What to Bring to the Alabama DMV for Your Permit Test
Don't get sent home. Here's the complete checklist — documents, fees, forms, and what to leave at home.
Before You Go
- →Call your local office to check if they accept walk-ins or require appointments
- →Print and fill out the DL-180TD form online to save time
- →Arrive at least 30 minutes early to beat the rush
- →Study the Alabama Driver's Manual thoroughly before going
- →Make sure your parent/guardian knows the exact time and has their ID ready
- →Double-check that all documents are originals, not photocopies
- →Get a good night's sleep so you're sharp for the written test
Required Documents
Proof of Identity (Primary Document)
- ✓U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- ✓Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
- ✓Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- ✓Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
- ✓Valid Foreign Passport with I-94
- ✓Unexpired Military ID
You must bring the original document or a certified copy; photocopies are not accepted. For a REAL ID, your birth certificate must be certified.
Proof of Social Security Number
- ✓Social Security Card
- ✓W-2 Form with full SSN
- ✓Pay Stub with full SSN
- ✓SSA-1099 Form
- ✓Non-SSA-1099 Form
Alabama requires proof of your SSN. If you don't have a card, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you have been issued a number.
Proof of Alabama Residency
Bring 2 of these:
- ✓Utility bill (electric, water, gas) issued within 60 days
- ✓Bank statement issued within 60 days
- ✓Parent's lease or mortgage statement
- ✓School transcript or report card with current address
- ✓Alabama vehicle registration or title
- ✓Health insurance card with current address
For a standard license, one document is usually enough, but for REAL ID, you typically need two different documents showing your Alabama address. Since you are under 18, your parent's documents often work if you live with them.
Parental / Guardian Consent (applicants under 18)
- ✓Parent or legal guardian must appear in person with you
- ✓Parent must sign the application form in front of the examiner
- ✓Parent must provide their own proof of identity and residency
- ✓If parents are divorced, the custodial parent must appear
- ✓Legal guardians must bring court documents proving guardianship
If a parent cannot appear, a notarized affidavit of consent is sometimes accepted, but bringing the parent is the safest and fastest way to avoid delays.
Fees & Payment
$36.25
This fee covers the learner's permit application and the written test. If you fail the test, there is a small fee to retake it. The fee is non-refundable even if you don't pass.
Accepted payment:
Forms
Application for Driver's License (Form DL-180TD)
Available at: ALEA Driver License Division office or downloadable from the ALEA website
Do not sign the form until you are standing in front of the examiner; they need to witness your signature.
What NOT to Bring
- ✗Large backpacks or heavy bags (storage is limited)
- ✗Friends or siblings who aren't applying (they can't wait inside)
- ✗Pets (service animals only)
- ✗Food or drinks (no eating in the office)
- ✗Your own pen (use the one provided to avoid ink issues)
- ✗Fake IDs or expired documents
- ✗Distractions like loud music or video games
At the Office
- →The written test is computer-based; listen carefully to the instructions
- →You must pass the vision screening and the written knowledge test
- →If you fail the written test, you can usually retake it the same day for a small fee
- →Once you pass, you'll get an interim paper permit valid for 30 days
- →Your hard plastic permit card will arrive by mail within 2-3 weeks
Official Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Division info: www.alea.gov/driver-license
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