Alabama driver license and state ID — guide for immigrants

Alabama has no driver-privilege program for undocumented residents — every applicant must prove lawful status. But lawfully-present non-citizens can get an Alabama driver license or non-driver ID card. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) frames the rule strictly — a non-citizen must be in “permanent status” and “domiciled in Alabama” — yet its accepted-document list reaches beyond green-card holders to several temporary statuses when you bring the right paperwork.

Quick answer

  • Undocumented DL access: NO — lawful status required for every applicant
  • Non-citizen rule (ALEA wording): must “legally be in permanent status in the United States and domiciled in Alabama”
  • What ALEA actually accepts: a foreign passport + acceptable visa (or a resident-alien card), plus a secondary document (EAD with SSN card, a visa authorizing presence over 160 days, a valid I-94, or an original I-797)
  • State ID (non-driver) fee: $36.25 · Driver license (Class C) fee: $36.25
  • REAL ID credential: the STAR ID (separate document list)
  • SSN rule: SSN verification OR an SSA letter stating non-eligibility
  • Agency: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Division
  • Website: alea.gov/dps/driver-license
  • Phone: (334) 242-4400

Which immigration statuses qualify in Alabama

ALEA’s stated rule is strict: “If not a U.S. citizen, the applicant must legally be in permanent status in the United States and domiciled in Alabama.” Read literally, that phrasing points to permanent residents — but ALEA’s own accepted-document list is broader and reaches several temporary statuses. To establish lawful presence, ALEA accepts:

  • A valid foreign passport with an acceptable visa, or a resident-alien card (green card / I-551), plus
  • A secondary document authorizing U.S. presence, which can be:
    • an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) together with a valid Social Security card,
    • a valid visa authorizing presence for a period exceeding 160 days,
    • a valid I-94 Arrival/Departure record (DHS), or
    • an original I-797 Notice of Action.

Because the document list accepts a 160-day-plus visa, an EAD, an I-94, or an I-797, do not assume only green-card holders qualify — but bring originals and expect ALEA to apply the “permanent status + domiciled in Alabama” standard at the counter. There is no credential for undocumented residents.

The Social Security number rule

Alabama requires Social Security number verification — or, if you are not eligible for one, a letter from the Social Security Administration stating non-eligibility. For a lawfully-present applicant who cannot get an SSN, that SSA “ineligible” or “not issued” letter is the key document to bring.

What is REAL ID?

REAL ID is a federal standard for state-issued IDs. A REAL ID-compliant card (gold star) can be used to board domestic flights (enforced since May 7, 2025), enter federal buildings, and access secure federal facilities. In Alabama, the REAL ID-compliant credential is the STAR ID, which has its own separate document list. A standard Alabama license or ID is valid for driving and state purposes but is not STAR ID / REAL ID-compliant, so it cannot be used at airport security or to enter federal facilities.

How to apply in Alabama

  1. Confirm your status qualifies — gather a passport + acceptable visa (or a resident-alien card), plus the secondary document (EAD + SSN card, a 160-day-plus visa, an I-94, or an I-797).
  2. Bring SSN verification, or your SSA non-eligibility letter if you cannot get a number.
  3. Bring originals — photocopies are generally not accepted — plus proof you are domiciled in Alabama (utility bill, lease, bank statement).
  4. Visit an ALEA Driver License office; take the knowledge, vision, and road tests for a first license.
  5. Pay the fee — $36.25 for a Class C driver license or $36.25 for a non-driver ID card. Expect a $5 test/transfer fee (no checks) and a $25 skills/testing fee for first-time applicants or upgrades; credit cards add a 4% convenience fee.
  6. For a flight-ready card, apply for the STAR ID using its separate document checklist.

If you are undocumented or cannot get an SSN

Alabama has no driver-privilege card for undocumented residents. Practical alternatives:

  • Use your foreign passport as primary ID for banking, employment (with an EAD), and federal flights.
  • Get a matrícula consular from your home-country consulate (see Consulates in Alabama).
  • Use an International Driving Permit (IDP) obtained in your home country before travel.
  • Open an ITIN-friendly bank account to bank without an SSN.
  • Consider an AB60-equivalent state if you must drive regularly (CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, HI, IL, MD, MA, MN, NV, NJ, NM, NY, OR, RI, UT, VA, VT, WA).

Last verified: 2026-06-29. Sources: ALEA — License and ID Cards, Document Requirements and Fees, and STAR ID Document List.

General procedural information. ALEA policies, fees, and document requirements change frequently — verify with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency before visiting. Not legal or immigration advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.