobiles with a Gross Mixture Weight Score (GCWR) exceeding 26,000 kilos, supplied the Gross Automobile Weight Score (GVWR) of the automobile being towed exceeds 10,000 kilos.
The holder of a Class A license, which incorporates any applicable endorsements, could function all automobiles included in Class B, C, & D.
CLASS B – This class consists of single or mixture automobiles the place the GVWR of the one automobile exceeds 26,000 kilos. The automobile in tow should not exceed 10,000 kilos. Class B licensees, with applicable endorsements, could drive all automobiles in Class C or D.
CLASS C – Automobiles designed to move 16 or extra passengers, together with the motive force, and automobiles placarded for hazardous supplies, that don’t meet the standards for Class A or B above fall beneath this classification and will drive all automobiles in Class D.
CDL Endorsements are required for double/triple trailers, tanker automobiles, passenger automobiles and automobiles placarded for hazardous supplies.
ENDORSEMENTS
N – Tanks 1,000 gallons or larger H – Hazardous supplies X – Tanks and Haz Mat T – Double/triple trailers
P – Higher than 15 passengers together with driver S – Faculty bus
Business Drivers Manuals and knowledge can be found at your native driver license workplace.
VESSEL LICENSE
In 1994, the Alabama Boating Security Reform Act was handed requiring operator certification for all operators of motorized watercraft. Individuals ages 12 years previous and older could get hold of a vessel license.
In 2001, The Boating Security Enhancement Act was handed mandating anybody who turned 12 years previous after January 1, 2002, could, after acquiring a vessel license, function a vessel solely if an grownup 21 years previous or older with a vessel license, is onboard and able to take instant management of the vessel. A licensed operator, 14 years previous or older, could function alone.
Individuals born earlier than April 28, 1954 are exempt from examination however are required to go to their driver license workplace to have vessel class issued. Vessel manuals can be found at your native driver license workplace. The identical identification is required for first time candidates getting a vessel license if they don’t have already got an Alabama Driver License or Non-Driver Identification Card.
PRESENT YOUR LICENSE
In Alabama, a driver should have an applicable driver’s license (or learner allow) in his or her possession whereas working a motorized vehicle and be ready to current that driver’s license to any regulation enforcement officer upon his or her request.
CuriousCat
This article does a good job outlining who is exempt from needing an Alabama driver license. It’s important to know these exceptions, as they can save time and confusion when navigating state regulations.