The Alabama Department of Public Safety Issues All Driver's Licenses

The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the only government body that issues driver's licenses in Alabama. You cannot get one from your county, your city, or any private company — only DPS can issue, renew, or replace your license.

DPS operates a network of Driver License Examining Stations across the state where you take the written test, vision test, and road test, and where you pick up your finished license. These stations are not the same as the county tag offices you might visit for vehicle registration — they are separate facilities run specifically for licensing.

Understanding which office handles which task saves you a trip. Some offices only issue licenses; others handle renewals and replacements. A few locations offer limited services. Knowing what your local station does before you go means you won't arrive to find out they cannot help you that day.

Key Takeaways

  • The Alabama Department of Public Safety is the sole issuer of driver's licenses in the state, and you must work with them directly.
  • DPS operates Driver License Examining Stations throughout Alabama, and each location may offer different services — some issue new licenses only, while others handle renewals and replacements.
  • You can find your nearest station and its hours on the DPS website, and calling ahead tells you whether that location handles your specific need.
  • You will need to bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of Alabama residency, and your Social Security number to any DPS office.

How to Find Your Nearest DPS Driver License Examining Station

The Alabama Department of Public Safety maintains a list of all Driver License Examining Stations on its official website at dps.alabama.gov. You can search by county or city to find the office closest to you. The site shows the address, phone number, and hours for each location.

Not every station offers the same services. Some locations issue new licenses and handle road tests. Others are renewal-only offices. A few are limited-service stations that may only handle certain transactions. Before you go, call the station directly or check its listing on the DPS website to confirm it handles what you need.

Hours vary by location. Many stations are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments. Calling ahead also tells you whether you need an appointment or can walk in, since this varies by office and by how busy they are.

What You Need to Bring to a DPS Office

DPS requires specific documents no matter which station you visit or what service you need. Bring your original birth certificate or U.S. passport, a document showing your current Alabama address (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing or replacing a license, bring your current or expired license if you have it.

If you were born outside the United States, you will need your original birth certificate or passport plus proof of lawful presence — such as a green card, visa, or employment authorization document. DPS verifies immigration status before issuing a license, so bring the actual document, not a copy.

Bring proof of your Alabama address dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement works. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency. If you have just moved and do not have a document in your name yet, bring a letter from your landlord or a utility company showing your name and address.

The Difference Between New Licenses, Renewals, and Replacements

A new license is what you get if you have never held an Alabama license or if your license from another state has expired. You must pass the written test, vision test, and road test at a DPS Examining Station. This process takes longer than a renewal and requires an appointment at most locations.

A renewal is what you do when your current Alabama license is still valid or has been expired for less than five years. You do not retake the tests. You can renew online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a renewal station. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access.

A replacement is a new physical license with the same number and expiration date as your current one. You get a replacement if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. You do not retake tests. You can request a replacement in person at any DPS office or online if you lost it and want to avoid a trip.

When You Cannot Use an Online or Mail Renewal

DPS allows online and mail renewals for many people, but not everyone. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You also cannot renew online if you have unpaid traffic tickets or child support obligations that triggered a license hold.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license in person and retake the tests — you cannot straightforward renew it. The same is true if you changed your name, address, or other information on your license and need to update it beyond what an online form allows.

If you are unsure whether you can renew online, call your nearest DPS office or check the renewal section of the DPS website. Staff can tell you in a few minutes whether your record allows an online renewal or whether you must come in person.

What Happens After You Pass Your Tests

Once you pass the written test, vision test, and road test at a DPS Examining Station, you do not leave with your license that day. DPS prints licenses at a central facility, not at each local office. Your license is mailed to the address you provided, usually within 7 to 10 business days.

You will receive a temporary paper license at the station that you can use to drive while you wait for the permanent one to arrive. Keep this temporary license with you — it is valid proof of licensure until your plastic card arrives. If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks, contact DPS to check on it.

If you need your license sooner, some DPS offices offer expedited printing for an additional fee. Ask at your local station whether this option is available and what it costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama license at the tag office?

No. Tag offices handle vehicle registration only. You must go to a DPS Driver License Examining Station to renew, replace, or get a new driver's license. The two offices are separate, even though they may be in the same building in some counties.

What if I moved to Alabama from another state?

You must get an Alabama license within 30 days of moving. Bring your out-of-state license, your birth certificate or passport, and proof of Alabama residency to a DPS Examining Station. You will take the written and vision tests but not the road test if your out-of-state license is valid.

Do I need an appointment at the DPS office?

It depends on the location and the service you need. Some stations take walk-ins; others require appointments. Call your nearest station or check the DPS website to find out. Appointments are usually available online through the DPS website as well.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring proof that you have resolved the issue — such as proof of payment for unpaid fines, completion of a DUI course, or a letter from child support services. DPS will tell you what documents you need when you call.

How long does it take to get a new license after I pass the test?

Your permanent license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license at the station that is valid until the plastic card arrives. If you need it faster, ask about expedited printing options when you visit.