Birmingham has two driver's license offices, and which one you visit depends on what you need

The Alabama Department of Public Safety runs two locations in Birmingham where you can renew a license, get a replacement, or handle other driver's license business. One office is downtown; the other is on the east side. Both handle the same services, but they have different hours and can have different wait times on any given day. Knowing which location is closer to you and what documents to bring will save you a trip back.

You do not need an appointment at either location — both work on a first-come, first-served basis. However, wait times can run 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning and mid-week visits tend to be faster than afternoons or Fridays.

Key Takeaways

  • Birmingham has a downtown office at 410 North 20th Street and an east side office at 2101 Crestwood Boulevard; both handle renewals, replacements, and new licenses.
  • You do not need an appointment, but arriving early in the day or on a Tuesday or Wednesday usually means a shorter wait.
  • Bring your current license or ID, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or birth certificate.
  • Renewal by mail is available if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, so check the Alabama Department of Public Safety website first to see if you can skip the office visit.

The two Birmingham driver's license office locations and their hours

Downtown Birmingham office: 410 North 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This location is near the civic center and has street parking and a nearby parking garage.

East side office: 2101 Crestwood Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35210. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This location does not have Saturday hours. Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the building.

Both offices close for state holidays. If you are planning a visit around a holiday, check the Alabama Department of Public Safety website or call ahead to confirm the office is open. The phone number for both locations is (205) 242-4417.

What documents you need to bring

The documents required depend on whether you are renewing, replacing, or getting a new license. For a renewal or replacement, bring your current Alabama driver's license or state ID card. If your license is lost or stolen, bring a police report or a signed statement that you cannot locate it.

You will also need proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address, dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Bring the original or a certified copy, not a photo.

Finally, bring proof of your Social Security number and date of birth. Your Social Security card is the easiest option. If you do not have it, bring your birth certificate, passport, or military discharge papers. The document must be an original or certified copy.

Renewing your license by mail instead of visiting the office

If your license is not expired and you have not changed your name, you may be able to renew by mail instead of going to an office. You cannot renew by mail if your license has already expired, if you need to update your address, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license.

To check whether you are may be able to access, visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and look for the mail renewal option. If you are may be able to access, you can request a renewal form by mail or read it from the website. The process takes about two weeks from the time you mail it in. There is a fee, which varies depending on how many years you are renewing for.

What to expect when you arrive at the office

When you walk in, you will see a ticket dispenser or a sign-in sheet. Take a number or write your name down, then have a seat. The office will call your number when it is your turn. Bring all your documents with you — do not leave them in your car.

At the window, the staff member will review your documents, take a new photo if you are renewing or replacing your license, and collect the fee. Fees vary: a standard license renewal is less than a replacement, and a commercial license costs more. Ask the staff member what the fee is before you pay, or check the Alabama Department of Public Safety website ahead of time.

You will receive your new license on the spot or by mail within a few business days, depending on the type of transaction. Ask the staff member which applies to you before you leave.

Tips for a faster visit

Arrive before 10:00 a.m. if you can — the office is usually less crowded in the first two hours after opening. Avoid Fridays and the first and last week of the month, when more people come in. Tuesday through Thursday mid-morning is typically the fastest time.

Have all your documents ready and organized before you get to the window. If you are missing something, the staff member will send you away to get it, and you will have to take another number and wait again. Double-check the Alabama Department of Public Safety website the night before to make sure you have everything.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license or need a hazmat endorsement, the process takes longer. Plan for extra time or call ahead to ask how long that particular transaction usually takes.

What to do if you cannot visit during regular hours

Both offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. The downtown location has Saturday morning hours, which may work if you cannot get away during the week. If neither location's hours work for you, you have a few options.

If your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address or name, renew by mail. If you need to visit in person but cannot make it during posted hours, call (205) 242-4417 and ask whether the office can accommodate you before or after hours — some offices will, though it is not may provide. You can also ask whether another Alabama driver's license office closer to your work or home might have different hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Alabama does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you are may be able to access, or you must visit an office in person. Check the Alabama Department of Public Safety website to see if mail renewal works for your situation.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

Bring your birth certificate, passport, military discharge papers, or another document that shows your Social Security number and date of birth. The document must be an original or certified copy. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you visit the driver's license office.

How long does a replacement license take if I lost mine?

You receive a temporary license at the office and your permanent license by mail within a few business days. Ask the staff member for the exact timeline when you complete your transaction. In the meantime, the temporary license is valid for driving.

Do I need an appointment?

No. Both Birmingham offices work on a first-come, first-served basis. You take a number when you arrive and wait for your turn. Arriving early in the day usually means a shorter wait.

What if my address changed but my license has not expired yet?

You must visit an office in person to update your address. You cannot do it by mail. Bring your current license and proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days).