Where to renew your driver license in Birmingham
In Birmingham, you renew your driver license at an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office. The main office serving Birmingham is located downtown, but you can also visit satellite locations in surrounding areas if that is more convenient. You do not renew online or by mail in Alabama — you must appear in person.
Before you go, check the DPS website or call ahead to confirm current hours and any wait times. Some offices have longer waits during lunch hours or late afternoon, so going early in the day often means a shorter visit.
Key Takeaways
- You must renew in person at an Alabama DPS Driver License office; online and mail renewal are not available.
- Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or birth certificate.
- Standard renewal takes about 10 business days; you can request a temporary paper license to drive while you wait.
- Renewal fees vary depending on how long your new license is valid for — typically $25 to $32 for a standard four-year or eight-year license.
- If your license is expired by more than five years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, not just renew.
Documents you need to bring
Bring your current Alabama driver license. If it is lost or stolen, bring a photo ID instead — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. You will also need proof of residency, which means a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Birmingham address. The document should be dated within the last 60 days.
You will also need to prove your identity and Social Security number. Bring either your Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
If you wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts), bring them with you. You will take a vision test as part of renewal, and the DPS needs to see how you actually see while driving.
What happens during your renewal visit
When you arrive, you will check in and take a number. A staff member will review your documents, verify your information, and ask you to sign a form confirming your address and any medical conditions that might affect your driving. You will then take a vision test — read the eye chart to show you can see well enough to drive safely.
You will not retake the written test or driving test unless your license has been expired for more than five years. If that applies to you, the staff member will tell you before you leave and explain what you need to do next.
After the vision test, you will have your photo taken. The DPS will process your renewal and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for driving when ready. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within about 10 business days.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The renewal fee depends on how long your new license will be valid. A standard four-year license costs $25; an eight-year license costs $32. Some people choose the longer option to avoid renewing as often, even though it costs a bit more upfront.
The DPS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept checks. If you are renewing on behalf of someone else (a minor, for example), you may need to bring additional documents — ask the office when you call ahead.
Timeline and what to expect after you leave
You will receive a temporary paper license before you leave the office. This is valid for driving in Alabama and out of state while your permanent license is being mailed. Keep it with you until your plastic license arrives.
Your permanent license typically arrives within 10 business days, though it can take up to two weeks during busy periods. If more than two weeks pass and you have not received it, contact the DPS to check the status. Do not throw away your temporary license until the permanent one arrives.
If your license is expired by more than five years
If your Alabama driver license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot straightforward renew it. Instead, you will need to reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means you will take the written test (covering road signs and driving rules), the vision test, and the driving test.
You can study for the written test using the Alabama Driver Manual, which is free on the DPS website. Many people study for a few days and then schedule a test appointment. The driving test is typically scheduled a few days after you pass the written test.
Renewing a commercial driver license (CDL)
If you hold a commercial driver license, the renewal process is similar but has a few differences. You will still visit a DPS office in person, but you may need to bring additional medical certification documents. Commercial licenses also have different fee amounts and validity periods depending on what class of vehicle you drive.
Call the DPS ahead of time if you hold a CDL, because some offices have separate hours or locations for commercial renewals. This prevents long waits and ensures you have the right documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date. Many people renew early to avoid the rush closer to their expiration date or to make sure they have a valid license for an upcoming trip.
What if I have moved since my last license and do not have a utility bill yet?
Bring whatever proof of residency you have — a lease agreement, a letter from your landlord, a bank statement, or a mortgage statement. If you have just moved and have none of these, call the DPS office to ask what alternative documents they will accept. Some offices are flexible with recent movers.
Do I need an appointment to renew, or can I just walk in?
Walk-ins are usually accepted, but wait times vary. Some DPS offices in the Birmingham area now offer online appointment scheduling, which lets you pick a time and skip the line. Check the DPS website to see if appointments are available at your location.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring the legal document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will update your name during renewal at no extra cost. You will use your new name on your new license.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must appear in person. The DPS requires your signature and your photo as part of the renewal process, so you cannot send someone else to do it on your behalf.