Where to Renew Your License in Mobile
In Mobile, you can renew your driver's license at the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Division office located at 251 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602. This is the main office serving Mobile County. You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions, or at an approved county tag agent office if your renewal qualifies for their services.
The Government Street office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break from noon to 1:00 p.m. There is no Saturday or Sunday service. You do not need an appointment; the office operates on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times can exceed one hour during peak times (late morning and early afternoon).
If you choose to renew by mail, you must have a valid, unexpired license and meet Alabama's mail renewal rules. Not all renewal types may have access to for mail service—standard renewals do, but license corrections, address changes, or renewals after suspension do not.
Key Takeaways
- The Mobile DPS office at 251 Government Street is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a noon lunch break, and you do not need an appointment.
- You must bring your current valid license, proof of Alabama residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and pay the renewal fee in cash, check, or debit card.
- Standard license renewals in Alabama last eight years for drivers 21 and older, and cost $24.50 for in-person renewal or $20 for mail renewal.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works only if your license is still valid and you have no address changes or corrections to make.
- If your license is expired by more than five years, suspended, or revoked, you must renew in person and may face additional requirements or fees.
Documents You Need to Bring
Bring your current valid driver's license as your primary form of identification. If your license is expired, you can still use it as ID for the renewal process itself, but you will need additional proof of identity if it has been expired for more than five years.
You must also bring proof of Alabama residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document showing your current Mobile address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A post office change-of-address notice does not count as proof of residency.
If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, bring any court documents or clearance letters from the Alabama Department of Public Safety showing the suspension has been lifted.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
A standard eight-year driver's license renewal in Alabama costs $24.50 if you renew in person at the DPS office. If you renew by mail, the fee is $20.00. These fees cover the license itself and are not refundable.
The Mobile DPS office accepts cash, personal checks, and debit cards. Credit cards are not accepted. If you pay by check, write it to the "State of Alabama." There is no fee reduction for seniors or other groups in Alabama's renewal program.
If you renew through a county tag agent, fees may differ slightly because tag agents charge a service fee on top of the state renewal fee. Call ahead to confirm the total cost at the specific tag agent location you plan to visit.
How Long Your Renewed License Is Valid
A renewed driver's license in Alabama is valid for eight years from the date of issue if you are 21 years old or older. If you are under 21, your license is valid for four years. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your new license.
You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. If you wait until after it expires, you can still renew, but an expired license cannot be used as valid identification for other purposes (such as boarding a plane or entering a federal building) until you have renewed it.
If your license expires while you are out of state, you can still renew by mail if you meet the other requirements. However, you cannot legally drive in Alabama or any other state with an expired license, even if your renewal process is pending.
Renewing by Mail from Mobile
To renew by mail, you must have a valid, unexpired license and no changes to your address, name, or license class. read or request the Form DL-44 (process for Driver License) from the Alabama DPS website or pick one up at the Mobile office. Complete the form and mail it along with your current license, a check or money order for $20.00 (made payable to "State of Alabama"), and a copy of your proof of residency.
Mail your packet to: Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your process. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on your process.
Do not mail your original license unless you are certain the DPS has received your process. If your mail is lost in transit, you will need to explore in person. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
Special Situations: Expired, Suspended, or Revoked Licenses
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail and must appear in person at the Mobile DPS office. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate). You may also be required to pass a vision test and written knowledge test, depending on how long the license has been expired.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation has been lifted. Contact the Alabama DPS directly at (334) 242-4400 to confirm your license status and learn what steps are required to clear the suspension. You will need a clearance letter or court document before you can renew in person.
If you have unpaid traffic fines or child support obligations, your license may be suspended. The Mobile office staff can tell you whether your suspension is related to these issues and direct you to the appropriate agency to resolve it. Renewing a suspended license without clearing the underlying issue will not restore your driving privileges.
What to Expect at the Mobile Office
When you arrive at the Government Street office, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait in a seating area until your number is called. Bring all required documents and have them organized before you reach the window.
The DPS examiner will verify your identity, check your current license status, review your proof of residency, and ask you to sign the process. You will have a new photo taken unless you have a valid reason to use your previous photo (such as a medical condition). A vision test is standard; you will read a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test.
Once the examiner approves your renewal, you will pay the $24.50 fee. Your new license will be printed on-site and issued to you before you leave. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the window, but total time in the office can be one to two hours depending on how busy it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online in Alabama?
No. Alabama does not offer online driver's license renewal. You must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail. The mail option is the closest to remote renewal, but it requires mailing physical documents and takes two to three weeks.
What if I moved to Mobile from another state and my out-of-state license is still valid?
You must exchange your out-of-state license for an Alabama license within 30 days of establishing residency. This is not a renewal; it is a new process. Bring your valid out-of-state license, proof of Alabama residency, and proof of Social Security number. You will need to pass a vision test and written knowledge test. The fee is $24.50.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or court fine?
Not if the fine is related to a suspended license. If you have unpaid fines from a traffic violation, the DPS may not process your renewal until the fine is paid or a payment plan is set up. Contact the Mobile traffic court or the DPS to confirm your status before visiting the office.
How do I renew if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew a lost license; you must explore for a replacement. Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The replacement fee is $24.50. You will need to pass a vision test. Visit the Mobile DPS office in person.
What if I need my license before the mail renewal arrives?
If you renew by mail and need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at the Mobile DPS office. The permit is valid for 30 days and costs $5.00. Bring your process receipt and proof of residency.