The Alabama Department of Public Safety Issues Licenses in Birmingham
Your driver's license comes from the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS), which operates a Driver License Examiner's Office in Birmingham. This is the only place in the city where you can take the written test, vision test, and road test required for a new license or renewal. You cannot get a license from the county courthouse, city hall, or any other municipal office — DPS handles all driver licensing in the state.
The Birmingham office is located at 1800 First Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203. This is the main facility for Jefferson County and the surrounding area. The office is open Monday through Friday, though hours vary by day and change seasonally, so you should check the DPS website or call ahead before you go.
If you live outside Birmingham but in Jefferson County or a nearby county, you may have other DPS offices closer to you. The state operates examiner offices in Bessemer, Cullman, and other regional centers. However, if Birmingham is your closest or most convenient option, you can take your test there regardless of where you live in Alabama.
Key Takeaways
- The Alabama Department of Public Safety's Birmingham office at 1800 First Avenue North is the only place in the city to test for and receive a driver's license.
- You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or documentation of your number to the office.
- The office is open weekdays only, and you do not need an appointment for most services, but wait times can be long during peak hours.
- If you are renewing an existing license, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of visiting the office in person.
- The DPS website shows current wait times and office hours, which change seasonally and may be affected by staffing or maintenance.
What Documents You Need to Bring
Before you go to the Birmingham DPS office, gather the documents listed on the DPS website for your specific situation — whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or replacing a lost one. The requirements differ slightly, but all applicants need a valid form of identification (such as a passport, military ID, or birth certificate), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number.
Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement all work. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a bill in your name, bring a letter from your landlord or a recent lease signed by both you and the landlord. The DPS website lists all acceptable documents — bringing the wrong ones will send you home to get the right ones.
If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign your process. If you are explore for a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting in 2025), bring additional proof of citizenship or legal residency, such as a passport or birth certificate.
Testing and Fees at the Birmingham Office
The Birmingham DPS office administers three tests: the written knowledge test, the vision test, and the road test. You must pass all three to receive a license. The written test covers traffic laws and safe driving practices and is offered in English and several other languages. The vision test checks your eyesight and color blindness. The road test is a practical driving evaluation with a DPS examiner in your vehicle.
You can take the written and vision tests on the same day you visit the office. The road test must be scheduled in advance — you cannot walk in and take it the same day. After you pass the written and vision tests, staff will help you schedule a road test appointment, which may be days or weeks away depending on how busy the office is.
The current fee for a four-year driver's license is set by Alabama law and varies based on your age and license type. Check the DPS website for the exact amount, as fees change periodically. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the Birmingham office.
Walk-In Hours and Wait Times
The Birmingham DPS office does not require appointments for written and vision tests, but you should arrive early because wait times can be substantial. The office opens at 8:00 a.m. on weekdays, and the longest waits typically occur between 9:00 a.m. and noon and again in mid-afternoon. If you arrive after 4:00 p.m., you may be turned away if there is not enough time to complete your tests before closing.
The DPS website displays current wait times for the Birmingham location, updated throughout the day. Checking this before you leave home can help you decide whether to go when ready or wait an hour or two. On Fridays and days before holidays, waits are often longer than on other weekdays.
Bring something to read or do while you wait. The office is typically crowded, and you may spend 30 minutes to two hours in the waiting area before you are called. Staff will direct you through the process once your number is called.
Renewing Your License Without Visiting Birmingham
If you already have a valid Alabama driver's license and are straightforward renewing it, you may not need to visit the Birmingham office at all. Alabama allows renewal by mail or online through the DPS website if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions. Renewing online is faster and costs less than renewing in person.
You can renew online if your license is still valid, you have not had any address changes that require a new photo, and you do not need to change your name or other information on the license. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. The fee for online renewal is lower than the in-person fee.
If your license has already expired, you have had a name change, or you need a new photo, you must visit the Birmingham office in person. The same applies if you are upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant license for the first time.
Replacing a Lost or Stolen License
If your license has been lost or stolen, you can report it and request a replacement at the Birmingham DPS office. Bring your identification and proof of residency, just as you would for a new license. The replacement process is faster than getting a new license from scratch because you do not need to retake the written, vision, or road tests — DPS already has your test results on file.
You can also report a lost or stolen license online through the DPS website and request a replacement by mail, which is faster and cheaper than going to the office. If you report it online, your replacement license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. This option is available only if your license was not suspended or revoked.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you must visit the Birmingham office in person to understand the reason and learn what steps are required before you can drive legally again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my road test on the same day as my written and vision tests?
No. You must pass the written and vision tests first, then schedule your road test for a later date. After you pass both tests, DPS staff will book your road test appointment, which may be several days or weeks away depending on examiner availability.
What if I fail the written or vision test?
You can retake the test the same day or return another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. However, you must pay the test fee again for each attempt. Most people pass on the second or third try if they study the Alabama Driver's Manual before returning.
Do I need to bring my own vehicle for the road test?
Yes. Your vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will inspect it before the test begins. If your vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the road test that day and must reschedule.
What if the Birmingham office is too crowded when I arrive?
You can check wait times on the DPS website before you go, or you can return at a different time of day or on a different day. If you arrive and the wait is too long, you can leave and come back later — there is no penalty for not completing your test on a particular day.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early by mail or online is often the easiest option if you do not need a new photo or other changes to your license.