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How to get a driver's license in Alabama as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Alabama needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Not stated in official sources
Deadline after moving
Not stated in official sources
License exchange without tests
3 countries (only the road test is waived)
License without immigration status
No
No SSN?
Provide your Social Security card if you have or are eligible for an SSN; otherwise bring a letter from SSA stating you are not eligible.

Exchanging a foreign license

  • Germany
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan

Only the road test is waived.

Agreements cover valid non-commercial licenses; ALEA says holders are not required to take the road skills test. ALEA does not state whether the knowledge test is also waived.

If your country is not on the list

Holders of other foreign licenses apply as first-time Alabama applicants and must pass the required driver examination (knowledge and road tests).

The agreement, which Alabama also has made with Korea and Germany, ... They are not required to take a road skills test. alea.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Valid foreign passport with an acceptable visa
  • Resident alien card (Permanent Resident Card)
  • Document authorizing presence in the U.S. for more than 160 days

License validity: Immigration document must be current and show at least 30 days of allowable stay remaining.

a foreign national applicant must be lawfully present in the United States admincode.legislature.state.al.us

Social Security number

Provide your Social Security card if you have or are eligible for an SSN; otherwise bring a letter from SSA stating you are not eligible.

Social Security number verification * or letter from Social Security stating non-eligibility. alea.gov

Proof of residency

2 proofs of Alabama principal residence, e.g. current lease, residential mortgage, utility bill less than 90 days old, voter registration card.

2 Proofs of Principal Residence alea.gov

Step by step

  1. Gather your foreign passport with visa/I-94 or green card, SSN card or SSA ineligibility letter, and 2 proofs of Alabama residence.
  2. Visit an ALEA driver license office (tests are done at state offices).
  3. Pay the $5 test fee and pass the written knowledge exam and vision screening.
  4. If you hold a Germany, South Korea or Taiwan license, present it instead; the road skills test is waived.
  5. Others: drive on a Learner License with a licensed driver beside you, then take the road skills test.
  6. Bring a licensed driver, proof of insurance and a vehicle that passes inspection to the road test.
  7. Pay $36.25 to purchase the license (no checks); immigration status is verified before issuance.

Fees

$5 test fee plus $36.25 for the Class D license or learner license.

$36.25 to purchase license (no checks) alea.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in Alabama

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.