What the Alabama Drivers License Division does and how to reach them
The Alabama Drivers License Division is part of the Alabama Department of Public Safety and handles driver's license issuance, renewal, replacement, and suspension matters across the state. They also manage the records tied to your driving history and violations. If you need to renew your license, replace a lost one, check on a suspension, or update your address, you'll be working with this division.
You can reach the Drivers License Division through the Department of Public Safety's main office in Montgomery at 334-242-4371, or visit their website at dps.alabama.gov. Many routine tasks—including renewal applications and address changes—can be started online or at any of Alabama's Driver License Examining Offices located throughout the state. Each county has at least one office, and you can find the one nearest you on the DPS website.
Key Takeaways
- The Alabama Drivers License Division is run by the Department of Public Safety and handles renewals, replacements, suspensions, and driving records.
- You can renew your license online through the DPS website if you meet age and may be able to access requirements, or in person at any Driver License Examining Office.
- Address changes and name corrections can often be completed online or by mail without visiting an office in person.
- If your license is suspended, the DPS website shows the reason and what steps you need to take to restore it.
- Bring a valid form of identification and proof of Alabama residency when you visit an office for any in-person transaction.
Online renewal and address changes
Alabama allows online renewal for driver's licenses if you are between 18 and 64 years old, your license is not suspended or revoked, and your license has not been renewed online in the past four years. You'll need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your renewed license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If you need to change your address without renewing your license, you can do this online as well through the DPS website. You'll need the same information as online renewal. Address changes are processed quickly and do not require an office visit. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you'll need to visit a Driver License Examining Office in person with a certified copy of the document showing the change.
In-person visits to Driver License Examining Offices
If you cannot renew online, need to replace a lost or stolen license, or must handle a suspension matter, you'll visit a Driver License Examining Office. Bring your current license or a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Alabama residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy early in the morning on weekdays and more crowded on Fridays and around renewal important date. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now offer online scheduling through the DPS website. Check your local office's page to see if scheduling is available in your area.
License suspension, revocation, and restoration
Your license can be suspended for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points from violations, or failure to maintain insurance. The DPS website has a license status lookup tool where you can enter your driver's license number and date of birth to see if your license is suspended and why.
The steps to restore your license depend on the reason for suspension. For unpaid fines, you must pay the court or the fine collection agency. For insurance-related suspensions, you must provide proof of current coverage to the DPS. For DUI-related suspensions, you may need to complete an alcohol education program and pay a reinstatement fee. Contact the Drivers License Division at 334-242-4371 to confirm what you owe and the exact process for your situation.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any Driver License Examining Office. Bring the same documents you would for an in-person renewal: valid ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You do not need to take a new photo or pass a written test unless your license has expired.
The replacement fee is the same as a renewal fee. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need a license urgently, ask the office staff whether they offer expedited processing or temporary licenses on the day of your visit.
Checking your driving record and violation history
You can view your driving record online through the DPS website by entering your license number and date of birth. Your record shows all violations, suspensions, and points on your license. Points accumulate based on the type of violation—for example, a speeding ticket may add 2 to 6 points depending on how far over the limit you were driving.
If you believe there is an error on your record, contact the Drivers License Division directly. Errors can take several weeks to correct, so it's worth checking your record before a renewal or if you're concerned about suspension. You can also request an official copy of your driving record by mail or in person for a small fee, which you may need for insurance purposes or legal matters.
Points, violations, and license classes
Alabama uses a points system where violations add points to your license. Accumulating 12 points in a 24-month period results in a suspension. Points vary by violation type: speeding 1–10 mph over the limit is 2 points, 11–20 mph over is 4 points, and reckless driving is 6 points. You can check how many points you currently have on your record through the DPS website.
Alabama also has different license classes for different types of vehicles. A standard Class D license covers passenger vehicles. If you drive a commercial vehicle, you need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), which requires additional testing and medical certification. The DPS website explains the requirements for each class and the steps to upgrade your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a renewed license in the mail?
After you renew online or in person, your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed in person and need a license sooner, ask the office staff about temporary licenses or expedited options on the day of your visit.
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot renew online. You must visit a Driver License Examining Office in person, where you may need to retake the written test and vision test depending on how long it has been expired. Call your local office or the main DPS line at 334-242-4371 to confirm what tests you'll need.
What do I do if I get a ticket and want to check if points were added to my license?
Use the license status lookup tool on the DPS website to check your current points. Points typically appear on your record within 30 days of a conviction. If you paid a fine but the points haven't been removed, contact the court that issued the ticket, not the DPS.
Can I get a duplicate license mailed to a different address than my current one?
No. Your license is mailed to the address on file with the DPS. If you need it sent elsewhere, update your address first through the online address change tool or at an office, then request the replacement.
What happens if I move out of Alabama but still have an Alabama license?
You should get a license from your new state within the timeframe required by that state, usually 30 to 60 days after moving. You do not need to formally surrender your Alabama license, but you should not drive with it once you become a resident of another state.