All laws and regulations related to an Alabama driver license and non driver identification cards are administered by the Alabama Department of Public Safety.  To view State DPS office locations and operating hours (click here). In Limestone County, the representative of the State DPS Athens office is the driver license examiner (256-233-4152), who is located on the first floor Clinton Street Courthouse Annex at 100 South Clinton Street. Currently there is one examiner assigned to the Athens location.

If you are applying for a new driver license, a learner's license, a new ID card, a motorcycle operator license, or boat operator's license, then you will test with the State DPS driver license examiner. If you are transferring an out-of-state driver license to an Alabama driver license, then you also must receive approval from the State DPS driver license examiner. Supporting document requirements and restrictions for new licenses and identification cards are approved by the Alabama Department of Public Safety.

In 2008, the Alabama Department of Public Safety began a program to allow the scheduling of the road skills test in Huntsville at their state office at 1115-A Church Street. If you would like to schedule by phone, their number is (256) 539-0682. If you wish to schedule online, then click here for their link.

In 2007, the Department added a new office serving on Wednesday only for military and service personnel at Redstone Arsenal. For office hours and services offered you may wish to call at (256) 539-0681.

The written examination and authorization fee is $5.00 per test. The driver license card issuance fee is $23.00. The State DPS office accepts cash only. 

To renew your existing Alabama driver license or to apply for duplicate license that is lost, you may apply in the License Commissioner's office. The fee for the replacement license is $18.00. To renew the driver license, the fee is $23.00 and your expiration date is extended by four years.

Alabama Law allows an additional sixty (60) days to operate your vehicle beyond the listed expiration date on your Alabama license card without citation. It is recommended that you renew your driver license before attempting to board a commercial flight or drive out-of-state, since most officials will not be aware of the sixty (60) day grace period. A driver may renew their license card at any county licensing office in Alabama. Always verify your personal information for accuracy when you renew or replace your driver license.

A permanent license card will be mailed from the Alabama Department of Public Safety within thirty days.  If you do not receive your license in 30 days, then contact the state agency at 334-242-4400.

A nonresident who has a valid driver license from the state of previous residence may drive without an Alabama license for 30 days after becoming a resident of the state.

A nonresident at least 16 years old who has in his immediate possession a valid driver license issued to him in his home state or country and is properly enrolled and registered in a school or college in this state may operate a vehicle without an Alabama driver license.  Likewise, military personnel from other states and their families stationed in Alabama are not required to obtain an Alabama driver license as long as they hold a valid driver license from their home state or country.

If you would like to download the driver license manual, or learn about the documents required by the State DPS Office for new drivers or transferring your out-of-state driver license, then visit the web site at the Drivers License Division, Alabama Department of Public Safety.