Where to book your Alabama driver license appointment
You book an Alabama driver license appointment through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website or by calling their scheduling line. The online system is faster — you can see available dates and times when ready and confirm your slot in minutes. The phone line has longer wait times but works if you do not have internet access or need help choosing a location.
Go to alea.gov/dps and look for the "Driver License" section. You will see a link to schedule an appointment. Select your county, the service you need (renewal, replacement, or initial license), and the nearest ALEA office. The system shows you open slots for the next several weeks. Pick the date and time that works for you, enter your name and contact information, and you will receive a confirmation number by email or text.
If you prefer to call, the ALEA scheduling line is 334-242-4437. Have your driver license number or Social Security number ready. The staff member will ask which county you want to visit and what service you need, then book you into the next available slot. Write down your confirmation number and the date and time — you will need both when you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- Book online at alea.gov/dps or call 334-242-4437 to schedule your appointment at an ALEA office in your county.
- You will need to bring your current driver license or state ID, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to your appointment.
- Appointment slots typically fill two to four weeks out, so book as soon as you know you need a renewal or replacement.
- Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with your confirmation number and all required documents to avoid delays.
What documents to bring to your appointment
ALEA requires specific documents depending on whether you are renewing, replacing, or getting an initial license. For a renewal, bring your current Alabama driver license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form).
For a replacement license — if yours was lost, stolen, or damaged — bring the same documents plus a police report if your license was stolen. If you are getting your first Alabama license, bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your Alabama address (same as renewal). Do not bring originals of documents like your birth certificate unless you are prepared to leave them with ALEA; bring certified copies instead.
Bring your confirmation number and any paperwork ALEA sent you when you scheduled. If you have had a name change, bring the court order or marriage certificate showing the change. Wear something you can use for a photo — the license photo is taken at your appointment, so dress as you would for an ID photo.
How long appointments take and what happens during your visit
Plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes at the ALEA office, though this varies by location and how busy the office is that day. You will check in at the front desk, show your confirmation number and ID, and wait to be called. When your turn comes, an ALEA staff member will review your documents, ask you to sign forms, and take your photo for the new license.
The staff member will also ask you to read a vision test and may ask you questions about your address or license history. If everything is in order, they will tell you when your license will arrive by mail — usually within 7 to 10 business days for a renewal or replacement. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid until your permanent one arrives.
If any of your documents are missing or incorrect, the staff member will tell you what you need to bring back. Do not leave without understanding what is missing; it is easier to go home and return with the right paperwork than to miss your appointment slot and have to reschedule.
If you cannot make your appointment or need to reschedule
Cancel or reschedule through the same website where you booked — alea.gov/dps — or call 334-242-4437. If you cancel online, you will see a list of your upcoming appointments with a "Cancel" or "Reschedule" button next to each one. Click it, confirm the cancellation, and you can when ready book a new slot if you need one.
If you call to reschedule, have your confirmation number ready. The staff member will cancel your current appointment and book you into a new one in the same call. Do this as soon as you know you cannot make your original time; slots fill quickly, and rescheduling early gives you more options.
If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will lose that slot and have to reschedule from scratch. ALEA does not automatically rebook you, so log back into the system or call to get a new date.
What to do if no appointments are available in your county
If the online system shows no open slots in your home county for several weeks, you have two options: book in a neighboring county or check back in a few days. ALEA releases new appointment slots regularly, so slots that are full today may open by next week. Set a reminder to check again in three or four days.
If you need your license urgently, look at ALEA offices in nearby counties. You can book an appointment in any Alabama county, not just your own. The process is the same — select a different county when you schedule online, and bring the same documents. This works well if you live near a county line or if your home county is booked solid.
Some ALEA offices also hold walk-in hours on certain days, though wait times are longer. Call your local ALEA office directly to ask about walk-in availability before you drive there.
Fees and payment at your appointment
Alabama driver license fees depend on the type of service and how long your license is valid. A standard four-year renewal costs $28.50. A replacement license (lost, stolen, or damaged) costs $28.50. An initial license costs $28.50. These fees are paid at your appointment, and ALEA accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
If you are renewing early — before your current license expires — you may pay a different fee; ask when you schedule. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and some flights), the fee is the same, but you will need additional documents like a passport or certified birth certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama driver license by mail instead of going to an office?
No, Alabama requires you to renew in person at an ALEA office. You cannot renew by mail or online. However, if you are out of state and your license is expiring soon, you can contact ALEA to ask about a temporary extension while you arrange to visit an office.
What if I do not have a Social Security number or proof of it?
You will need to bring proof of your Social Security number to your appointment. If you do not have a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card before you schedule your ALEA appointment. ALEA cannot issue a license without this proof.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Appointments are strongly recommended and are the fastest way to be seen. Some ALEA offices accept walk-ins during specific hours, but you may wait several hours. Call your local ALEA office to ask about walk-in times if you cannot schedule an appointment.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Bring your new proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to your appointment. The ALEA staff member will update your address on your new license. You do not need to notify ALEA separately — the address change happens during your appointment.
How do I know if my license arrived after my appointment?
ALEA mails licenses to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can track your license status by calling 334-242-4437 or visiting alea.gov/dps and entering your confirmation number. If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received it, call to confirm it was mailed.