Where to go for your Morgan County driver's license
The Alabama Department of Public Safety issues driver's licenses in Morgan County through the Decatur Driver License Office, located at 1612 Clydesdale Street in Decatur. This is the main office serving the county. You can visit in person during business hours to get a new license, renew an existing one, or handle other license-related transactions.
The office is open Monday through Friday, though hours vary by day — call ahead to confirm the exact times before you go. You do not need an appointment for most transactions, but arriving early in the day typically means shorter wait times. The office is closed on state holidays and weekends.
If you live in a different part of Morgan County and the Decatur office is inconvenient, you can also check whether the Alabama Department of Public Safety operates any satellite locations or mobile units in your area. Calling the main office is the fastest way to find out what options are near you.
Key Takeaways
- The Decatur Driver License Office at 1612 Clydesdale Street is where Morgan County residents go to get or renew a driver's license.
- You will need to bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number — the office staff can tell you exactly which documents they accept.
- No appointment is required, but calling ahead to confirm hours and current wait times saves you a trip.
- Renewal by mail is an option if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements — the office can explain whether you may have access to.
Documents you need to bring
Alabama requires you to bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The specific documents the office accepts change, so the most reliable approach is to call the Decatur Driver License Office before you go and ask what they need from you.
Generally, proof of identity means a valid passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. Proof of residency typically includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. Proof of your Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a tax return.
If you are renewing a license that is still valid, you may need fewer documents than someone getting a license for the first time. Bring your current license with you, and the staff will tell you what else they need.
Getting a new license versus renewing
A new license is what you need if you have never had an Alabama driver's license, if your license has been expired for more than a certain period, or if you are moving to Alabama from another state. You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a driving test. The office staff can tell you what to study and what to expect.
A renewal is simpler: you bring your current license and the required documents, pay the renewal fee, and usually take only a vision test. No written or driving test is required. If your license expired more than a few years ago, the office may treat it as a new process rather than a renewal, so ask when you call.
The cost of a new license and a renewal are different. Call the office to find out the current fee for your situation, since fees can change.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. The staff will review your documents, ask you questions to verify your identity and residency, and take your photograph. You will pay the license fee at this time.
If you are getting a new license, you will then take a vision test and a written test on Alabama traffic laws. You may also be asked to take a driving test — ask the office whether you need to bring your own vehicle or whether they have a test vehicle available. If you pass, your license is issued the same day or within a few days.
If you are renewing, the vision test is usually the only additional step. Your new license will be mailed to you or issued on the spot, depending on the office's current process.
Renewing by mail or online
Alabama allows some people to renew their driver's license without visiting the office in person. You may be able to renew by mail if your current license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you meet other conditions set by the state. Call the Decatur Driver License Office to find out whether you may have access to and what forms you need to send.
Online renewal is not currently available through the Alabama Department of Public Safety, though this may change. The office staff can tell you the current options when you call.
Renewing by mail takes longer than renewing in person — typically several weeks from the time the office receives your documents. Plan ahead if you need your new license by a specific date.
Replacing a lost or stolen license
If your license is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement at the Decatur Driver License Office. Bring your identification and residency documents as you would for a renewal. You will pay a replacement fee, which is usually lower than the cost of a new license but higher than a renewal.
The office will issue you a temporary license on the spot so you can drive legally while your permanent license is being made. Your new license will arrive by mail within a few days.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police. Ask the office staff whether they recommend this step.
Contact information and hours
Decatur Driver License Office 1612 Clydesdale Street Decatur, AL Phone: Call the Alabama Department of Public Safety main line to reach the Decatur office, or search online for the direct number.
Hours vary by day of the week. Call before you visit to confirm the office is open and to ask about current wait times. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a new driver's license?
If you pass the written and driving tests on your first visit, you may receive a temporary license the same day and your permanent license by mail within a week or two. If you need to retake a test, it takes longer. Ask the office how long the current wait is for test appointments.
Can I renew my license if it expired years ago?
It depends on how long ago it expired. Alabama has rules about how old a license can be before it must be treated as a new process rather than a renewal. Call the office with your license expiration date, and they will tell you whether you can renew or must start over.
What if I fail the written or driving test?
You can retake the test, usually after waiting a short period. The office will explain the rules and schedule your next attempt. Ask how many times you can retake the test and whether there is a fee for each attempt.
Do I need to make an appointment?
No appointment is required for most transactions at the Decatur office. However, calling ahead to confirm hours and ask about wait times is a good idea, especially if you are traveling a distance to get there.
What if I moved to Morgan County from out of state?
You will need to get an Alabama driver's license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Morgan County, and proof of your Social Security number. You will take the written and driving tests. The office can tell you whether your out-of-state license counts as proof of identity.