Alabama's Driver's License Office Locations and Hours
Alabama's driver's licenses are issued by the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS), which operates a network of regional offices across the state. You cannot get a license at a single central office — instead, you visit one of the DPS driver's license examining stations in your county or a nearby county. Each station handles written tests, road tests, and license issuance.
The main DPS headquarters is in Montgomery, but it does not issue licenses to the public. To find the office nearest you, visit the Alabama DPS website and search by county. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some close for lunch. A few counties have limited hours or operate on a rotating schedule, so confirm your local office's schedule before you go.
Wait times vary widely depending on the office and time of day. Rural offices often have shorter waits than urban ones. If you go early in the morning or mid-week, you are more likely to be seen quickly. Some offices do not take appointments, so you may wait in line on a first-come, first-served basis.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama's driver's licenses come from the Department of Public Safety, which runs examining stations in counties across the state, not a single office.
- You must visit the office in your county or a nearby county to take your written test, road test, and receive your license.
- Most offices are open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by location, so check before you visit.
- You will need to bring specific documents — your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity — so gather these before you go.
What Documents You Need to Bring
Alabama requires you to bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You will need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card itself, a W-2, or a tax return), proof of identity (a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate), and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
If you are a minor, your parent or legal guardian must come with you and bring their own ID. If you are renewing a license, bring your current license. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Bring your completed process form (DL-44) if you have one, though you can also fill it out at the office. Some offices accept online pre-registration, which can speed up your visit, so check your local office's website first.
Taking the Written Test and Road Test
The written test covers Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 out of 30 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages. You can study using the Alabama Driver's Manual, which is free on the DPS website and covers everything on the test.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts in Alabama. However, you must pass the written test before you can take the road test.
The road test is conducted by a DPS examiner who rides with you in your own vehicle. The examiner watches how you handle basic driving tasks: starting and stopping smoothly, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. The test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you fail, you can retake it after a waiting period — check with your local office for the exact timeframe.
Fees and Payment Methods
Alabama driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Real ID-compliant licenses cost more than standard licenses because they meet federal identification standards. Renewal fees are lower than the cost of a new license.
The DPS accepts cash, checks, and debit or credit cards at most offices. Some rural offices may accept only cash or check, so call ahead if you are unsure. If you fail a test and retake it, you typically do not pay an additional fee for the retest itself, only for the license once you pass.
If you are a low-income driver, Alabama offers a fee waiver program for certain situations, such as if you are receiving public information. Ask at your local office whether you may have access to.
Getting a Real ID-Compliant License
A Real ID is a federal standard that makes your driver's license acceptable for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Starting in 2025, you will need a Real ID or a passport to fly domestically within the United States. Alabama offers Real ID licenses, but they cost more than a standard license and require additional documents.
To get a Real ID license in Alabama, you must bring the same documents as for a standard license, plus an original or certified copy of your birth certificate and proof of your Social Security number. The process is the same — you take the written and road tests — but the license itself is marked as Real ID-compliant and is valid for eight years instead of four.
If you already have a standard Alabama license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can renew early and request the Real ID version. You do not have to retake the tests; you straightforward pay the renewal fee plus the Real ID upgrade fee.
Renewing Your License Before It Expires
Alabama allows you to renew your driver's license up to 180 days before it expires. You can renew in person at any DPS office, by mail, or online through the Alabama DPS website — the method depends on your license type and whether you have made changes to your information.
If you renew by mail, send your current license, a completed renewal form, and the renewal fee to the address on the DPS website. Processing takes about two to three weeks. If you renew online, you must have a valid email address and be able to upload a new photo. Online renewal is the fastest option and costs the same as in-person renewal.
If you renew in person, you do not have to retake the written or road test unless your license has been suspended or revoked, or unless you are upgrading to a Real ID. Bring your current license and proof of residency.
What to Do If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked
If your Alabama license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions are usually temporary and result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or medical reasons. Revocations are more serious and result from DUI convictions or repeated traffic violations.
To find out whether your license is suspended or revoked, contact the Alabama DPS or check the online license status tool on the DPS website. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. If your license is suspended, the notice will tell you what caused the suspension and how to resolve it — usually by paying fines, completing a course, or meeting other requirements.
Once you have resolved the issue, you must visit a DPS office in person to have your license reinstated. Bring proof that you have met all the requirements. There may be a reinstatement fee in addition to any fines or court costs you owe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my road test in a borrowed car or rental car?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition, but it does not have to be yours. Make sure the owner gives you permission and that you have proof of insurance for that vehicle. The examiner will check the vehicle's condition before the test begins.
What happens if I move to a different county in Alabama?
You do not have to get a new license just because you moved. Your current license remains valid until it expires. However, you should update your address with the DPS by visiting any office or by mail. Bring proof of your new residency.
How long does it take to get a license after I pass the road test?
If you pass both tests, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is legal to use while you drive.
Do I need an appointment at the DPS office?
Most Alabama DPS offices do not require appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, some offices now offer online pre-registration, which lets you reserve a time slot. Check your local office's website to see if this option is available in your county.
What if I fail the road test — can I retake it the same day?
No. You must wait before retaking the road test. The exact waiting period varies by office, so ask the examiner or call your local office to find out. You can usually retake it within a few days or a week.