Get a REAL ID in Alabama

Online or in person

No, one office visit · One visit, appointment encouragedALEA says you must visit an ALEA Driver License exam office in person with your documents. A STAR ID can't be added by mail. At an ALEA Driver License exam office, not a county probate or license commissioner's office. You can book an appointment online; ALEA doesn't say appointments are required (its April 2025 release encouraged booking to avoid long waits).

Cost

$36.25The same as a regular license or ID card, with no extra fee if you add the star when you renew. ALEA's FAQ says that if you get it before your card expires, you pay for a duplicate; its pages don't list the in-office duplicate fee (the mail-in form, which can't add a STAR ID, lists $31.25).

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of identity and date of birth
     Original or certified documents: ALEA doesn't accept photocopies.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport
     • Certified birth certificate issued by a state office of vital statistics
     • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545)
     • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
     • Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
     • Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
     • Unexpired employment authorization document (I-766 or I-688B)
     • Unexpired foreign passport with a valid, unexpired U.S. visa (with the approved I-94 for your most recent entry)
   • Proof of Social Security number
     It must show your full Social Security number.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Social Security card
     • U.S. military form DD 214
     • Medicare or Medicaid card (only if the number is followed by the letter A)
     • W-2, current or previous year
   • Two proofs of Alabama residence · 2 different documents
     Showing your principal residence address. If a utility bill or similar document is in your spouse's or parent's name, also bring your marriage certificate or birth certificate.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • Valid Alabama driver license or ID card with your current address
     • Voter registration card
     • Residential mortgage contract
     • Current lease or rental agreement
     • Proof of payment of residential property tax (homestead)
     • Previous year's tax return with your address
     • Vehicle registration with your name and address
     • Utility bill (water, gas or electric) (less than 90 days old)
     • State or federal court document showing your residence address
     • School enrollment documentation
     • Defense Department Form 214 (Report of Separation)
     • Sex offender registration documents
     • Current homeowners insurance policy with your name and address
     • Social Security benefits statement mailed to your physical address
     • U.S. or state government check or other document mailed to your physical address
     • Military orders showing your duty station and place of residence

2. Book an appointment

   You can schedule an appointment at an ALEA Driver License office online. ALEA doesn't say appointments are required.

   Schedule a driver license appointment ↗

3. Visit an ALEA Driver License exam office

   Only ALEA exam offices issue a first STAR ID; county probate and license commissioner's offices don't. Check the office page for temporary closures before you go.

   ALEA Driver License Offices ↗

4. At the office

   Show your original documents and pay the fee. ALEA doesn't take checks; credit cards (MasterCard, Visa or Discover) carry a 4% convenience fee.