Where to get your Alabama driver's license in Dothan
The Alabama Department of Public Safety issues driver's licenses at the Dothan Driver License Examiner's Office, located at 2701 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, AL 36301. This is the only full-service location in Dothan where you can take the written test, vision test, and road test on the same day if you are ready.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You do not need an appointment for a written or vision test, but road tests require scheduling in advance. Call 334-615-5555 to book a road test or ask about current wait times.
If you cannot visit during regular hours, there are no evening or weekend options at this location. Some nearby counties have satellite offices with limited hours, but Dothan's main office is your primary resource for all license types and renewals.
Key Takeaways
- The Dothan Driver License Examiner's Office at 2701 Ross Clark Circle handles written tests, vision tests, and road tests, with road tests requiring a phone reservation.
- You must bring original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Alabama residency before you arrive.
- A Real ID-compliant license requires an original birth certificate or passport, not just a copy, and costs more than a standard license.
- Road tests are scheduled by phone at 334-615-5555 and typically have a wait of one to three weeks depending on the season.
- If you are renewing an expired license, you may be able to renew by mail or online without visiting the office, depending on how long it has been expired.
Documents you need to bring
Alabama requires original documents — not copies — to prove your identity, Social Security number, and residency. Bring your Social Security card or a tax return showing your full Social Security number. For identity, bring a passport, military ID, or birth certificate. A school ID or work badge alone is not enough.
For proof of Alabama residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name and current address. A bill dated within the last 60 days works best. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.
If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license — the kind required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 7, 2025 — you must bring an original birth certificate or passport. A certified copy of your birth certificate is acceptable; an uncertified photocopy is not. Real ID licenses cost more than standard Alabama licenses and take longer to arrive by mail.
Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian and their ID as well.
What the written and vision tests cover
The written test has 30 questions about Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish. You can take it on a computer at the Dothan office, and you will know your score before you leave.
The vision test checks whether you can read a standard eye chart at 20 feet. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you will be told on the spot and can retake it after a waiting period set by Alabama law. You do not need a separate eye exam from an optometrist unless the DMV specifically requires one.
If you have failed the written test before, you must wait one day before retaking it. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it, but each attempt costs the same fee.
How to schedule and pass your road test
Road tests are scheduled by phone only. Call 334-615-5555 during office hours and give the staff member your name, phone number, and preferred test date. Wait times vary by season — summer and early fall are busier — but typically range from one to three weeks. You will receive a confirmation by mail or phone.
Bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid Alabama tags and proof of insurance in the glove box. Bring your learner's permit or temporary license and a valid ID. The examiner will check the vehicle's lights, wipers, horn, and brakes before the test begins.
The road test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic maneuvers: starting, stopping, turning, parking, and lane changes. You must follow traffic laws and the examiner's directions. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must call to schedule another appointment. There is no same-day retesting.
License types and costs in Alabama
Alabama offers a standard driver's license, valid for four years, and a Real ID-compliant license, also valid for four years but meeting federal identification standards. Standard licenses cost less but cannot be used for federal building entry or domestic air travel after May 7, 2025. Real ID licenses cost more upfront and take two to four weeks to arrive by mail because they are printed at a central facility.
If you are under 18, you receive a learner's permit first, which allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the vehicle. After holding the permit for a set period and passing the road test, you can upgrade to a junior license with restrictions, then a full license at 18.
Costs vary depending on your age and license type. Contact the Dothan office at 334-615-5555 or visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety website for current fees. Fees are paid at the time of your test or process.
Renewing your Alabama license by mail or online
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you may renew by mail without visiting the office. Request a renewal form from the Dothan Driver License Examiner's Office or read it from the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. Mail the form, your expired license, and the renewal fee to the address on the form. Processing takes two to four weeks.
Online renewal is available for some drivers but not all. Visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety website to check whether your license type and expiration date make you may be able to access. If you are may be able to access, you can renew online and receive your new license by mail within two to four weeks.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must visit the Dothan office in person and retake the written and vision tests. You do not need to retake the road test unless your license was suspended or revoked.
What to do if you have an out-of-state license
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you are moving to Alabama, you can exchange it for an Alabama license without retaking the written test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card to the Dothan office. You will still take the vision test, and you may be asked to take the written test if your out-of-state license is very old or from a country other than the United States.
If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, Alabama will not issue you a license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the state that suspended your license to learn how to restore it.
If you are moving to Alabama from another country and hold an international driving permit, you can use it temporarily while you obtain an Alabama license. You must bring your passport, visa, and proof of residency to the Dothan office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my road test the same day as my written and vision tests?
No. You must pass the written and vision tests first, then schedule your road test by phone for a later date. The Dothan office does not offer same-day road testing. After you pass the written and vision tests, you will receive a temporary permit valid for 30 days while you wait for your road test appointment.
What happens if I fail my road test?
You can retake it, but you must call 334-615-5555 to schedule another appointment. There is no same-day retesting. You do not need to retake the written or vision tests unless they have expired. Each road test attempt costs the same fee.
Do I need a Real ID license, or can I use a standard license?
Standard licenses are valid for driving within Alabama and for state ID purposes. Real ID licenses are required for federal building entry and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. If you fly or enter federal buildings, you need a Real ID license or a passport. Standard licenses cost less and arrive faster, but Real ID licenses are more widely accepted for federal purposes.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the road test?
If you received a standard license, your physical license arrives by mail within two to four weeks. If you received a Real ID license, it takes two to four weeks as well because it is printed at a central facility. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.
What if I moved to Dothan from out of state and my license is still valid?
You can exchange your out-of-state license for an Alabama license without retaking the written test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Alabama residency, and your Social Security card to the Dothan office. You will take the vision test, and your new Alabama license will be issued the same day.