Moving to Alabama, REAL ID and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can say how long a new resident may drive on an out-of-state license.
• You can gather the documents to transfer an out-of-state license.
• You can explain the options for drivers with a foreign license.
• You can decide whether you need a STAR ID.
• You can renew your license on time and change your address.

What you need to know and understand

• New residents with a valid license from their previous state may drive for 30 days after becoming residents.
• Out-of-state transfers are done at an ALEA office and cost a $5 transfer fee plus $36.25 for the license.
• An out-of-state license that has not been expired for more than one year can be transferred without a driving exam.
• The STAR ID is Alabama's REAL ID-compliant license and shows a gold star in the upper left corner.
• Alabama licenses expire four years after issue and can be renewed up to 180 days before expiry.
• You must report a change of address within 30 days.

Transferring a license from another state

1. Visit an ALEA driver license office. Transfers cannot be done at a probate judge or license commissioner office.
2. Bring your out-of-state license, your Social Security card (or another accepted proof of the number) and one document from ALEA's primary list.
3. If you are under 19, bring proof of school enrollment or graduation.
4. Pay the $5 transfer fee and the $36.25 license fee. Fees can be slightly higher in some counties.
5. If you are a teen moving in on a learner or restricted license, ask the office how your time already held counts toward Alabama's GDL stages.

Foreign licenses, students and military families

Most people with a license from another country take the Alabama knowledge and road tests. Alabama has signed driver license reciprocity agreements with a few countries (ALEA has announced one with Taiwan, for example) that can let holders of a valid license skip the road test. Check the current list and terms with ALEA before you visit. Non-citizens must also prove lawful presence with documents such as a foreign passport with a valid visa.

Full-time non-resident students with a valid home license, and military personnel from other states and their families stationed in Alabama, may drive on their home license.

STAR ID or standard license?

The STAR ID is optional. A standard Alabama license is still valid for driving, but it is not a REAL ID for federal purposes. If you want to use your license to fly within the U.S. or enter some federal buildings, get a STAR ID at an ALEA examining office, bringing the identity, Social Security and residency documents ALEA lists.

Renewing and updating your license

• Renew up to 180 days before expiry at a probate judge or license commissioner office, an ALEA examining office, or online if eligible.
• There is a 60-day grace period after expiry during which the license stays valid for renewal purposes.
• You can renew without retesting up to three years after expiry, but you must not drive on an expired license after the grace period.
• Military personnel, college students and others temporarily out of state may be able to renew by mail.
• Change your address within 30 days, in person or online. Updating your record is free, but a new card is not reissued.

Common mistakes

• Driving on your old state's license for months after moving. You have 30 days.
• Going to the probate judge's office to transfer a license. Transfers must be done at an ALEA office.
• Turning up for a STAR ID without original documents. Copies must be certified by the issuing agency.
• Letting your license expire and continuing to drive.

Test yourself: Moving to Alabama, REAL ID and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Alabama 50 Hours Driving
• Alabama GDL Law
• Alabama Hands-Free Law and Point System