Before ALEA issues an original license or ID card, you must prove your identity, date of birth, Social Security number and that you are lawfully in the U.S. Some people can't be licensed at all.
An Alabama driver license will not be issued to:
- Anyone under 16 years of age
- Anyone whose driving privilege is suspended or revoked in any state
- Anyone with a physical or mental impairment that would prevent reasonable control of a vehicle
- Anyone who fails the examination when required
- A habitual drunkard or anyone addicted to narcotic drugs
- Anyone under 19 not complying with Act 93-368 (secondary school graduation or current attendance)
Authorized presence
Proof, required of every applicant for an original Alabama license or ID card, that your presence in the United States is authorized under federal law.
Handbook p. 8 ↗To prove identity, present one of these:
- Two forms of ID, at least one with a photo; one must be from the Primary list
- Three forms of non-photo ID; one must be from the Primary list
- Transferring an out-of-state license: that license, your Social Security card and one Primary document
Know the rule
An applicant who has been deported from the United States must also present proof from ICE that legal presence status has been restored.
Handbook p. 8 ↗Know the rule
Only originals or copies certified by the issuing agency are accepted. If a document is a copy, the certification attached to it must be original.
Handbook p. 9 ↗A document is unacceptable if:
- Correction fluid (white-out) was used on pertinent information
- Erasure marks or alterations appear on pertinent information
- Pertinent information is missing or illegible
- A fold, crease, tear, hole or staple obliterates or distorts pertinent information
- It is not properly signed
Proof of Social Security number (original, showing all 9 digits):
- Social Security card
- Certified letter on SSA letterhead stating your name and number
- U.S. Military form DD 214
- Medicare/Medicaid card (if the number is followed by the letter A)
- W2 tax form
Primary documents (may show date of birth):
- Certified U.S. birth certificate
- Current U.S. passport
- Alabama ID card or Alabama driver license
- Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
- U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad
- Resident Alien Card
- Valid foreign passport with a valid U.S. immigration document
Know the rule
A certified U.S. birth certificate is required for all 15-year-old applicants. Foreign birth certificates must be translated into English and certified by the issuing country's embassy.
Handbook p. 10 ↗Know the rule
All applicants under 19 must present a current Student Enrollment/Exclusion Form (DL-1-93), completed and signed by authorized personnel.
Handbook p. 10 ↗Immigration documents must show at least this much allowable time remaining in the U.S.
Handbook p. 10 ↗Notarized documents must show, legibly:
- The notary's seal or stamp
- The notary's name and signature
- The complete commission expiration date, current on the date notarized
- The state where the notary is commissioned
Know the rule
F and M visa holders must also present Form I-20; J-1 and J-2 visa holders must also present Form DS-2019 or IAP-66.
Handbook p. 11 ↗Put it into practice
A 15-year-old brings a school photo ID and a report card, but no birth certificate. She can't apply yet: every 15-year-old applicant needs a certified U.S. birth certificate, and as an applicant under 19 she also needs a current DL-1-93 form.