Recent changes to state law make it possible for many students experiencing homelessness in Alabama to obtain a driver’s license for free.

Alabama Act No. 2022-300 exempts 15-19-year-old students experiencing homelessness from paying fees for a driver’s license, duplicate license, or the driver’s license exam. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) provides the necessary form that students seeking the fee exemption can access online here, to apply. Students should work with school officials (liaisons, counselors, social workers, etc.), staff in their GED or training program, physician or employer to complete the form.

• The law only allows for one (1) fee waiver for the written knowledge test, so if a student fails their test, they have to pay to retake it. Please indicate that along with a link to the AL Driver Manual to encourage students to review before taking the test. There is no fee for the road exam.
• All of the fees for a first time driver’s license are due at the time of application for their learner’s license. So, in order to receive the fee waiver, a student needs to have their form filled out and turned in when applying for the learner’s license, not at the time they are getting their driver’s license. 

How Do I Qualify for the Fee Exemption?

Act 2022-300 defines the term “qualified student” as a student meeting the definition of a “homeless child or youth” as provided by 42 U.S.C.§11434(a)(2). To get a free driver’s license, students should also be: 

• Between the ages of 15 and 19, and applying for, renewing, or seeking reinstatement of a driver’s license or a learner’s permit for the operation of a motor vehicle.
• Enrolled in a school, in a GED program, or a job training program approved by the County Superintendent of Education.

Students may seek an exemption from these enrollment requirements if they are physically or mentally unable to attend school, are regularly and legally employed under the provisions of the Child Labor Law, or live a significant distance from school and because of the lack of public transportation, are compelled to walk more than two miles to attend. Additional information regarding qualification is available on the ALEA form.

Watch this Tutorial: Helping Alabama Youth Access Free Driver’s Licenses

Replay this comprehensive webinar aimed at raising awareness about this new legislation that allows youth experiencing homelessness in Alabama to obtain a free driver’s license. Presenters from the SchoolHouse Connection State Policy Team, Mobile County Public Schools, and the Alabama State Department of Education review the steps to acquiring a driver’s license, and equip liaisons, educators, and community partners with the tools they need to support youth through the process.

Download the Powerpoint

Tools to spread the word and raise awareness

Whether you’re reaching out to professional colleagues, youth, or peers in Alabama, this toolkit has everything you need! It includes sample emails, social media posts, and both printable and digital posters.

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