Getting a driver's license in Birmingham means going through the Alabama Department of Public Safety

Birmingham residents get their driver's licenses from the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS), not from a city office. You will need to visit a DPS Driver License Examiner's Office in or near Birmingham, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process typically takes several visits spread over weeks, not hours.

Alabama issues driver's licenses valid for four or eight years depending on your age and whether you renew in person or by mail. First-time applicants must test in person and cannot skip any step, even if you have a license from another state.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS Driver License Examiner's Office in person to explore; there is no online process for a new license in Alabama.
  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a birth certificate or passport — originals or certified copies only.
  • You will take a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a road test with a DPS examiner before you receive your license.
  • The fee for a four-year license is $25.50 and an eight-year license is $36.50, payable by cash, check, or card at the office.

Documents you need to bring to the DPS office

Alabama requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You cannot explore without all three.

For identity, bring your original birth certificate, U.S. passport, or a certified copy of either. For Social Security, bring your original Social Security card. For residency, bring a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and a Birmingham address dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live with someone else, a notarized letter from the homeowner or leaseholder stating you live there counts as residency proof.

All documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, you will need to bring a certified English translation along with the original.

Where to go and how to schedule your visit

Birmingham has one DPS Driver License Examiner's Office located at 2100 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Boulevard (formerly 11th Avenue North). You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary widely — sometimes 30 minutes, sometimes three hours. Scheduling an appointment online through the Alabama DPS website reduces wait time and is strongly recommended.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. If you cannot reach the Birmingham office or want to check current wait times, call the Alabama DPS at 334-242-4437. Some surrounding counties have additional offices if the Birmingham location is too busy.

The written test and what it covers

The written knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DPS office and takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

You can study using the Alabama Driver's Manual, available free on the DPS website as a PDF. The manual covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. Many people study the manual for a few days before their test. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day at no extra charge.

The vision test and road test requirements

At the DPS office, you will take a vision screening to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to get a vision correction from an eye doctor and return with documentation before you can proceed.

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a road test with a DPS examiner. The examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you borrow) while you demonstrate basic driving skills: starting, stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. The test lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. You must bring the vehicle's registration and proof of insurance. If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but there may be a wait of several days or weeks depending on examiner availability.

Fees and payment methods

A four-year driver's license costs $25.50. An eight-year license costs $36.50. Alabama residents age 65 and older can get a four-year license for $12.75. The DPS office accepts cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. You pay at the time you explore, before you take any tests.

If you need a replacement license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, the fee is the same as a new license. If you are renewing an existing Alabama license, the fee may be lower — check the DPS website or call ahead to confirm the current renewal fee.

What happens after you pass both tests

Once you pass the written test and the road test, the DPS examiner will take your photograph and issue your license on the spot or within a few days. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that you can use while your plastic card is being printed. The plastic license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Your new license will show your name, date of birth, address, license number, and any restrictions (such as corrective lenses required). Check the information for errors before you leave the office — correcting mistakes later requires another visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Alabama law requires a valid Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to get an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS, but you will need to contact the DPS directly to ask whether that satisfies the requirement.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test, but you will need to schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee for retaking the test. Most people pass on the second or third attempt. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice those specific skills before your next test.

Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a license from another state?

Yes. Even if you hold a valid driver's license from another state, Alabama requires all first-time applicants to pass the written knowledge test and the road test. You cannot transfer a license from another state — you must test in Alabama.

How long is a Birmingham driver's license valid?

A standard Alabama driver's license is valid for four years from the date of issue. You can choose to get an eight-year license instead, which costs more but lasts longer. Licenses for drivers age 65 and older are valid for four years.

What if my address changes after I get my license?

You can update your address by mail, online through the DPS website, or in person at the DPS office. You do not need to retake any tests — just provide your new address and pay a small fee. Bring your current license and proof of your new address.