The cost for Alabama driver licenses went up last week as the state revamps the program and prepares to roll out online renewal soon.

A standard driver license increased by $12.75, from $23.50 is now $36.25 beginning Feb. 9. Fees for senior ID, disabled ID and knowledge tests have not changed.         

The increase will allow the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Driver License Unit to recoup costs associated with replacing outdated equipment, hiring additional personnel and enhancing services to the public, said Cullman County Probate Judge Tammy Brown said.

“As a convenience to the public, online driver license renewals will become a reality with this cost recoupment plan,” Brown said. “Although, the launch date has not been announced, it is in its final stages.”

The state-mandated changes have caused some headaches for the probate office and the public alike. The line at the driver license office ran out the door and into the hallway at the courthouse Friday. Compounding the changes, satellite offices aren’t able to process driver license renewals yet, funneling residents to the bottleneck at the courthouse.

Brown said some issuance errors have also occurred.

“One of the common errors is when glasses are worn,” Brown said. “The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has stated that all issuances be taken with eye wear off to avoid future errors.”

Brown said the decision to raise driver license costs was out of her hands, and her office was not informed of the increases or when they would take affect.

“All employees in the Probate Office have adjusted very effectively to the immediate changes,” Brown said. “Doris McBrayer issues the majority of driver license for the Probate Office.”

A complete list of new fees for various licenses follows:

‰ A-Class  Dup.    $31.25

‰ B-Class  Dup.    $31.25

‰ C-Class  Dup.    $31.25

‰ A-Class  – New or Renew    $66.25

‰ B-Class  – New or Renew    $56.25

‰ C-Class  – New or Renew    $36.25

‰ CLL-Class A Dup        $31.25

‰ CLL-Class B Dup        $31.25

‰ CLL-Class C Dup        $31.25

‰ D-Class Dup        $31.25

‰ D-Class – New or Renew    $36.25

‰ GDL-Dup    $31.25

‰ GDL-New or Renew    $36.25

‰ ID-Dup         $31.25

‰ ID- New or Renew    $36.25

‰ LL-Class D Dup    $31.25

‰ LL-Class D – New or Renew    $36.25

‰ M-Class -Dup    $31.25

‰ M-Class New or Renew    $36.25

‰ V-Class Dup        $31.25

‰ V-Class New or Renew    $36.25

‰ Out of State Transfer        $41.25

For more information, contact the Cullman County Probate Office’s Driver License division at 256-775-4812.

‰ Tiffeny Owens can be reached by email at towens@cullmantimes.com or by phone at 256-734-2131.