Welcome to Alabama: Your Guide to Exchanging a Foreign Driver's License

Welcome to the great state of Alabama! As you settle into your new life here, one of the most important steps is getting a valid Alabama driver's license. Driving with a foreign license is only a short-term solution. This guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring you know exactly what to do and what to bring to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) driver license office.

Are You Eligible? The First Step

Before you start gathering documents, you need to confirm your eligibility. Generally, any non-U.S. citizen in a valid, non-immigrant status is eligible to apply. A key requirement is that you must have at least 160 days remaining on your authorized stay in the United States, as indicated on your immigration documents.

If you hold a visitor visa (B-1/B-2), you are not eligible to obtain an Alabama driver's license.

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Exchange Process

Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth application process.

Step 1: Gather Your Essential Documents

This is the most critical part of the process. Alabama requires specific documentation to verify your identity and legal presence. You will need original documents, not photocopies.

Here's what you'll need to bring:

Valid Foreign Passport: Must be your original, unexpired passport.
Valid U.S. Visa: Your visa must be acceptable and authorize your presence in the U.S.
I-94 Arrival/Departure Record: You can retrieve your most current I-94 record from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
Social Security Card or Letter of Ineligibility: You must provide either your Social Security card or an original letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) stating that you are not eligible for a number. This is a strict requirement.
Proof of Alabama Residency: You will need to provide documents that prove you live in Alabama. This could include utility bills, a lease agreement, or bank statements with your Alabama address.
Your Foreign Driver's License: Bring your original, valid driver's license from your home country.
Official Translation (If Necessary): If your foreign license is not in English, you must provide a certified translation from an approved translator.
Supporting Immigration Documents: Depending on your status, you may need your I-20 (for F-1 students), DS-2019 (for J-1 exchange visitors), or I-797 approval notice.

Step 2: Prepare for the Required Tests

Unlike some states, Alabama does not have widespread reciprocity agreements with other countries that would waive testing requirements. Therefore, you should be prepared to take the following tests:

Vision Test: A simple screening to ensure your eyesight meets the state's standards for safe driving.
Written Knowledge Exam: This is a multiple-choice test covering Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The questions are based on the official Alabama Driver Manual. You'll need to study this manual thoroughly. The test typically consists of 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass.
Road Test (Driving Skills Test): You will be required to demonstrate your ability to safely operate a vehicle to an examiner. This includes performing maneuvers like a three-point turn, backing, and demonstrating proper lane usage, signaling, and observance of traffic laws. You must provide a vehicle for the test, which must be properly registered, insured, and able to pass a safety inspection.

Step 3: Visit an ALEA Driver License Office

Once you have all your documents and have studied for the tests, you can visit an ALEA Driver License Office. It is highly recommended to make an appointment online in advance, especially for services related to foreign nationals.

Step 4: Pay the Associated Fees

You will need to pay a fee for the tests and for the license itself. As of recent information, the test fee is $5, and the cost to purchase a new license is $36.25. These fees are subject to change, so it's a good idea to verify the amount on the official ALEA website. Credit cards are generally accepted, but a convenience fee may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on my International Driving Permit (IDP) in Alabama? An IDP is only a translation of your foreign license and is not a license itself. It is meant to be used in conjunction with your valid foreign license for short-term visitors. Once you establish residency in Alabama, you are required to obtain an Alabama license.

How long will my Alabama driver's license be valid? For non-U.S. citizens, the driver's license expiration date will be tied to the expiration date of your legal presence documents (e.g., your I-20 or visa).

What if my name is different on my documents? If your name on your passport is different from your other documents, you may need to provide additional legal paperwork, such as a marriage license or a court order, to prove the name change.

Navigating the process of getting a driver's license in a new country can seem daunting, but by following these steps and ensuring you are well-prepared, you can successfully get on the road in Alabama.