Where to go for your Decatur driver's license

The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues driver's licenses in Decatur through the Decatur Driver License Office, located at 1505 6th Avenue SE, Decatur, AL 35601. This is the office that handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and most other license transactions for people in the Decatur area.

You can visit in person during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though hours may vary seasonally. Call ahead at the office or check the Alabama DPS website to confirm current hours before you go, since staffing and schedules can change.

The office does not take appointments for most services, so you should expect to wait. Arriving early in the day or mid-week often means shorter lines than late afternoon or Friday.

Key Takeaways

  • The Decatur Driver License Office is at 1505 6th Avenue SE and handles all standard license services for the area.
  • You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to explore for a new license.
  • Alabama requires you to pass a written test, vision test, and road test to receive your first driver's license.
  • A standard Alabama driver's license costs $24.50 and is valid for eight years, or $12.25 for a four-year license if you are under 21.
  • You can renew your license by mail if you have not had a suspension or revocation, though in-person renewal is required every other cycle.

Documents you need to bring

Alabama requires specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. Bring one document from each category below.

Proof of identity: A valid passport, military ID, birth certificate, or previous Alabama driver's license. If you use a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy.

Proof of residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Decatur address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you do not have a document in your name, you can use one in a family member's name along with a notarized affidavit stating you live there.

Social Security number or ITIN: Bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or other document showing your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Tests required for a new driver's license

If you are explore for your first Alabama driver's license, you must pass three tests at the Decatur office: a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a road test.

The written test covers Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Alabama Driver's Manual, available free on the DPS website or in print at the office. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you must return another day to try again.

The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. You must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the test, and your license will be marked to show you must wear them while driving.

The road test is conducted by a DPS examiner who rides with you in your vehicle. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills like starting, stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must use your own vehicle, which must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Bring proof of insurance and registration.

Cost and validity of your Alabama license

A standard Alabama driver's license costs $24.50 and is valid for eight years from the date of issue. If you are under 21 when you explore, you can choose a four-year license for $12.25 instead, though you will need to renew sooner.

Alabama also offers a Real ID-compliant driver's license at the same price. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. You need the same documents as a standard license, plus proof of your Social Security number. Real ID is not required to drive, but it is required for air travel within the United States as of May 2025.

Payment is cash or card. The office will issue your license on the spot if you pass all tests, though you may be given a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is mailed to you.

Renewing your license by mail or in person

If your Alabama driver's license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you may be able to renew by mail without visiting the office. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you need to update your address, name, or other information.

To renew by mail, complete the renewal form (available on the Alabama DPS website), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail both to the address shown on the form. Processing takes about two weeks. You can renew by mail only once; the next renewal must be done in person at the Decatur office.

For in-person renewal, visit the Decatur Driver License Office with your current license and proof of residency. You do not need to retake the written, vision, or road tests. The renewal fee is the same as the original license fee.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Decatur office. Bring your proof of identity and residency, the same documents you would need for a new license. You do not need to retake any tests.

The replacement fee is $24.50 for a standard license or $12.25 for a four-year license if you are under 21. You will receive your replacement license on the spot or by mail within two weeks.

If your license was stolen, you may also want to report the theft to local police and monitor your credit report, since a driver's license is a valuable form of ID for identity theft.

Changing your name or address

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your driver's license. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. There is no fee for a name change if your license is not expiring soon; otherwise, you pay the renewal fee.

If you move to a new address in Alabama, you must update your license within 30 days. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. There is no fee for an address change. You can do this by mail or in person at the Decatur office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No. All three tests—written, vision, and road—must be taken in person at the Decatur Driver License Office. You cannot take them remotely or at a third-party location.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test, but you must schedule another appointment and pay the test fee again. Most people are allowed to retake the test within a few days, though the office may have a waiting list depending on demand.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring something else?

You do not have to bring your card. Any document showing your Social Security number works—a W-2, tax return, or bank statement. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation instead.

How long does it take to get a new license after I pass the tests?

You receive a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use to drive when ready. Your plastic license card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can drive legally with the temporary license until the card arrives.

What if I have a suspended or revoked license?

You cannot renew or replace a suspended or revoked license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Alabama DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you must do to restore your driving privileges.