Driving in the U.S.
If you plan to drive a car in Alabama, you must possess a valid Alabama driver’s license. As a long-term visitor to the US, an International License may be used only until you are able to obtain an Alabama license. It is possible that - if you have a traffic violation or accident - a police officer would not accept your International License. If this happens, you may face additional tickets, fees and court costs.
Alabama requests that we issue a Letter of Good Standing to show that you are in the United States legally and that you are maintaining status. Therefore they will only accept a letter within 30 days of issuance. If you request a Letter of Good Standing, you must apply for a Driver License or State ID within 30 days.
You may apply for an Alabama driver license or state ID at the Alabama State Trooper's Office in Sheffield, AL, just across the river. Before your license will be issued, you must first pass written, vision, and road skills tests.
Before going to get your driver license or state ID, . If you are applying for the first time, you must first pass a computer test. Register for the appointment titled "DL New (not road test)". Upon passing the computer test, you will schedule an appointment for "DL Road Test" at the DMV or online. If you are renewing your license you may register for "DL New (not road test)".
You must also bring the documents listed below.
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A valid foreign passport with an acceptable visa or resident alien card
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Social Security Card or letter from Social Security stating non-eligibility (see section below for more information)
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Form I-20 or DS-2019 with at least 160 days (approximately 6 months) before Program End Date
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Valid from most recent entry to the US
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Letter of Good Standing from DSO at UNA Office of International Affairs (within last 30 days)
You must pay in cash for all fees. The vehicle used for the road test must be in proper working order, with current "tags" (showing you paid taxes) and vehicle insurance. If you hold a license from your home country, you do not need someone to drive you to the road test.
In order to obtain a Driver License or State ID, you must provide a US-issed Social Security Card OR a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming that you do not have a social security number (SSN). International students must have authorized employment in order to receive a SSN. You cannot receive an SSN without authorization employment. If you do not have an SSN, you can receive the letter by visit the Social Security Administration office here in Florence. Let them know you do NOT have an SSN and that you need the letter for applying for a driver license or state ID.
Social Security Administration
203 South Walnut St.
Florence, AL 35630
(855) 884-3407
By Alabama State Law, if you have less than 160 days until your Program End Date (see I-20 or DS-2019), the Department of Motor Vehicles will NOT issue you a license. This is an Alabama law, not a UNA law.
Alabama requests that we issue a Letter of Good Standing to show that you are in the United States legally and that you are maintaining status. Therefore they will only accept a letter within 30 days of issuance. If you request a Letter of Good Standing, you must apply for a Driver License or State ID within 30 days.
International Students may request a Letter of Good Standing using the form below. Letters are issued every Friday except for first week of the semester and the week before the semester starts as these are especially busy times. Letters are valid for 30 days from the date on the letter. Students with university holds may not receive a Letter of Good Standing until the hold has been removed.
Letters are automatically ready for pick up the Friday AFTER you make the request. You will NOT be emailed.
Letters are automatically ready for pick up the Friday AFTER you make the request. You will NOT be emailed.