Where to go for a driver's license in Montgomery
The Montgomery Driver License Office is located at 2060 East Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36106. This is the main office where you can get a new license, renew an existing one, or handle most driver's license transactions. The office is run by the Alabama Department of Public Safety.
You can visit in person during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though hours may vary seasonally. There is no appointment system — service is first-come, first-served. Arriving early in the day or mid-week usually means shorter wait times than Friday afternoons.
If you cannot reach the Montgomery office or need to know current hours before you go, you can call the Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Section at 334-242-4437. They can also answer questions about what documents you need to bring.
Key Takeaways
- The Montgomery Driver License Office is at 2060 East Boulevard and operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no appointment needed.
- You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to get or renew a license.
- A new Alabama driver's license costs $25 and is valid for eight years; renewal costs the same and extends your license another eight years.
- If you are renewing by mail or online, you must have a current license and meet age and vision requirements, and not all transactions can be done remotely.
- The Alabama Department of Public Safety can be reached at 334-242-4437 to confirm what documents you need before you visit.
What documents you need to bring
For a new license, bring a valid form of identification (a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license), proof that you live in Alabama, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address.
If you are renewing a license you already have, bring your current Alabama driver's license and proof of residency if your address has changed. You will also need to pass a vision test at the office, so bring any glasses or contacts you wear while driving.
The office staff can tell you whether a specific document will work for your situation. If you are unsure whether what you have meets the requirement, call 334-242-4437 before you go.
Cost and how long your license lasts
A new Alabama driver's license costs $25 and is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. When you renew, the cost is also $25 and your new license will be valid for another eight years. These fees are paid at the time you complete your transaction at the office.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement costs $20. If you need to change your name or address on an existing license, that is also $20.
Renewing by mail or online instead of in person
Alabama allows some drivers to renew their license by mail or online without visiting the Montgomery office. You can renew by mail if your current license is not expired, you are between 18 and 70 years old, and your vision has not changed since your last license was issued. You will need to mail your current license, a completed renewal form, and the $25 fee to the address provided by the Department of Public Safety.
Online renewal is also available for drivers who meet the same age and vision requirements. You can start the process on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website, though you will still need to mail in your current license and payment.
If you do not meet these requirements — for example, if your license has expired, you are over 70, or you need a vision test — you must visit the office in person. The same applies if you need to change your address or name, or if this is your first Alabama license.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. A staff member will review your documents, verify your information, and take your photograph for the license. You will also take a vision test using a machine at the office — this tests whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts while driving, wear them during the test.
You will then take a written test covering Alabama traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. Study materials are available on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website.
Once you pass, you will pay the $25 fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided, usually within two to three weeks.
If you have an out-of-state license or are a new resident
If you have a valid driver's license from another state and have moved to Alabama, you can exchange it for an Alabama license at the Montgomery office. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Alabama residency, and your Social Security card. You will still need to pass the vision and written tests, and the fee is $25.
If you are a new resident and your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to explore for a new Alabama license as if you were a first-time driver. This means you may need to take a driving test in addition to the written and vision tests, depending on how long your previous license has been expired. Call 334-242-4437 to ask about your specific situation.
What to do if you fail the written test
If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can retake it when ready at the same visit, or you can come back another day. There is no additional fee to retake the test. You have up to three attempts within a certain time period before you may need to wait and reapply.
Study materials for the written test are free and available on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what different road signs mean. Spending time with the study guide before your visit will improve your chances of passing on the first attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license is expired. You must visit the Montgomery office in person and explore for a new license. Bring the same documents you would for a first-time license: valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security card.
How long does it take to get my permanent license in the mail?
Your permanent plastic license is usually mailed within two to three weeks of your visit. You will receive a temporary paper license on the day you visit that is valid for 30 days while you wait. If you do not receive your permanent license within four weeks, call 334-242-4437 to check the status.
Do I need to take the written test if I am just renewing?
No. If you are renewing a current Alabama license and meet the age and vision requirements, you only need to pass the vision test. The written test is required only for new licenses, out-of-state exchanges, or if your license has been expired for more than a certain period.
What if I cannot pass the vision test without my glasses?
Wear your glasses or contacts during the vision test if you wear them while driving. Your license will then have a restriction noting that you must wear corrective lenses while driving. This is normal and does not prevent you from getting a license.
Can I get a Real ID at the Montgomery office?
Yes. A Real ID is a federal standard that allows your driver's license to be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Getting a Real ID costs an additional fee beyond the standard license fee. Bring the same documents as for a regular license, plus proof of citizenship (a passport or birth certificate) and proof of Social Security number. Ask the staff about the current Real ID fee when you visit.