Where the Auburn Driver's License Office Is Located
The Alabama Department of Public Safety operates a driver's license office in Auburn at 1501 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, AL 36830. This is the main location where Auburn residents and people in the surrounding area go to get a new license, renew an existing one, or handle other license-related transactions.
The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though you should call ahead to confirm current hours before making the trip, as staffing and schedules can change. The phone number for the Auburn office is (334) 246-3371.
Parking is available at the location. The office does not require an appointment for most transactions, but arriving early in the day generally means shorter wait times, especially on Mondays and Fridays when traffic is heaviest.
Key Takeaways
- The Auburn driver's license office is at 1501 East Glenn Avenue and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- You will need to bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or card to any transaction.
- A new driver's license costs $25 and is valid for eight years; a renewal costs $20 and extends your license for eight years from the expiration date.
- If you are getting your first license or reinstating one after suspension, you may need to pass a written test, vision test, and driving test at the office or a separate testing location.
- The office handles license replacements, address changes, and name changes without requiring a new test if your license is currently valid.
What Documents You Need to Bring
Alabama requires specific documents for any driver's license transaction. Bring your Social Security card or number, a valid form of identification (such as a passport, military ID, or birth certificate), and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
If you are renewing a license that is still valid, you only need your current license and proof of address. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, bring the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
If you are explore for your first license or reinstating one after suspension or revocation, the office will tell you what additional documents are required. Some situations require a medical certificate or proof of vision correction. Call the office before you go to confirm what you need for your specific situation.
Getting a New License Versus Renewing
A new license is what you get if you have never had an Alabama license, are moving to Alabama from another state, or your license has expired for more than two years. You will need to pass a written test covering traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a driving test. The written and vision tests happen at the Auburn office; the driving test may happen there or at a separate testing location depending on demand.
A renewal is what you do if your current Alabama license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. You do not take any tests. You bring your current license, proof of address, and pay the renewal fee. Renewals usually take 15 to 30 minutes.
A new license costs $25 and is valid for eight years. A renewal costs $20 and extends your license for eight years from the date it expires. If your license expired more than two years ago, the office may treat it as a new process rather than a renewal, which means you will need to test again.
What Happens During Your Visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the staff member your documents. They will verify your information and tell you what step comes next. If you are renewing, you will go to a window, pay the fee, and have your photo taken. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes.
If you are getting a new license, you will first take the written test at a computer terminal in the office. You have 30 minutes to answer 30 questions; you must get at least 24 correct to pass. After you pass the written test, you take the vision test at another station. If you pass both, you schedule a driving test appointment, which may be the same day or a later date depending on the office's schedule.
The driving test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. An examiner rides with you in your own vehicle or a state vehicle, depending on the office's policy. You must bring a valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance if you use your own car.
Costs and How Payment Works
A new Alabama driver's license costs $25. A renewal costs $20. A duplicate or replacement license (if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged) costs $10. The Auburn office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm what the Auburn location takes.
If you fail the written or driving test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee to retake a test; you only pay once when you finally pass and receive your license.
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the card to arrive.
Suspensions, Revocations, and Reinstating Your License
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to find out why it was suspended or revoked and what you need to do to reinstate it. Reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, DUI convictions, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.
Reinstatement usually requires paying a reinstatement fee (which varies depending on the reason), providing proof that you have resolved the underlying issue, and sometimes passing a written and driving test again. Call the Auburn office or the statewide customer service line at 1-866-345-6732 to find out what your specific situation requires.
Do not drive on a suspended or revoked license. Doing so is a criminal offense in Alabama and can result in additional fines, jail time, and further license suspension.
Other Services at the Auburn Office
Beyond issuing new licenses and renewals, the Auburn office handles address changes, name changes, and license replacements. If you move to a new address, you can update it at the office without getting a new photo taken or paying a fee. If your name changes, bring the legal document showing the change and the office will issue a new license with your updated name.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a duplicate at the office for $10. The duplicate will have the same expiration date as your original license.
The office does not handle vehicle registration, title transfers, or other vehicle-related services. Those are handled by the county probate office or the Alabama Department of Revenue. The Auburn office staff can direct you to the right location if you need those services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail or online?
Alabama does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew in person at a driver's license office. However, if your license is still valid and you have not had any suspensions or changes to your name or address, the process is quick—usually 15 to 30 minutes.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no fee to retake it. Most people pass on the second attempt if they study the Alabama Driver's Manual, which is available free online from the Department of Public Safety website.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the test?
You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid when ready. Your plastic license card is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive using the temporary license while you wait.
Do I need an appointment?
The Auburn office does not require appointments for most transactions. However, arriving early in the day or mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday) usually means shorter waits. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your specific transaction requires an appointment.
What if I moved to Auburn from another state?
You must get an Alabama license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Alabama residency, your Social Security card, and a valid form of ID. You will take the written, vision, and driving tests as if getting a new license for the first time.