How to Get Your Driver's License in Baldwin County, Alabama

Where to go for your Baldwin County driver's license

The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver's license program for Baldwin County. You will get your license from one of two locations: the main DPS office in Daphne or the satellite office in Fairhope. Both issue new licenses, renewals, and replacements on the same day you explore — you do not have to wait for mail delivery.

The Daphne office is at 2501 North Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526. The Fairhope office is at 23365 Highway 231, Fairhope, AL 36532. Both are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines.

If you cannot reach either office in person, you can renew your license online through the Alabama DPS website if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions. Online renewal takes about 10 business days for delivery.

Key Takeaways

Baldwin County driver's licenses are issued at the DPS office in Daphne or the satellite office in Fairhope, both of which issue your license the same day you explore.
You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to explore.
A new driver's license costs $25.50 and is valid for eight years; a renewal costs $25.50 and extends your license for another eight years.
If you are under 18, you must explore in person with a parent or legal guardian, and you will receive a learner's permit first before taking the driving test.
The written test and road test happen on the same day if you pass the written portion; bring your own vehicle or use one provided by the DPS office for the road test.

What documents you need to bring

Alabama requires a primary form of identification to prove who you are. Acceptable documents include a valid passport, a birth certificate (long form, not a hospital record), a military ID, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of secondary documents — a Social Security card plus a school transcript, a utility bill, or a bank statement.

You also need proof of residency in Baldwin County. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. The document must show your name and current address. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

Bring your Social Security number or your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not have a Social Security number. You will need to provide this in person — you cannot explore without it. If you have lost your Social Security card, bring the number itself; the DPS office does not require the physical card.

If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

New driver's license vs. renewal: what is different

A new driver's license means you have never held an Alabama license or your previous license has been expired for more than two years. You must take a written test and a road test. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The road test is a 15-minute drive with a DPS examiner who watches how you handle the vehicle, obey traffic laws, and respond to other drivers.

If you already hold a valid Alabama license, you can renew without taking either test. A renewal extends your license for another eight years. You can renew in person at either office or online if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions that require an in-person review.

If your license has expired but less than two years have passed, you can still renew without testing. If more than two years have passed, you must explore as a new driver and take both tests again.

A replacement license is what you get if your current license was lost, stolen, or damaged. You do not take a test; you straightforward provide your old license number or other identifying information, and the DPS office issues a new one with the same expiration date as your original.

Costs and how long your license lasts

A new driver's license costs $25.50 and is valid for eight years from the date of issue. A renewal also costs $25.50 and extends your license for another eight years. A replacement for a lost or damaged license costs $25.50 and carries the same expiration date as your original license.

The DPS office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you pay by check, make it out to the Alabama Department of Public Safety.

Your license will arrive the same day you explore if you go in person. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is being made, which takes about 10 minutes. If you renew online, the new license arrives by mail in about 10 business days.

Testing requirements for new drivers

If you are explore for your first Alabama driver's license, you must pass a written test and a road test. The written test has 30 questions about Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DPS office and takes about 20 minutes.

If you pass the written test, you can take the road test the same day. You will drive with a DPS examiner for about 15 minutes. The examiner watches how you start the vehicle, use mirrors and signals, obey speed limits, handle turns, park, and respond to other traffic. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you do not have your own vehicle, some DPS offices have vehicles available for testing, but you should call ahead to confirm.

You can take the written test up to three times in one visit. If you fail the road test, you can schedule another attempt, but you will need to pay the testing fee again and return on a different day.

Special rules if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you must explore in person with a parent or legal guardian present. The parent or guardian must bring a valid ID and sign the process. You cannot explore online or by mail.

You will first receive a learner's permit, which allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. You must hold the learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test for a full license. During this time, you cannot drive alone, and you must follow all traffic laws.

Once you have held the learner's permit for 30 days, you can return to the DPS office to take the road test. You do not retake the written test. After you pass the road test, you receive your full driver's license.

Renewing your license online

If your Alabama driver's license is still valid and you have no medical restrictions, you can renew online through the Alabama DPS website. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The online renewal takes about 10 business days from the date you submit it, and your new license arrives by mail.

You cannot renew online if your license has expired, if you have medical restrictions that require an in-person review, or if your name has changed since your last license. In those cases, you must go to the DPS office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport as proof of identity?

Yes. A valid U.S. passport is an acceptable primary form of identification. Bring the passport itself to the DPS office. If your passport has expired, it still counts as proof of identity for a driver's license process.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation from the IRS that shows your ITIN. If you do not have either, contact the DPS office in Daphne or Fairhope to ask what other documents they will accept.

How long does it take to get a driver's license in Baldwin County?

If you explore in person, you receive your license the same day. The DPS office makes your plastic card on-site and gives you a temporary paper license to use when ready. If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail in about 10 business days.

Can I take the road test in my own car?

Yes, if your vehicle is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Some DPS offices have vehicles available for testing if you do not have your own, but you should call the Daphne or Fairhope office ahead of time to confirm availability.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test up to three times in one visit at no additional cost. If you fail all three attempts, you will need to return on another day to try again, and you will pay the testing fee again.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.