How to Get an Alabama DMV Appointment (ALEA vs. County Guide)

Booking a “DMV” appointment in Alabama can be one of the most confusing processes for a new resident. The most important “secret” you must know is that Alabama splits its services between two completely different offices.

Where you go depends entirely on what you need to do:

1. For your LICENSE (Driver’s License, Permit, REAL ID): You must go to a State-run ALEA Office. This is by appointment only.
2. For your CAR (Vehicle Registration, Titles, Plates): You must go to your local County Office (Revenue Commissioner/Probate Judge). This is a walk-in service.

This guide will show you how to book the right appointment at the right office, with the right documents, so you don’t make a wasted trip.

(Note: This guide is for driver’s licenses and car registration. For other permits, such as obtaining a boating license in Alabama, the process is different and handled by the Marine Patrol Division.)

The “Two-Office” System: The Most Important Rule

Do not go to the wrong office.

• The ALEA Driver License Office (by appointment) handles your person.
• The County Office (walk-in) handles your property.

An ALEA office cannot register your car, and a County office cannot give you a driver’s license.

How to Schedule Your DRIVER’S LICENSE Appointment (ALEA Office)

This is the official state-run appointment system for all Driver’s License and State ID services.

1. Visit the Official ALEA Portal: Navigate to the ALEA appointment scheduler: https://dlschedule.alea.gov/
2. Select Your Service: This is the most important step. Choose the exact service you need from the list.
   • For a Permit/Written Test: Choose “Knowledge Test.”
   • For a Driving Test: Choose “Road Test.”
   • For a New Resident: Choose “Out-of-State Transfer.”
   • For a REAL ID: Choose “REAL ID / Star ID.”
   • For a Renewal: Choose “License Renewal.”
   • For a Reinstatement: Choose “Reinstatement.” (Before you book, you must clear all compliance items. You can learn the full process in our guide to reinstating an Alabama driver’s license.)
3. Select Your Location: Choose your preferred ALEA Driver License Office.
4. Pick a Date and Time: A calendar will show you all available slots. (Note: These often fill up weeks or months in advance).
5. Enter Your Details: Fill in your name, email, and phone number.
6. Confirm & Save: You will receive a confirmation email. You must bring this to your appointment.

How to Register Your VEHICLE (The County Office)

This is the process your original article was missing. You CANNOT use the state appointment system for this.

All vehicle titles, registrations, and license plates are handled by your local County License Plate Issuing Official(usually the Revenue Commissioner’s office).

1. No Appointment Needed: This is a walk-in service.
2. Find Your County Office: You must find your specific county’s website. Search Google for “[Your County Name] Revenue Commissioner” (e.g., “Madison County Revenue Commissioner” or “Mobile County License Commissioner”).
3. Check Their Hours: Visit your local county office with your required documents (signed title, proof of Alabama insurance, and a bill of sale) to process your registration and get your plates.

Other Services at This Office (Walk-In):

• Title Transfer: This is where you bring your signed title to register a car you just bought. If you lost your title, you must first get an Alabama title replacement.
• Temporary Tags: If you just bought a car from a private seller, you can visit this office with a bill of sale and proof of insurance to get an Alabama temporary tag, which allows you to drive legally for 20 days.
• Specialty Plates: This is also where you apply for specialty license plates, such as the Alabama Disabled Veteran tag.

The Alabama STAR ID (REAL ID)

The STAR ID is Alabama’s version of the federally compliant REAL ID. You must have one to fly domestically starting May 7, 2025.

You must get your first STAR ID in person. You can book this by selecting “REAL ID / Star ID” on the ALEA appointment portal. You will need to bring the full set of required documents listed below.

Required Documents for Your ALEA Visit (The REAL ID Checklist)

(This section is based on your original, which was excellent)

When you visit the ALEA Driver License Office for any new permit, license, or STAR ID, you must bring the following original documents.

• 1. Proof of Identity (One required):
  • U.S. Passport or U.S. Birth Certificate (original or certified)
• 2. Proof of Social Security Number (One required):
  • Social Security Card (original)
  • W-2 or 1099 form (must show full SSN)
• 3. Proofs of Alabama Residency (TWO required):
  • You must bring TWO recent (within 90 days) documents from different sources with your name and AL address.
  • Examples: Utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or vehicle registration.

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