Where to go and what to bring

In Mobile, you renew your driver's license at the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office. The main office for Mobile County is located at 951 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602. You can also renew at any other DPS office across the state if that is more convenient for you.

Before you go, gather these documents: your current Alabama driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

You do not need an appointment. The office operates on a walk-in basis, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Going early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.

Key Takeaways

  • The Mobile DPS driver license office is at 951 Government Street and accepts walk-ins without an appointment.
  • Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days.
  • The renewal fee is $25 for a four-year license or $37.50 for an eight-year license, paid by cash or card at the office.
  • You will take a new photo and pass a vision test as part of the renewal process.
  • Your new license is issued on the spot if everything is in order, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.

The renewal process at the office

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and take a number. A staff member will call you when it is your turn. Bring all your documents with you to that window.

The DPS employee will review your documents, ask you to verify your address and other information on your current license, and then direct you to the photo station. You will sit for a new photo — wear something you are comfortable in, and avoid sunglasses or hats. After the photo, you will read letters and numbers on a screen to pass the vision test. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test.

Once the vision test is complete, you will return to the counter, pay the renewal fee, and receive your new license. The license is printed and issued when ready. You can use it right away, even though it is still warm from the printer.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A four-year driver's license costs $25. An eight-year license costs $37.50. You pay at the counter when your renewal is processed. The Mobile DPS office accepts cash and debit or credit cards.

If you are renewing before your current license expires, you pay the full fee for a new license. There is no discount for renewing early, and you cannot extend your current license by paying a partial fee.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for less than five years, you can renew it in person at the DPS office using the same process described above. Bring the same documents, and the fee is the same.

If your license expired more than five years ago, Alabama treats it as a new license rather than a renewal. You will need to bring additional documents, including a birth certificate or passport, and you may need to retake the written knowledge test. Call the Mobile DPS office at (251) 208-7560 to confirm what you need before you go.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. Many people do this to avoid the rush near the expiration date. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for four or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.

Renewing early means you will have a longer window to get to the office without your license being invalid. There is no penalty for renewing early, and you do not lose any time on your current license — you straightforward get a fresh four or eight years from the renewal date.

Office hours and contact information

The Mobile DPS driver license office at 951 Government Street is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Saturday and Sunday hours are not available at this location.

If you have questions before you go, call (251) 208-7560. The staff can tell you what documents you need for your specific situation, how busy the office is at that moment, or whether there are any temporary closures. You can also visit the Alabama DPS website at dps.alabama.gov for additional information about driver license renewal.

What to do if you cannot go in person

Alabama does not offer online renewal or mail-in renewal for driver's licenses. You must appear in person at a DPS office to renew. There is no exception to this rule, even if you have renewed multiple times before.

If you are unable to visit the Mobile office, you can go to any other DPS office in Alabama. The process and fees are the same. A list of all DPS offices across the state is available on the Alabama DPS website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You must clear the suspension or revocation with the Alabama DPS before you can renew. Call (251) 208-7560 to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take to restore it.

What if I do not have proof of my address?

You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, other documents that work include a bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail. Call the office before you go if you are unsure whether your document will be accepted.

Do I have to take a new photo every time I renew?

Yes. A new photo is taken at every renewal. You cannot use your old photo or bring a photo from home. The DPS takes the photo during your visit.

How long does the renewal take?

The actual process at the counter takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The total time you spend at the office, including waiting, usually ranges from 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy it is. Going early in the morning typically means a shorter wait.

What if I fail the vision test?

If you do not pass the vision test, the DPS will not issue your license. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a corrective lens prescription if needed, and return to the office with your glasses or contacts. You can then retake the vision test at no extra charge.