The Mobile Driver's License Office Location and Hours
Alabama's driver's license office in Mobile is run by the Alabama Department of Public Safety. The main office is located at 1409 Government Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36606. This is the place to go for a new license, renewal, replacement, or any change to your existing license.
Hours vary by season and staffing, so call ahead before you go. The office is typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but you should verify current hours by calling 251-208-7560 or checking the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. Some services may require an appointment, especially for commercial driver's license (CDL) testing.
Mobile also has a satellite office or express service location in some cases, though the Government Boulevard location is the primary full-service office. If you are in a different part of Mobile County, ask when you call whether a closer location serves your needs.
Key Takeaways
- The main Mobile driver's license office is at 1409 Government Boulevard and handles all license types, renewals, and replacements.
- You must call 251-208-7560 to confirm current hours before visiting, as they change seasonally and by staffing.
- Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and Social Security card or birth certificate depending on whether you are renewing or explore for a new license.
- CDL testing and some specialty services may require an appointment scheduled in advance.
- If you cannot visit in person, Alabama offers online renewal for some license types through the state website.
What Documents You Need to Bring
The documents required depend on whether you are renewing an existing license or obtaining one for the first time. For a renewal, bring your current Alabama driver's license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
For a new license, the requirements are more extensive. You will need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of residency. The residency document must show your current address and your name — a utility bill, bank statement, or lease works. If you have recently moved, bring a document from your previous address as well.
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present, and they will need to bring their own ID. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted for initial applications.
License Types You Can Obtain in Mobile
The Mobile office issues standard Class D driver's licenses for regular passenger vehicles, which is what most people need. You can also obtain a Class M motorcycle endorsement if you pass the written and riding tests.
For commercial driver's licenses (CDL), the Mobile office administers the written test and road test, but you must schedule an appointment. CDL holders need additional medical certification and must pass both the general knowledge test and a vehicle-specific test. If you drive a school bus, hazmat truck, or passenger bus, you will need a CDL.
The office also handles Real ID compliant licenses, which are required for federal building access and domestic air travel as of May 2025. A Real ID license costs slightly more and requires additional identity verification, but the Mobile office can issue it on the same visit if you bring the correct documents.
How to Renew Your License Online or by Mail
If your license is not expired and you have no address changes, Alabama allows online renewal for standard Class D licenses through the state's website. You can renew up to six months before expiration. Online renewal is faster and costs less than visiting the office in person.
To renew online, you will need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if you have changed your name, address, or medical status, or if your license has been suspended or revoked.
Mail renewal is also an option in some cases. Contact the Mobile office to request a mail renewal form, or check the Alabama Department of Public Safety website to see if you are may be able to access. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but requires no office visit.
Fees and Payment Methods
A standard Class D driver's license costs $26.50 for a four-year license or $39.75 for an eight-year license in Alabama. Real ID licenses cost an additional $5. Motorcycle endorsements and CDL tests have separate fees that vary.
The Mobile office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you are renewing online, you must use a debit or credit card. Ask about current fees when you call, as they can change and may differ for certain services like duplicate licenses or name changes.
If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, the fee is the same as a renewal. If you are changing your name due to marriage or court order, bring the marriage certificate or court document along with your current license.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Arrive early, especially on Fridays or near the end of the month when the office is busier. Bring all required documents in originals or certified copies. You will fill out an process form (DL-43 for a new license or renewal), have your photo taken, and pay the fee.
For a standard renewal with no changes, the process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. For a new license, allow 30 to 45 minutes. If you are taking a written test or road test, plan for at least one to two hours. The office will issue a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you fail a written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. Road tests for CDL or motorcycle endorsements are scheduled separately and may require a waiting period between attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
No, you cannot renew an expired license online or by mail. You must visit the Mobile office in person and may need to retake the written test and eye exam. Bring all documents as if you were obtaining a new license.
Do I need an appointment to get a driver's license in Mobile?
Walk-ins are usually accepted for renewals and new licenses, but appointments are required for CDL testing and some specialty services. Call 251-208-7560 to ask whether an appointment is needed for your specific service.
What if I have a suspended or revoked license?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to resolve the suspension or revocation first. The Mobile office can tell you the status of your license and what steps are required to restore it.
How long does it take to get a Real ID license in Mobile?
You can receive a temporary Real ID license on the same day you visit the office, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Bring extra identity documents to prove your citizenship or legal residency status.
What if I move out of Mobile but still need to use the Mobile office?
You can visit any Alabama driver's license office, not just the one in Mobile. If you move to another county, you should update your address at the office nearest your new home. You can also update your address online through the Alabama Department of Public Safety website if you are not changing your license type.