SB89 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

David SessionsSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to driver licenses; to amend Section 32-6-1, Section 32-6-4, as last amended by Act 2022-300, 2022 Regular Session, Section 32-6-5, Section 32-6-6, as last amended by Act 2022-300, 2022 Regular Session, and Section 32-6-6.1, Code of Alabama 1975, to further provide for the renewal of a driver license; to provide for an eight-year renewal period of driver licenses; and to provide for the required fee for the issuance of an eight-year driver license.

Summary

SB89 would add an eight-year driver license renewal option in Alabama, with updated fees and renewal rules alongside existing four-year renewals.

What This Bill Does

It allows driver licenses to be renewed for four or eight years. Renewal fees would be $30 for a four-year license and $75 for an eight-year license, plus administrative and program-specific fees. Renewal notices, a 60-day grace period, and a window to apply (180 days before expiration to 3 years after) are defined, with military deployment exceptions and a requirement to retake tests if renewal isn’t completed in time. The bill also extends similar renewal and fee structures to nondriver identification cards and sets rules for issuing photos, signatures, and identification documents.

Who It Affects

• Driver license holders and applicants in Alabama who can choose between a four-year or an eight-year renewal period and will face different fee amounts and renewal timelines.
• Nondriver identification card holders and applicants, who will follow a similar renewal framework, with some specifics (such as no-expiration rules for older recipients) and associated fees.

Key Provisions

• Authorization of both four-year and eight-year renewal periods for driver licenses; subsequent renewals can be four or eight years from the expiration date of the prior license.
• Fees: four-year license issuance/renewal set at $30; eight-year license issuance/renewal set at $75; an administrative fee of $1.50 for four-year licenses/IDs and $3 for eight-year licenses; additional fee under 32-6-6.1 of $0.50 for four-year and $1.00 for eight-year licenses going to the Alabama Veterans Living Legacy Fund.
• A separate fee structure allocates funds to state and county highway/traffic safety programs and the General Fund, with specified distributions and oversight by ALEA, the judge of probate, and the state treasurer.
• Renewal process: renewal notices mailed 30 days after expiration; a 60-day grace period during which the license remains valid; applications may be filed from 180 days before expiration to 3 years after expiration; failure to renew on time may require passing a written and driving test.
• Military service provision: active duty service members are exempt from the 180-day renewal window if deployment prevents renewal, given proof to the licensing official.
• Nondriver identification cards: issued to non-licensed residents, with a face that includes 'nondriver', a photo, and identifying information; same proof of identification requirements as for licenses; some no-expiration-date provisions for those 62 and older.
• Signature and identification requirements: licensees must endorse their signature upon receipt; licenses and nondriver IDs include a color photograph and standardized dimensions; a photo core and potential cost-recovery fee for producing photo licenses/IDs.
• Effective date: the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Driver licenses; eight-year license renewal period, authorized