Alabama driver license fees depend on the license type and how long you want it to be valid
Alabama charges different amounts based on whether you are getting a standard license, a commercial license, or a Real ID-compliant license. A standard Class D driver license costs $25.50 and is valid for four years. If you want a Real ID-compliant license — which you will need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting May 7, 2025 — you pay $31.50 for the same four-year term. Commercial driver licenses (CDL) cost more: $45 for four years without Real ID, or $51 for the Real ID version.
These are the fees you pay to the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) at the time of issuance. If you renew before your license expires, you pay the same fee as a new license. If you let your license expire and then renew it, the fee structure does not change — you still pay the standard rate for a new four-year term.
Key Takeaways
- A standard four-year Alabama driver license costs $25.50; a Real ID version of the same license costs $31.50.
- Commercial driver licenses cost $45 for four years without Real ID, or $51 with Real ID.
- You pay the same fee whether you are getting your first license, renewing early, or renewing after expiration.
- Real ID is required for domestic air travel and federal building entry starting May 7, 2025, so plan ahead if you do not have it yet.
What documents and fees you need when you visit the DPS office
When you go to renew or get a new license, bring your current license (if you have one), proof of identity, and proof of Alabama residency. The DPS office will collect the license fee at the time you complete your process. You cannot pay online or by mail — payment happens in person at the office.
If you are explore for a Real ID license, bring an additional document: either a certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or a passport card. This document proves citizenship and is required by federal law for Real ID licenses. Bring it even if you have already shown it to DPS before; the Real ID process requires it again.
Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card. Most DPS offices accept all three, but call ahead to confirm your local office's payment methods if you want to be certain.
Duplicate license fees if yours is lost or stolen
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a duplicate. A duplicate standard license costs $10.50 and is valid for the remainder of your original license's term — you do not get a fresh four-year period. A duplicate Real ID license costs $16.50 for the same remaining validity period.
You will need to report a lost or stolen license to the DPS office when you explore for the duplicate. Bring your proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a renewal. The DPS will issue the duplicate on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office's workload.
Replacement license fees for name or address changes
If you change your name through marriage, divorce, or legal petition, or if you move to a new address, you can update your license without waiting for it to expire. A replacement license for a name or address change costs $10.50 for a standard license or $16.50 for a Real ID license. Like a duplicate, the replacement is valid only for the remainder of your original license's term.
Bring proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) or proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). The DPS office will issue the replacement in person.
Endorsement and restriction fees
If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement to your license, the fee is $5. This is a one-time fee added to your license at renewal or when you pass the motorcycle knowledge and skills tests. If you need to remove a restriction — such as corrective lenses or an automatic transmission restriction — that change is made at no additional cost during a renewal or replacement visit.
Adding a new endorsement or removing a restriction does not extend your license's expiration date. Your license still expires on the same date it was originally issued for, unless you are renewing the entire license at the same time.
No fee for address changes if you move within Alabama
If you move to a different address within Alabama, you do not have to pay a fee to update your address on your license. You can update your address online through the Alabama DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online update is the fastest option and takes effect when ready.
If you move out of state and then move back to Alabama, you will need to explore for a new license and pay the full $25.50 (or $31.50 for Real ID). An out-of-state move cancels your Alabama license, so returning to the state requires a fresh process.
Fees for written and driving tests if you fail
If you fail the written knowledge test or the driving skills test, you can retake it. Each retake costs $5 for the knowledge test or $10 for the driving test. You can retake the test the same day or schedule it for another visit. There is no limit to how many times you can retake a test, but you pay the retake fee each time.
If you pass the knowledge test but fail the driving test, you do not have to retake the knowledge test — your passing score is valid for 12 months. You only pay the $10 fee to retake the driving test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get a Real ID license, or can I keep a standard license?
You can keep a standard license if you do not fly domestically or enter federal buildings. However, starting May 7, 2025, a standard license will not be accepted for those purposes. If you plan to fly or enter federal facilities, you will need to upgrade to Real ID at some point. The extra cost is $6 for four years, so many people choose to get it now rather than wait.
Can I renew my license by mail or online?
Alabama does not offer mail or online renewal for driver licenses. You must visit a DPS office in person. However, you can update your address online if you move within Alabama. For a full renewal, you must appear at the office with your documents and pay the fee in person.
What happens if my license expires while I am out of state?
You can renew your license by mail if you are a U.S. military member stationed overseas or a civilian working abroad. Contact the Alabama DPS to request a military or overseas renewal form. Otherwise, you must renew in person at a DPS office in Alabama.
Is there a fee to get a learner's permit?
Yes. A learner's permit costs $5 and is valid for 12 months. You must pass the knowledge test to get the permit. If you later convert the permit to a full license, you pay the full license fee ($25.50 or $31.50) and do not get a credit for the $5 permit fee.
Do I pay a fee if I need to correct information on my license?
If the DPS made an error on your license — such as misspelling your name or printing the wrong address — there is no fee to correct it. Bring your license and proof of the correct information to a DPS office, and they will issue a corrected license at no charge.