Autauga County Driver License Office Locations and Photo Services
The Autauga County Driver License Office in Prattville is where you go to have your photo taken for a new Alabama driver license or state ID. The office is located at 2751 East Main Street, Prattville, AL 36067. This is the only full-service driver license office in Autauga County, so if you live anywhere in the county, this is your destination.
The photo is taken on-site during your appointment or walk-in visit. You do not need to bring a photo from somewhere else — the DMV takes the photo as part of the license issuance process. The photo must meet Alabama's standards: you face the camera directly, your eyes are open and visible, and you wear no hat or sunglasses unless for a medical or religious reason (which requires documentation).
Hours and appointment availability change seasonally and by day. Before you go, check the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website or call the office directly at (334) 361-3796 to confirm current hours and whether you need an appointment or can walk in. Some days fill up quickly, especially near the end of the month.
Key Takeaways
- The Autauga County Driver License Office at 2751 East Main Street in Prattville takes your photo on-site; you do not bring one from elsewhere.
- Your photo must show your face straight-on with eyes open and visible, and no hat or sunglasses unless medically or religiously required.
- Call (334) 361-3796 or check the ALEA website before visiting to confirm hours and whether an appointment is needed that day.
- The office is the only full-service driver license location in Autauga County, so plan travel time accordingly.
What to Bring for Your Photo and License Appointment
You will need to bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and Alabama residency. The exact documents depend on whether you are renewing, getting your first license, or replacing a lost one. Bring your original documents — photocopies are not accepted — and expect the office to keep some of them on file.
Common documents include your birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your current license if you have one. If you changed your name, bring the legal document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The ALEA website lists the full document checklist by transaction type.
Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged before you reach the counter. The office processes many people daily, and having everything organized speeds up your turn.
Photo Requirements and What Disqualifies Your Image
Alabama has specific rules about what your license photo can show. Your head must be centered in the frame, your face must be fully visible and in focus, and your eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera. The background is always plain and light-colored — you cannot choose a background or bring props.
You cannot wear tinted glasses, sunglasses, or a hat in the photo unless you have a medical reason (such as light sensitivity from an eye condition) or a religious reason (such as a head covering required by your faith). If either applies, bring documentation from a doctor or religious leader. Hats worn for fashion or weather do not count.
If your photo does not meet the standards, the office will take another one at no extra charge. You do not pay separately for the photo — it is included in your license or ID fee.
Fees and Processing Time
The cost of a driver license or state ID varies by type and how long it is valid. A standard four-year driver license costs less than an eight-year license. The office accepts cash, check, and card. Fees do not include the photo — the photo is part of the license service.
Processing time depends on whether you are renewing by mail, renewing in person, or getting your first license. In-person transactions at the Prattville office are usually completed the same day, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour during busy times. If you need your license urgently, ask the staff whether expedited service is available and what it costs.
Appointment vs. Walk-In: Which Option Works for Autauga County
The Autauga County Driver License Office accepts both appointments and walk-ins, but availability varies by day and season. During summer and near month-end, walk-in wait times can stretch to two hours or more. Scheduling an appointment through the ALEA website or by phone reserves your spot and cuts your wait time significantly.
To book an appointment, visit the ALEA website, select Autauga County and the Prattville office, and choose your preferred date and time. If no appointments are open, the system will tell you. You can also call (334) 361-3796 to ask whether same-day or next-day appointments are available. Write down your appointment confirmation number and bring it with you.
If you walk in without an appointment, arrive early in the day — the office often reaches capacity by mid-afternoon. Bring all your documents and be prepared to wait. If the office is at capacity when you arrive, staff will tell you and may suggest you return another day or schedule an appointment.
What Happens After Your Photo Is Taken
Once your photo is taken and your documents are processed, you will receive a temporary paper license or ID that is valid when ready. This temporary document lets you drive and prove your identity while your permanent card is being printed and mailed to you. Keep the temporary document with you — it is your proof of licensure.
Your permanent license or ID arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The address on file must be current, so double-check it with the staff before you leave the office. If you move before your card arrives, contact the ALEA to update your address so the card reaches you.
If your card does not arrive within two weeks, call the office to confirm it was mailed and ask for a tracking update. Occasionally cards are lost in the mail, and the office can reissue yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear makeup or contact lenses in my driver license photo?
Yes. Makeup and contact lenses are allowed. Your eyes must be open and visible, but you can wear makeup as you normally would. If you wear glasses or contacts every day, wearing them in your photo is a good idea so the photo looks like you.
What if I do not like how my photo looks?
You can request a new photo at no extra charge on the same day. If you are unhappy after you leave, you can return to the office and ask for a retake. Some offices allow one free retake within a certain time frame — ask the staff about their policy.
Do I need an appointment to get my photo taken, or can I just walk in?
Both are allowed, but appointments are recommended because wait times can be long. Call (334) 361-3796 or check the ALEA website to see if appointments are open for the day you want to visit. Walk-ins are accepted when the office is not at capacity.
Can someone else pick up my license if I cannot go to the office?
No. You must be present for your photo to be taken. You cannot send someone else to have your photo taken on your behalf. However, once your permanent card arrives by mail, someone else can collect it if you authorize them in writing.
What if I fail my written or road test — do I need a new photo?
No. Your photo is taken only when you receive your license or ID. If you fail a test and retake it later, you use the same photo. You only get a new photo if you renew your license after it expires or if you request a replacement card.