Where to renew your driver license in Dothan

In Dothan, you renew your driver license at the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Office. The office is located at 2625 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, AL 36303. This is the only place in Dothan where you can renew in person.

You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Alabama DPS website if your license qualifies. The in-person office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. It's a good idea to arrive early or during mid-week if you want to avoid a wait.

Key Takeaways

  • The Dothan DPS Driver License Office at 2625 Ross Clark Circle is where you renew in person, open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Standard renewals take about 10 business days by mail; in-person renewals are issued the same day if you pass the vision test.
  • If your license is expired by more than five years, you may need to take the written test again, so check your renewal notice or call ahead.
  • Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change or address change since your last renewal.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your current driver license and one form of proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your original documents or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted.

The renewal process at the Dothan office

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will wait until your number is called. At the window, the clerk will review your documents, verify your information in the system, and take a new photo. You will then take a vision test — you must read the eye chart clearly enough to pass.

If you pass the vision test and all your documents are in order, you will pay the renewal fee and receive your new license the same day. The fee for a standard four-year renewal is $24.50 for a regular license. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and flights), the fee is $27.50. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card.

When you should renew before your license expires

You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. The Alabama DPS sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your expiration date. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for four years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.

Renewing early is useful if you know you will be traveling or if you want to avoid a rush. However, if you wait until after your license expires, you can still renew at the Dothan office — you are not required to take the written test unless your license has been expired for more than five years.

Renewing by mail from Dothan

If your license is not expired and you have not changed your name or address, you can renew by mail. Request a mail renewal form from the Dothan DPS office, or read it from the Alabama DPS website. Fill out the form, include a copy of your proof of residency, and mail it with your current license to the address on the form.

Mail renewal takes about 10 business days. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. You will not receive a temporary license while you wait, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new license arrives. The fee is the same as in-person renewal.

Renewing online if you are may be able to access

Online renewal through the Alabama DPS website is the fastest option if your license qualifies. You are may be able to access if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal, and you do not need a Real ID upgrade. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, and your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation number by email. If you are not sure whether you are may be able to access, the website will tell you during the process.

What to do if your license is expired by more than five years

If your license has been expired for more than five years, Alabama law requires you to take the written knowledge test again. You cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to the Dothan DPS office in person. Bring the same documents as a regular renewal, plus a completed DL-44 form (the process for a driver license).

You will take the written test at the office. If you pass, you will then take the vision test and have your photo taken. The same-day license issuance applies if everything is in order. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

No. If you owe a traffic fine or have an outstanding ticket, the DPS system will flag your record and the office cannot issue a renewal. You must resolve the ticket or fine first. Contact the court listed on your ticket to pay or arrange a payment plan, then return to the Dothan office.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew a lost license. Instead, you must explore for a replacement license at the Dothan DPS office. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. The replacement fee is $20.50, and you will receive the license the same day after passing the vision test.

Do I need a Real ID license to renew in Alabama?

Real ID is required only if you plan to use your license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If you want a Real ID license, tell the clerk at the Dothan office. The fee is $3 more than a standard renewal. You will need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport.

How long does the vision test take?

The vision test takes about two minutes. You will read an eye chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the test. If you fail, you can retake it when ready at no extra charge, or you can come back another day.

Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?

No. You must pick up your license in person at the Dothan DPS office. If you renew by mail or online, your license will be mailed to your address on file, so you do not need to go to the office.