The Bessemer Driver License Office location and what it handles
The Bessemer Driver License Office is operated by the Alabama Department of Public Safety and serves residents in and around Bessemer, Alabama. It issues driver licenses, state ID cards, and handles renewals and replacements. The office also processes commercial driver license (CDL) transactions and motorcycle endorsements.
This is a full-service office, meaning you can complete most driver license transactions in person without being referred elsewhere. However, not all services are available at every location, and processing times vary depending on what you need and how busy the office is on the day you visit.
Key Takeaways
- The Bessemer office is located at 1500 Bessemer Super Highway, Bessemer, AL 35023, and you can visit without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.
- You will need to bring specific documents depending on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing one — the Alabama DPS website lists required documents by transaction type.
- Photos are taken on-site at the Bessemer office, so you do not need to bring a photo from elsewhere, but the office has specific rules about what is acceptable (no sunglasses, no hats, neutral background).
- Processing times for a new license or renewal typically range from a few minutes to an hour depending on office volume, but mail delivery of your card takes an additional one to two weeks.
- The office accepts cash, debit, and credit cards for fees, which vary by transaction type and are set by the state.
Address, hours, and how to find current wait times
The Bessemer Driver License Office is located at 1500 Bessemer Super Highway, Bessemer, AL 35023. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though hours may change seasonally or for state holidays. It is closed on weekends and state holidays.
Wait times at this office fluctuate throughout the day and week. Early morning (8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.) and mid-week visits (Tuesday through Thursday) typically have shorter waits than late afternoon or Fridays. The Alabama Department of Public Safety does not publish real-time wait times online, so you cannot check before you arrive. If you want to know whether the office is particularly busy, calling ahead at the office's direct line is your best option.
The office does not take appointments. You arrive, take a number, and wait your turn. Bring a book or plan to wait 30 minutes to an hour during peak times.
What documents you need to bring
The documents required depend on your transaction. For a new driver license, you will need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and proof of Alabama residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will also need to bring your current out-of-state license if you have one.
For a renewal, you typically need only your current license and payment. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to provide proof of identity and residency again — call the office to confirm before you go.
For a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged license), bring your proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a new license. The office will issue a replacement on the spot if your records are current.
Bring the originals of all documents. Photocopies are not accepted. If you are unsure whether your documents meet the requirements, the Alabama Department of Public Safety website lists acceptable documents by category, or you can call the Bessemer office directly.
Photo requirements and what happens during the photo process
Photos are taken at the Bessemer office as part of your transaction — you do not need to bring one. The office follows Alabama state standards for driver license photos. Your photo must show your face clearly, taken straight-on against a neutral background. You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or a hat. Religious head coverings are permitted if they do not obscure your face.
The photo is taken by office staff using a digital camera. You will see the image on a screen before it is finalized. If you are unhappy with the photo, ask the staff member whether you can retake it. Some offices allow one retake; policies vary by location. Once the photo is approved and your transaction is processed, it cannot be changed until your next renewal.
Dress neatly and avoid busy patterns or clothing that blends with the background. The photo will appear on your license for several years, so take a moment to prepare before you step in front of the camera.
Processing time and when you will receive your license
Once your transaction is complete at the Bessemer office, your license is not printed on-site. Instead, it is mailed to the address you provide. Standard mail delivery takes one to two weeks from the date of processing. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the card to arrive.
The temporary license is valid for 45 days and serves as proof of your license status if you are stopped by law enforcement. Keep it with you until your permanent card arrives. If your permanent card does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to report a delay.
If you need your license urgently — for example, for travel — ask the office staff whether expedited processing is available. Some offices offer it for an additional fee, though availability varies.
Fees and payment methods accepted
Driver license fees in Alabama vary by transaction type. A new driver license costs one amount, a renewal costs another, and a replacement costs a third. Fees also differ depending on whether you are getting a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal air travel as of May 2025). The Alabama Department of Public Safety website lists current fees by transaction type.
The Bessemer office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. It does not accept checks or money orders. Bring enough cash or have a card ready. If you do not have the exact amount in cash, the office will make change.
What to do if you cannot visit in person
Some driver license transactions can be handled by mail or online through the Alabama Department of Public Safety website, though not all. Renewals for licenses that are not yet expired can often be renewed by mail or online. New licenses and replacements typically require an in-person visit.
If you are unable to visit the Bessemer office, you can visit any other Alabama driver license office instead. The nearest alternatives to Bessemer include offices in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and other surrounding areas. The Alabama DPS website has a full list of office locations and hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my license the same day I explore?
No. You receive a temporary paper license at the office, but your permanent card is mailed to you and takes one to two weeks to arrive. The temporary license is valid for 45 days and can be used for most purposes, including driving and identification, while you wait.
What if I do not have all my documents?
Do not go to the office without the required documents. The staff cannot process your transaction without them, and you will waste a trip. Call the office first to confirm what you need, or check the Alabama DPS website for the full list by transaction type.
Can I wear a hat or sunglasses in my photo?
No. Hats and sunglasses are not permitted in driver license photos. Religious head coverings are allowed if they do not cover your face. Tinted glasses are also not permitted. The photo must show your face clearly and straight-on.
What if I move after I get my license?
You do not need to update your address on your license when ready, but you should update it with the Alabama Department of Public Safety within a reasonable time. You can do this by mail, online, or at any driver license office. Your current address on file affects where traffic tickets and other official mail are sent.
Is there a way to skip the wait?
The Bessemer office does not offer appointments or express service. Your best option is to visit early in the morning on a weekday (Tuesday through Thursday) when wait times are typically shorter. Calling ahead to ask how busy the office is can help you choose the best time to go.