Where to Get Your License in Dothan

The Dothan Driver License Office is located at 2700 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, AL 36301. This is the only Alabama Department of Public Safety (ADPS) office in Houston County that issues driver licenses. You cannot renew or obtain a license at a county courthouse, sheriff's office, or tag office — only at this ADPS location.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Wait times vary by day and time of year; Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically see shorter lines than Mondays or Fridays. The office does not take appointments, so you arrive and take a number.

If you cannot reach the Dothan office during business hours, you can call the Alabama Driver License Bureau at 334-242-4437 to ask about specific requirements or current wait times. However, you must visit the physical office in person to complete your transaction.

Key Takeaways

  • The Dothan Driver License Office at 2700 Ross Clark Circle is the only place in Houston County where you can obtain or renew an Alabama driver license.
  • You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Alabama residency — the specific documents depend on whether you are getting your first license or renewing.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written knowledge test, vision screening, and road test at the Dothan office or schedule the road test at a separate testing location.
  • Renewal by mail is available in Alabama if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years, which means many Dothan residents can skip the office visit.
  • Fees vary by license type and age; a standard four-year license costs less than an eight-year license, and drivers under 21 pay a different rate.

Documents You Need for a First License

If you are getting your first Alabama driver license, bring originals or certified copies of the following documents to the Dothan office. Do not bring photocopies unless the office has already told you a photocopy is acceptable for your specific situation.

You need one document that proves your identity: a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, state ID card from another state, or a tribal ID. You also need proof of your Social Security number: your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov. Finally, you need two documents that prove you live in Alabama — for example, a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate plus your naturalization papers or green card. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage license, divorce decree, or court order.

Documents You Need to Renew Your License

Renewal requirements depend on whether you renew in person at the Dothan office or by mail. If your current license is not suspended or revoked and has not been expired for more than five years, you can renew by mail without visiting the office.

To renew by mail, you submit your current license, a completed process for Alabama Driver License (Form DL-44), and the renewal fee. Mail these to the Alabama Driver License Bureau, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Processing takes two to three weeks. You do not need to bring proof of residency or identity documents if you are renewing by mail and your current license is still valid.

If you renew in person at the Dothan office, bring your current license, proof of residency (one document dated within the last 60 days), and the renewal fee. You will not need to retake the written test or vision screening unless the examiner has reason to believe your vision has changed significantly or your license was suspended.

The Written Test and Vision Screening

First-time applicants must pass a written knowledge test at the Dothan office. The test covers Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Alabama Driver License Manual, which is free and available online at the ADPS website or in print at the Dothan office. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass.

You also undergo a vision screening at the office. The examiner checks your visual acuity and color vision. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you may be required to obtain a statement from an eye doctor before the office will issue your license.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no fee to retake the test. However, if you fail three times, you must wait one week before attempting again.

The Road Test and Where to Schedule It

After you pass the written test and vision screening at the Dothan office, you must pass a road test. The Dothan office does not conduct road tests on-site. Instead, you schedule your road test at one of Alabama's designated testing locations. The closest testing location to Dothan is typically in Montgomery or another nearby city, which may require travel.

The examiner will test your ability to start the vehicle, control steering, brake smoothly, turn correctly, park, and follow traffic laws. You must bring your own vehicle, and it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will inspect the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before the test begins.

Road test appointments fill up weeks in advance, especially during summer months. After you pass your written test at the Dothan office, ask the staff for the current wait time and available dates at your nearest testing location. You can also call the Alabama Driver License Bureau to check availability.

License Types and Fees in Dothan

Alabama offers several driver license types, and the fee depends on which one you choose and your age. A standard Class D license (for regular passenger vehicles) costs one amount for a four-year license and a higher amount for an eight-year license. Drivers under 21 receive a different license format and pay a reduced fee.

A Commercial Driver License (CDL) requires additional testing and costs more than a standard license. If you need a CDL, you must pass a separate written test for the class of vehicle you will drive (Class A, B, or C) and a road test in that vehicle type. The Dothan office can tell you which testing locations offer CDL road tests.

Fees change periodically and vary slightly depending on whether you are renewing, replacing a lost or damaged license, or obtaining a license for the first time. The Dothan office staff can tell you the exact fee when you arrive. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card — the office accepts all three.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

The most common reason people have to return to the Dothan office is bringing incomplete or incorrect documents. Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies, unless you have already confirmed with the office that a photocopy is acceptable. If your documents show a different name than your current legal name, bring the court order or marriage license that explains the change.

Do not assume your out-of-state license will transfer automatically. Alabama requires you to pass the written test and road test even if you held a valid license in another state. However, if you have held a valid license in another state for at least one year when ready before moving to Alabama, you may be waived from the written test — ask the Dothan office staff whether you may have access to.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it by mail. You must visit the Dothan office in person, and you may need to provide proof that the suspension or revocation has been lifted. Contact the Alabama Driver License Bureau before you visit to confirm what documents you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by phone in Dothan?

No. Alabama does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is valid and not suspended, or you can renew in person at the Dothan office. Phone renewal is not available.

What if I fail my road test?

You can retake the road test at the same testing location. There is typically a fee to retake the test, and you must schedule a new appointment. Wait times for retesting vary by location.

Do I need an appointment at the Dothan Driver License Office?

No. The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You arrive, take a number, and wait your turn. Arriving early in the day or mid-week typically means a shorter wait.

What if I moved to Dothan from another state?

You must obtain an Alabama license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Alabama residency, and your Social Security documentation to the Dothan office. You will need to pass the written test and road test unless you may have access to for a waiver based on holding a valid license for at least one year before moving.

Can I get a REAL ID at the Dothan office?

Yes. A REAL ID-compliant license costs slightly more than a standard license and requires additional identity verification. Bring your birth certificate or passport along with your other documents. A REAL ID license is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025.