Where to go for your driver's license in Baldwin County

The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver's licenses in Baldwin County. You'll get your license from one of two locations: the main office in Daphne or the satellite office in Foley. Both issue new licenses, renewals, and replacements on the same day you visit — there's no waiting period.

The Daphne location is at 22251 Palmer Street, Daphne, AL 36526. The Foley office is at 1001 North McKenzie Street, Foley, AL 36535. Both are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Neither location takes appointments, so you'll be served on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early if you can — wait times tend to be shorter in the morning.

If you need to renew your license and you're over 65, you can renew by mail instead of visiting in person. Mail renewals take about two weeks. You'll need to submit your current license, a completed renewal form, and the renewal fee. Contact the Daphne office for the mailing address and current fee amount, as these can change.

Key Takeaways

  • You can get a new license or renewal at either the Daphne or Foley DPS office, and both issue licenses the same day you visit.
  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and a birth certificate or passport — these are the documents DPS requires most often.
  • The written test covers Alabama traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Alabama Driver's Manual available on the DPS website.
  • If you're under 18, you'll need a parent or guardian's signature on your process, and you'll start with a learner's permit before getting a full license.
  • Fees vary by license type and age; call the Daphne office at (251) 580-3500 to confirm the current cost for your situation.

Documents you need to bring

DPS requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. For identity, bring your birth certificate, U.S. passport, or military ID. For Social Security, bring your actual Social Security card — a tax return or W-2 won't work. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works if it shows your current address.

If you're explore for your first license and you're under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They'll need to sign your process in front of the DPS employee. If you're 18 or older, you don't need a parent present, but you still need to bring all three document categories.

If you've changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Bring the original or a certified copy — photocopies won't be accepted.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 36 questions about Alabama traffic laws and road signs. You need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass. The test is taken on a computer at the DPS office, and you'll get your results when ready after finishing.

The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and what to do in bad weather or at night. It also includes questions about seat belts, distracted driving, and what to do if you're pulled over. The free Alabama Driver's Manual, available as a PDF on the DPS website, covers all the material on the test. Read through it before you go in — most people who fail haven't read the manual.

If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no extra charge. You'll wait a few minutes while the computer resets, then you can try again. Most people who retake it pass on the second attempt.

Getting your learner's permit if you're under 18

If you're under 18, you must get a learner's permit before you can take the driving test for a full license. The permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You'll take the written test to get the permit — it's the same 36-question test — and you don't need to take a driving test yet.

You must hold the learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test. During that time, you can only drive between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m., and you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old in the front seat with you. You also can't use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

After 30 days, come back to the DPS office with your permit and take the driving test. The test is given by a DPS examiner and takes about 20 minutes. You'll drive on local roads and perform maneuvers like parallel parking and three-point turns. If you pass, you'll get your full license the same day.

The driving test for a full license

The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner and lasts about 20 minutes. You'll drive on local roads around the DPS office and perform specific maneuvers. The examiner will ask you to do things like parallel park, make a three-point turn, back up in a straight line, and stop smoothly at a stop sign. You'll also drive at different speeds and make left and right turns.

Bring the vehicle you'll be tested in. It must be registered, insured, and in working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn all work before you start. If anything is broken, the test will be rescheduled.

You need to score at least 70 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you'll need to wait at least one day. There's an additional fee for each retake. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.

Renewing or replacing an expired license

If your license has expired, you can renew it at either DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. You won't need to retake the written or driving test unless your license has been expired for more than five years. If it has, you'll need to take both tests again as if you were getting a new license.

If your license was lost or stolen, you can get a replacement at the DPS office. Bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency, just as you would for a new license. You won't need to retake any tests. The replacement fee is usually lower than the cost of a new license.

If you need to change information on your license — such as your address or name — you can do that at the DPS office at the same time you renew. Bring the document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate or lease agreement with your new address.

Fees and payment methods

License fees in Alabama vary by age and license type. A standard four-year license for someone 18 to 64 costs one amount, while a license for someone 65 or older costs less. A license for someone under 18 costs a different amount. Call the Daphne office at (251) 580-3500 to find out the exact fee for your situation, as fees can change and may differ depending on whether you're getting a new license, a renewal, or a replacement.

Both DPS offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you're paying by check, make it out to the Alabama Department of Public Safety. There's no online payment option — you must pay in person at the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

You can renew by mail only if you're over 65 and your license is not expired or suspended. Younger drivers must renew in person at the DPS office. Online renewal is not available in Alabama.

What if I have a suspended or revoked license?

You cannot get a new license while it's suspended or revoked. You'll need to contact the court or the DPS to find out why it's suspended and what you need to do to restore it. Call the Daphne office for guidance on your specific situation.

How long does it take to get a license after I pass the test?

You'll get your license the same day you pass the driving test. The DPS office will take your photo and print your license while you wait. You'll walk out with it in your hand.

Do I need to take the test again if I move to Baldwin County from another state?

If you have a valid out-of-state license, you can exchange it for an Alabama license without taking the written or driving test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Baldwin County, and the exchange fee. The process is faster than getting a new license.

What if I fail the written test multiple times?

There's no limit to how many times you can retake the written test. Each retake is free on the same day. If you keep failing, spend more time studying the Alabama Driver's Manual before you come back. The DPS office staff can also point out which topics you're struggling with.