Driving Without a License
Ala. Code § 32-6-1 — a license before driving, 30 days for a new resident, and up to 180 days for driving while suspended
Every person not exempted by statute gets a driver's license before driving a motor vehicle on Alabama's highways. A new resident gets an Alabama license within 30 days after establishing residence.
Who handles this in Alabama: Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Alabama directory.
The state may agree with another state or country to honor its licenses here, but no such agreement lets a person who has been a resident of Alabama for the past 90 days drive without an Alabama license unless another law allows it.
Driving without having complied with the license law is a misdemeanor with a fine of $10 to $100, and an additional penalty of $50 is assessed on top.
Driving while the license is cancelled, denied, suspended or revoked is a misdemeanor with a fine of $100 to $500, and up to 180 days in jail may be added. A $50 additional penalty comes on top, and the license may be revoked for 6 more months.
The car is impounded. A driver whose license is revoked, or suspended for a DUI or for refusing the test, is removed from the vehicle, and the vehicle is impounded whoever owns it, unless the owner or a family member of the owner is in it and shows a valid license. The officer may decide not to impound in an emergency or a medical necessity.
Sources for this section (4)
- Ala. Code § 32-6-1 — Required; Expiration Date; Renewal; Identification Cards for Nondrivers
- Ala. Code § 32-6-18 — Penalties - Violations in General; Disposition of Funds
- Ala. Code § 32-6-19 — Penalties - Violation by Person Whose License or Driving Privilege Has Been Cancelled, Etc.; Impoundment of Vehicle
- Ala. Code § 32-6-10 — Reciprocal Agreements - Other States or Countries
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Alabama attorney.