Renewal locations in Birmingham

You can renew your Alabama driver's license at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Office in Birmingham. The state operates two full-service locations in the city: the main downtown office on Dexter Avenue and a satellite office on the east side. Both issue new licenses, handle renewals, and process address changes on the same day.

You do not have to renew at the office closest to your home — any DPS location in Alabama will process your renewal. However, Birmingham's two offices have different hours and wait times, so choosing the right one affects how long you spend there.

A third option is to renew by mail if you meet specific requirements, which can save you a trip entirely. Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had certain violations in the past five years.

Key Takeaways

  • The downtown DPS office on Dexter Avenue and the east-side satellite office both handle renewals in person, and you can use either one regardless of where you live.
  • Mail renewal is an option if your current license is not expired, you have no medical conditions listed on your license, and you have not had a suspension or revocation in the past five years.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number to renew in person.
  • Processing takes about 10 to 15 minutes at the counter, but wait times vary by location and time of day; arriving early or on a weekday morning typically means shorter lines.
  • Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the renewal; you can use your old license until it arrives.

In-person renewal at DPS offices in Birmingham

The main DPS Driver License Office is located at 301 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery Street entrance, Birmingham, AL 35203. This is the primary full-service location for Jefferson County. Hours are 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. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays.

The east-side satellite office is at 2600 Crestwood Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35210. This location has the same services but typically shorter wait times during peak hours. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., also with a lunch break from noon to 1:00 p.m.

Both offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis — there is no online appointment system for renewals in Alabama. Arriving before 10:00 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m. on a weekday usually means a shorter wait. Avoid the lunch hour and the last 30 minutes before closing.

Documents you need to bring for in-person renewal

Bring your current Alabama driver's license — this is required. You will also need one document that proves your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address dated within the last 60 days.

Have your Social Security number ready. You do not need to bring a card, but you must know the number. If you are renewing under a different name than your current license (due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring the court order or certified marriage certificate that documents the change.

If you wear corrective lenses, bring your glasses or contacts. The DPS staff will verify that your vision meets the standard for driving. If you have had a change in medical conditions since your last license was issued — such as a new diagnosis of diabetes or a seizure disorder — tell the staff member before they process your renewal, because some conditions require a medical evaluation form from your doctor.

Mail renewal for Alabama licenses

You can renew by mail if all of the following are true: your current license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions or conditions noted on your license, you have not had a license suspension or revocation in the past five years, and you have not had more than one traffic violation in the past three years.

To renew by mail, read the process for Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-44) from the Alabama DPS website or request one by phone at 334-242-4437. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee (currently $24.50 for a four-year renewal). Mail everything to Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471.

Processing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DPS receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. If you need to update your address, include a new proof of residency document with your mailed process. Mail renewal is slower than in-person renewal, so do not use this route if your license expires soon.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a four-year Alabama driver's license is $24.50. A six-year renewal costs $36.75. At the DPS office, you can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. Checks and money orders are not accepted at the counter.

If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order made payable to the State of Alabama. Do not send cash through the mail.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license instead, which requires a written test and a vision test. Contact the DPS office to confirm your license status before you go.

What happens after you complete your renewal

Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your old license until the new one arrives. If you move before your new license is mailed, you can update your address at any DPS office, but this may delay your new license by a few extra days.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, call the DPS Driver License Division at 334-242-4437 to check the status. Have your old license number and date of birth ready. If the license was lost in the mail, the DPS can issue a replacement at no additional cost.

Your old license is no longer valid once your new license arrives. You do not need to return it, but you should destroy it to prevent identity theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is already expired?

If your license expired less than five years ago, you can renew it at a DPS office or by mail using the standard renewal process. If it has been expired for more than five years, you must explore for a new license instead, which requires passing a written test and a vision test. Call 334-242-4437 to confirm how long your license has been expired.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DPS office in Birmingham?

No. Alabama DPS offices do not offer appointments for driver's license renewals. All renewals are handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early in the morning or mid-afternoon typically means a shorter wait than arriving during lunch or near closing time.

What if I cannot find my current license before my renewal appointment?

Bring a photo ID instead, such as a passport or state ID card. You will still need proof of residency and your Social Security number. If you have no photo ID at all, contact the DPS office at 334-242-4437 before you go to ask what documents they will accept.

Can I renew my license online in Alabama?

Alabama does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail. Some states offer online renewal, but Alabama's system does not currently support it.

How long is my new license valid after I renew?

A renewed Alabama driver's license is valid for four years or six years, depending on which term you choose at renewal. The fee is lower for the four-year license ($24.50) and higher for the six-year license ($36.75). Your new license will show the expiration date on the front.