Where the Bessemer Driver License Office Is Located

The Bessemer Driver License Office is at 1500 Bessemer Super Highway, Bessemer, AL 35022. This is the main location where you can renew your driver license, get a replacement, take a written test, or schedule a road test in the Bessemer area.

Bessemer is in Jefferson County, about 20 miles southwest of Birmingham. If you live in or near Bessemer, this office handles most driver license transactions without requiring a trip to Birmingham or another county seat.

Office Hours and When to Go

The Bessemer Driver License Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed on weekends and state holidays. There is no lunch closure, so you can walk in at any time during those hours.

Arrive early if you can. The office does not take appointments for most services, so wait times are longest between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on weekdays. If you go before 9:00 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m., you are more likely to be seen quickly.

The office is closed on major state holidays, including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Check the Alabama Department of Public Safety website before you go if a holiday falls near your visit.

Key Takeaways

  • The Bessemer office is at 1500 Bessemer Super Highway and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no appointments needed for most services.
  • You will wait longer between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., so arriving before 9:00 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. usually means a shorter wait.
  • Bring your current driver license or ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or birth certificate for renewals and replacements.
  • If you need a road test, you must schedule it in advance by calling the office or using the Alabama DMV online scheduling system.
  • The office is closed on state holidays, so check the calendar before making the trip.

What Documents to Bring

For a driver license renewal, bring your current Alabama driver license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or birth certificate. If your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

For a replacement license (lost, stolen, or damaged), bring proof of your identity and proof of your address. A current passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver license counts as identity proof. If you do not have one of those, bring your Social Security card and birth certificate together.

For a written test (knowledge test for a new license or permit), bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of residency. You do not need to bring anything else — the office provides the test.

For a road test, bring your current permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in working condition. Bring your Social Security card and birth certificate as well.

Road Tests and How to Schedule

The Bessemer office administers road tests, but you cannot walk in and take one the same day. You must schedule your road test in advance through the Alabama Department of Public Safety. You can schedule online at the state DMV website or by calling the Bessemer office directly at the number listed below.

Road tests are offered Monday through Friday during office hours. When you call or schedule online, you will be given a date and time. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with your permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be tested in.

The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving. If you pass, you can get your driver license the same day at the office. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test, usually within a few weeks.

Services You Cannot Get at This Office

The Bessemer office does not issue Real ID driver licenses. If you need a Real ID (required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 2025), you must go to a full-service DMV office in Birmingham or another larger city. Real ID requires additional identity verification and document review that only certain locations handle.

The office also does not issue commercial driver licenses (CDL) or handle CDL testing. CDL services are available only at the Birmingham main office or other designated CDL testing sites.

For vehicle registration, title, or tag renewal, you need to go to your county tag office, not the driver license office. In Bessemer, that is the Jefferson County Tag Office.

Contact Information and Directions

Bessemer Driver License Office 1500 Bessemer Super Highway Bessemer, AL 35022 Phone: (205) 481-4900

From downtown Bessemer, take Bessemer Super Highway (US 11) south. The office is on the east side of the highway, about 2 miles from the city center. There is a parking lot in front of the building. If you are coming from Birmingham, take I-59 south toward Bessemer, exit onto Bessemer Super Highway, and follow it south.

If you cannot reach the office by phone during business hours, you can also contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety main office in Montgomery at (334) 242-4400 for general questions about driver license services.

When to Go to Birmingham Instead

If you need a Real ID driver license, you must go to the Birmingham DMV office. The Bessemer office does not issue them.

If you need a commercial driver license or want to test for one, go to the Birmingham office or another CDL testing site.

If the Bessemer office is closed or has a long wait and you need service the same day, the Birmingham DMV office at 707 South Jackson Street is open the same hours and can handle most of the same services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to renew my driver license at the Bessemer office?

No. The Bessemer office does not take appointments for renewals, replacements, or written tests. You walk in during business hours and wait your turn. Road tests must be scheduled in advance by phone or online.

Can I renew my driver license online instead of going to the office?

Alabama allows online renewal for some driver licenses, but only if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions. Check the Alabama DMV website to see if you are may be able to access. If you are not, you must go to the Bessemer office or another location in person.

What if I fail my road test?

You can schedule another road test. There is usually a waiting period of a few days to a few weeks before you can test again, depending on how many people are scheduled. Call the Bessemer office to book your next test.

Can I get a Real ID at the Bessemer office?

No. Real ID driver licenses are issued only at full-service DMV offices. You will need to go to the Birmingham DMV office or another location that offers Real ID. Bring extra identity documents, as Real ID requires more verification than a standard driver license.

What is the phone number for the Bessemer Driver License Office?

The Bessemer Driver License Office phone number is (205) 481-4900. Call during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) to ask questions, schedule a road test, or confirm hours.