Where to go for your Baldwin County driver license
The Alabama Department of Public Safety runs all driver licensing in Baldwin County. The main office is in Foley, located at 1207 North McKenzie Street. This is where you'll take your written test, road test, and pick up your license once it's issued.
Baldwin County also has a satellite office in Daphne at 27377 Pollard Road, though not all services are available there. Call ahead to confirm whether the specific service you need — written test, road test, or license renewal — is offered at the location you plan to visit.
Hours vary by location and season, so check the Alabama Department of Public Safety website or call the Foley office at (251) 968-9111 before you go. The office may have reduced hours during winter months or close for state holidays.
Key Takeaways
- The Alabama Department of Public Safety office in Foley at 1207 North McKenzie Street is the main location for written tests, road tests, and license issuance in Baldwin County.
- You must bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (passport or birth certificate) to take your written test.
- The written test covers Alabama traffic laws and road signs; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
- After passing your written test, you schedule a road test appointment, which typically happens within one to three weeks depending on demand.
- Your Alabama driver license is valid for eight years from the date of issue and can be renewed online, by mail, or in person.
What documents you need before your first visit
Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. A birth certificate, passport, or military discharge papers also work. You cannot use a photocopy or digital image.
You also need proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Baldwin County address. A driver license from another state does not count as proof of residency.
Bring a photo ID if you have one: a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver license. If you don't have any photo ID, bring a second document from the residency list above.
If you're under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They'll need to sign your process and provide their own ID.
Taking the written test in Foley
The written test covers Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to answer 40 questions. You must score at least 80 percent — that's 32 correct answers — to pass.
The test is offered in English and Spanish. You can request a reader if you have a documented disability, but you must arrange this in advance by calling the Foley office.
If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. Most people pass on their first or second try if they study the Alabama Driver Manual, which is free on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website.
Scheduling and taking your road test
After you pass the written test, the examiner will give you a form to schedule your road test. You cannot take the road test the same day as your written test. Appointments typically open one to three weeks out, depending on how busy the Foley office is.
For your road test, bring the same documents you brought for the written test, plus your vehicle. The vehicle must be registered in Alabama, have valid insurance, and pass a safety inspection (working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn). The examiner will check these before the test begins.
The road test lasts about 20 minutes. You'll drive on local streets in Foley while the examiner watches and scores your ability to start, stop, turn, park, and follow traffic laws. You must pass to receive your license.
What happens after you pass your road test
Once you pass, the examiner will take your photo and issue your temporary license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to your address.
Your permanent Alabama driver license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. It is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can use the temporary license to drive during this waiting period.
If you move before your license arrives, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to update your address. You can do this online, by phone, or in person at the Foley office.
License types available in Baldwin County
Alabama offers a Class D license for regular passenger vehicles — cars, trucks, and vans. This is what most new drivers get. You must be at least 16 years old and pass both the written and road tests.
If you're 14 or 15, you can get a learner's permit instead. A learner's permit lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car. You take the written test but not the road test. The permit is valid for one year and can be renewed.
If you need to drive a motorcycle, you must pass a separate motorcycle written test and road test. You can take these at the Foley office as well.
Renewing your license before it expires
Your Alabama driver license is valid for eight years. You can renew it online through the Alabama Department of Public Safety website if you have no medical conditions and your address hasn't changed. Online renewal takes about two weeks.
You can also renew by mail or in person at the Foley office. In-person renewal is fastest — you'll get your temporary license the same day. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must retake the written test and road test. You cannot renew an expired license online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my road test in a vehicle that isn't registered to me?
Yes, but the vehicle must be registered in Alabama and have valid insurance. The owner does not need to be present, but the vehicle must pass the safety check before the test begins. Bring proof of insurance and the vehicle registration with you.
What if I fail my road test?
You can retake it as soon as the next available appointment, which is usually within one to three weeks. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the road test. Each attempt costs the same fee.
Do I need an appointment for the written test?
No. The written test is first-come, first-served at the Foley office. Arrive early, especially on weekends, because the office can get busy. You'll wait in line and take the test the same day if you have all your documents.
Can I renew my license online if I wear glasses or contacts?
Yes. Corrective lenses do not prevent online renewal. Your license will have a restriction code noting that you must wear them while driving. If you no longer need glasses, you must renew in person so the restriction can be removed.
What is the fee for a new driver license in Alabama?
Fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it's valid for. Call the Foley office at (251) 968-9111 to confirm the current fee before you visit, as fees can change.