An almost $13 increase in driver’s license renewal fees has many drivers in Alabama wondering where the money is going.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said Wednesday it’s more about fixing the system than increasing revenue.
According to ALEA spokesman Sgt. Steve Jarrett, an effort to improve the entire process of issuing driver’s licenses revealed the state was spending more money issuing a driver’s license than it was costing driver’s to get the license.
“The business model for driver licenses simply wasn’t working,” Jarrett said. “The system is inefficient and archaic.”
Here are how to license fees have changed as of Monday:
Renewal — Previously: $23.50, Now: $36.25
Class B — Previously: $43.50, Now; 56.25
Class C — Previously: $23.50, Now: $36.25
Duplicates or replacements — Previously: $18.50, Now: $31.25
CDL — Previously: $53.50, Now: $66.25
Jarrett said the changes will not affect testing fees or issuance fees for non-driver ID cards for senior citizens or people with physical or mental disabilities.
In addition to changing fees, Jarrett said the agency is working on ways to reduce wait times for getting a license. Renewal kiosks are being tested in some markets and soon, he said people will be able to renew their licenses online.
