How do I get a driver's license and license plates? (Hoover: relocate, work)

[poohmacat]

I'm moving to Hoover in August. I can't find any good information on getting a driver's license or getting Alabama license plates for my car.

Can someone fill me in on the process? Any hints?

Also, what's this "ad valorem" fee for registering my car?
The rather rude phone receptionist at the county office wouldn't tell me the rate.

[harry chickpea]

On the driver's license- You need a state certified copy of your birth certificate. The ones given by the hospitals WILL NOT be enough. You also need your social security card (not a duplicate or other indication of your number). You can also bring your out-of-state driver's license for them to put little holes in and hand back to you.

Don't even bother going if you don't have this stuff. When they take your picture, there will be a light blue background. Wear something flattering. Even though the bureaucracy is nuts, because the Patriot Act requires the hoops to jump through, the people are super nice.

Alabama Department of Public Safety

[Southlander]

It doesn't matter what you wear. The picture will still look like you're doing time.

[Threestep]

The receptionist cannot give you any details as she does not have your details. You have to bring your vehicle, registration, drivers license and title or approval from your lien holder. Tax is based on the current value of your vehicle. You will aslo get your drivers license - again - passport, social security card, drivers license, ...

Google - "DMV Alabama"

[GinaVol]

Recommend going to Bessemer Courthouse vs Green Springs.

Also, get your dl before you do your tag. They will not give you a tag without an Alabama drivers license or proof that you live in Hoover. Your proof will be the Alabama DL that you get upstairs in the same office by telling them your address. It makes no sense to me but that is how it works.

[Threestep]

Originally Posted by GinaVol

Recommend going to Bessemer Courthouse vs Green Springs.

Also, get your dl before you do your tag. They will not give you a tag without an Alabama drivers license or proof that you live in Hoover. Your proof will be the Alabama DL that you get upstairs in the same office by telling them your address. It makes no sense to me but that is how it works.

It does make sense as your existing drivers license information will be verified on the spot. Outstanding tickets and other unpleasant purprises may surface. Then you can request a tag.

Check DMV's site - new requirements regarding id are on it.

[Bravo35223]

Strongly suggest you read the advice above and have your documentation ready...additionally the state runs criminal background checks on each applicant which slows the process.

Use the Alabama DMV website and follow instructions carefully or you will be very frustrated.

Oh - and take a novel or some long reading material with you as the wait can be substantial.

[Threestep]

The satelite office on Valley Dale Road (Brunos; Kohls) seems to have not as much traffic yet as it is new and relatively unknown.

[GinaVol]

Originally Posted by Threestep

It does make sense as your existing drivers license information will be verified on the spot. Outstanding tickets and other unpleasant purprises may surface. Then you can request a tag.

Check DMV's site - new requirements regarding id are on it.

They were only looking for proof that I lived in Hoover. We hadn't been in our house long enough to get an electric bill or the like and the paperwork from closing hadn't made it to their office yet. All they wanted was something with it written down that I lived in Hoover. Had I had a bill to my new address, they would have done it without an AL DL since my husband was standing there with his Alabama DL. (He was relocated here a few months before me) I would have waited but I wanted to register to vote in the primaries in Feb. Which, by the way, required no proof of anything to register)

When I went upstairs to the DMV area and surrendered my TN license, I just told them my address. Thus, the address on my new license. Nothing in that process verified that I actually lived at the address that they put on my DL.

That is the part that doesn't make sense. Yes - it verifies I am not a criminal (I did get to see one who got hauled off from the DMV while I waited though) but not that I actually live where I said I lived.

[Threestep]

Originally Posted by GinaVol

They were only looking for proof that I lived in Hoover. We hadn't been in our house long enough to get an electric bill or the like and the paperwork from closing hadn't made it to their office yet. All they wanted was something with it written down that I lived in Hoover. Had I had a bill to my new address, they would have done it without an AL DL since my husband was standing there with his Alabama DL. (He was relocated here a few months before me) I would have waited but I wanted to register to vote in the primaries in Feb. Which, by the way, required no proof of anything to register)

When I went upstairs to the DMV area and surrendered my TN license, I just told them my address. Thus, the address on my new license. Nothing in that process verified that I actually lived at the address that they put on my DL.

That is the part that doesn't make sense. Yes - it verifies I am not a criminal (I did get to see one who got hauled off from the DMV while I waited though) but not that I actually live where I said I lived.

The information off your old license was run. Trust me:>)