Where the Auburn DMV Office Is Located and What It Handles
The Auburn driver's license office is run by the Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division. It is located at 1501 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, AL 36830. This office issues standard driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses (CDLs), and handles renewals, replacements, and address changes for residents in Lee County and surrounding areas.
The Auburn office does not handle all DMV services. It does not issue Real ID-compliant documents, conduct road tests for new drivers, or process commercial learner's permits. You will need to visit a different location or office for those services. Before you go, check what your specific transaction requires — many people arrive at the wrong office because they did not verify this first.
Key Takeaways
- The Auburn office is at 1501 East Glenn Avenue and handles standard licenses, renewals, and replacements, but not Real ID or road tests.
- You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to any transaction.
- Hours vary by day and the office closes for lunch, so call ahead at the main DMV line or check the Alabama DPS website before visiting.
- Road tests for new drivers must be scheduled at a separate testing location, not at the Auburn office itself.
- Real ID-compliant licenses require additional documents and are not issued at all locations; confirm availability before making the trip.
What Documents You Need to Bring
The documents required depend on whether you are renewing, replacing, or getting your first license. For any transaction, bring your Social Security number or ITIN, a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or out-of-state license), and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Auburn address.
If you are renewing an expired Alabama license, bring the expired license itself plus the documents above. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a police report or the case number if you filed one. If you are explore for your first Alabama license after moving from another state, bring your out-of-state license plus proof of residency. Do not assume the office will have forms or accept digital copies of documents — bring physical originals or certified copies.
Hours, Phone Numbers, and How to Reach the Office
The Auburn office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch closure from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Hours change seasonally and the office may close for state holidays. Call the Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Division at (334) 242-4437 to confirm hours before you visit, or check the official Alabama DPS website for the most current schedule.
The Auburn office does not take appointments. Service is first-come, first-served. Arrive early if possible — wait times are longest mid-morning and mid-afternoon. If you cannot visit during regular hours, you may be able to handle some transactions online through the Alabama DPS website, such as address changes or license renewals if your license is not expired.
What to Expect When You Arrive
When you enter the Auburn office, take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. You will wait until your number is called. Bring all required documents in a folder or envelope so they are organized and straightforward to hand over. The staff member will review your documents, ask you to sign forms, and take a new photo if you are renewing or replacing your license.
The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is and whether your documents are in order. If any document is missing or incorrect, the staff member will tell you what you need and may ask you to return another day. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use while you wait for the plastic card.
Services Not Available at the Auburn Office
The Auburn office does not conduct road tests for new drivers. If you need to take a driving test to get your first license or to reinstate a suspended license, you must schedule an appointment at a separate Alabama DPS testing location. The nearest testing centers may be in Opelika or Montgomery. Call the main DMV line to find the testing location closest to you and to schedule your appointment.
Real ID-compliant licenses (marked with a gold star) are not issued at all Alabama DMV offices. If you need a Real ID license for federal purposes such as air travel, you will need to visit a location that offers them. Check the Alabama DPS website or call ahead to confirm which offices issue Real ID documents and what additional documents you must bring.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is arriving without proof of residency. Many people bring only their expired license or an out-of-state ID and expect that to be enough. It is not. The Auburn office requires a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement works. An old bill or a letter from an employer does not.
A second mistake is not bringing your Social Security number or ITIN. You cannot complete any license transaction without it. If you do not have your Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number, such as a tax return or W-2. A third mistake is assuming the office is open during lunch or on a particular holiday. Call ahead. A fourth mistake is trying to renew a license that expired more than five years ago — you may have to explore as a new driver and take a written test. Ask the staff when you call to confirm whether your situation requires a test.
Alternatives If You Cannot Visit in Person
If you cannot visit the Auburn office, you may be able to renew your license online through the Alabama DPS website if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements. Online renewal is faster and you do not have to visit an office. However, you cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your address, or if you are explore for your first license.
If you need to change your address but cannot visit the office, you can submit an address change form by mail to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Include a copy of your license and proof of your new address. Processing by mail takes longer than in-person service, usually 2 to 3 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to visit the Auburn office?
No. The Auburn office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You take a number when you arrive and wait until it is called. Appointments are not available. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon usually means shorter waits than mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
Can I renew my license by mail instead of visiting the office?
Not through the Auburn office directly. However, you may be able to renew online if your license is not expired. If you must renew by mail, contact the Alabama DPS to request a mail renewal form. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and is not available for all license types.
What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have my number memorized?
Bring a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form. You do not need the card itself, only proof of the number. If you do not have any document with your number, contact the Social Security Administration before visiting the office.
How long does it take to get my new license after I visit the Auburn office?
Your plastic license card is mailed to your address on file and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid while you wait for the card to arrive.
Can I get a Real ID license at the Auburn office?
No. Real ID licenses are not issued at the Auburn location. Check the Alabama DPS website or call the main DMV line to find the nearest office that issues Real ID documents and to learn what additional documents you must bring.