How to Get Your Driver License in Covington County, Alabama

Where to explore for your Covington County driver license

The Covington County Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, is located in Andalusia, Alabama. This is the office that issues driver licenses, learner permits, and ID cards for residents in Covington County. You will need to visit in person to explore — you cannot complete a driver license process by mail or online.

The office address is 2101 Flower Avenue, Andalusia, AL 36420. Hours and wait times vary by day and season. Call ahead at the local Driver License office to confirm current hours before you go, or check the Alabama Department of Public Safety website for the most recent information.

Bring all required documents with you on your first visit. If you are missing even one document, the office will not process your process that day, and you will need to return. Plan for a wait of 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is.

Key Takeaways

You must explore in person at the Covington County Driver License office in Andalusia; there is no online or mail option.
Bring your birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and a completed process form on your first visit.
A standard Alabama driver license costs a set fee that varies depending on whether you are renewing, getting your first license, or replacing a lost one.
If you have a suspended license or unpaid traffic fines, the office will not issue a new license until those issues are resolved.
You will take a written test, vision test, and driving test as part of the process process unless you are renewing an existing license.

Documents you need to bring

Alabama requires specific documents to prove your identity, age, and residency. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. The office will not accept documents that are expired, damaged, or illegible.

You need proof of your date of birth, such as a birth certificate, passport, or military discharge papers. You also need proof of your Social Security number: a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.

If you are explore for your first license or a learner permit, you will also need to complete an process form (DL-44) before you arrive or at the office. Bring a completed form to speed up the process. You will also need to provide your signature and allow the office to take a photograph and fingerprints.

What happens during your first visit

The office will verify your documents, check your identity, and confirm you have no outstanding suspensions or fines. If everything is in order, you will take a written test covering Alabama traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass.

Next, you will take a vision test. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to get your license that day.

After passing the written and vision tests, you will schedule a driving test. This test is not given on the same day as your written test. You will need to return to the office on a separate date with your own vehicle (or a vehicle you have permission to use) to take the driving test. The examiner will evaluate your ability to start the car, control steering, brake safely, and follow traffic laws during a 15- to 20-minute drive.

Fees and how long it takes

The cost of a driver license in Alabama depends on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard four-year driver license costs one amount; a six-year license costs more. Replacement licenses and learner permits have different fees. The office will tell you the exact cost when you explore.

After you pass all tests, the office will issue you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Do not drive without your temporary license or permanent license — you must have one of these with you at all times.

If you fail the written test or driving test, you can retake it. Most offices allow you to retake the written test the same day or within a few days. The driving test usually requires you to schedule a new appointment, which may be weeks away depending on how busy the office is.

If you have a suspended license or outstanding fines

The Covington County Driver License office will check the Alabama Department of Public Safety database before issuing your license. If your license is suspended for any reason — unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, points from traffic violations, or a failure to appear in court — the office will not issue a new license.

You must resolve the suspension first. This usually means paying outstanding fines, completing a court-ordered program, or waiting out a suspension period. Contact the Covington County Circuit Court or District Court to find out what you owe and how to clear the suspension. Once the suspension is lifted, you can return to the Driver License office to complete your process.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the Driver License office or the Alabama Department of Public Safety before you go. This will save you a wasted trip.

Real ID and what it means for your Covington County license

Alabama offers both standard driver licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. 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. A standard license does not have this star and cannot be used for these purposes after May 7, 2025.

If you want a Real ID license, you must bring additional documents proving your residency and legal status. The office will tell you which documents may have access to when you explore. Real ID licenses cost slightly more than standard licenses but are valid for the same length of time.

If you do not fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient. You can always upgrade to Real ID later by returning to the office with the required documents.

What to do if you lose your license or need to renew

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Covington County Driver License office. Bring your documents and pay the replacement fee. You do not need to retake the written or driving test for a replacement.

If your license is expiring, you can renew it in person at the office or by mail if you meet certain conditions. You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended, you have no outstanding fines, and your address has not changed. The office will send you renewal forms by mail before your license expires. If you cannot renew by mail, you must visit the office in person.

Renewing in person takes the same amount of time as explore for a new license, but you do not need to retake the written or driving test. You will need to provide updated documents and allow the office to take a new photograph.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner permit before I get my full driver license?

Yes. Alabama issues learner permits to people who are at least 15 years old. A learner permit allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the car. You must pass the written test and vision test to get a learner permit, but you do not take the driving test. After you hold the permit for a certain amount of time and practice driving, you can return to get your full driver license.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test. The office will schedule a new appointment for you, which may be weeks away. You will pay a fee each time you retake the test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pass the written test first.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

You need to bring proof of your Social Security number, but it does not have to be your card. A W-2 form, tax return, or other official document showing your number will work. If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the office — they can help you understand your options.

How long is my temporary license good for?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If your permanent license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the office to report it missing.

Can I renew my license online?

You cannot renew online in Alabama. You can renew by mail if you meet certain conditions, or you must visit the Covington County Driver License office in person. Call the office to ask whether you are allowed to renew by mail based on your situation.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.