Alabama DMV Online Appointments Through AVIS
Alabama's Department of Revenue runs an online appointment system called AVIS (Alabama Virtual Information System). You can book most routine DMV visits—license renewals, ID replacements, address changes, and written tests—through this system without calling or visiting an office in person.
The system lets you pick your preferred DMV office location, choose an available date and time slot, and receive a confirmation. You still visit the office on your appointment day, but you skip the walk-in wait and know exactly when to arrive.
Not every transaction is available online. Commercial driver's license (CDL) tests, certain medical certifications, and some specialized endorsements still require phone booking or in-person scheduling. The AVIS website will tell you whether your specific need can be booked online.
Key Takeaways
- AVIS is Alabama's free online appointment system; you access it through the Department of Revenue website at dor.alabama.gov.
- You can book appointments for license renewals, replacements, written tests, and address changes, but not for all transaction types.
- You will need your driver's license number or ID number to search for available slots.
- Appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance during busy seasons, so booking early gives you more time options.
- If you cannot find an online slot or need a transaction type not listed, you can call your local DMV office directly to schedule by phone.
Steps to Book an Appointment on AVIS
Start by visiting the Alabama Department of Revenue website. Look for the AVIS link or appointment scheduling section—it is usually on the homepage or under a "Services" or "Driver License" tab. Click through to the appointment portal.
Enter your driver's license number or state ID number. The system uses this to pull up your record and confirm your identity. If you do not have a license yet (for example, you are a new resident or a teenager getting your first license), you may need to call your local office instead, as the online system is designed for existing license holders.
Select the type of transaction you need: renewal, replacement, written test, address change, or another available service. The system will show you only the offices and dates that handle that specific transaction.
Choose your preferred DMV office location from the list. If you live near multiple offices, you can check availability at each one. Some locations fill up faster than others, so if one office has no slots for weeks, try a nearby location.
Select your preferred date and time from the available slots. The calendar shows which days have openings. Pick a time that works with your schedule, keeping in mind that you should arrive a few minutes early.
Review your appointment details and confirm. You will receive a confirmation number and usually an email or text reminder. Save this confirmation number—you may need it if you have to reschedule or if there are questions on your appointment day.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Your appointment confirmation does not replace the documents you need to bring. Bring your current driver's license or ID, even if it is expired. You will also need proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address) and your Social Security number.
For a license renewal, bring your current license. For a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged), bring whatever proof of identity you have. For a written test, bring your permit or learner's license. For an address change, bring your current license and proof of your new address.
If you are renewing a license with a Real ID endorsement or upgrading to Real ID, bring additional documents: a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (W-2, tax return, or Social Security card), and two proofs of residency. Real ID appointments often take longer, so the DMV may schedule you for a longer time slot.
Rescheduling or Canceling Your Appointment
If you need to change your appointment, log back into AVIS with your confirmation number and driver's license number. Most systems let you reschedule up to a certain number of times without penalty. Select a new date and time from available slots.
If you cannot reschedule online or the system will not let you make changes, call your local DMV office directly. Have your confirmation number ready. Canceling without rescheduling is usually not necessary—just book a new appointment and skip the old one, though calling to cancel is courteous if you know you will not make it.
If you miss your appointment without canceling, some DMV offices may flag your account or require you to call to reschedule. It is better to cancel or reschedule in advance if your plans change.
When Online Booking Is Not Available
If AVIS shows no available appointments for weeks, or if your transaction type is not listed online, call your local DMV office directly. Phone numbers for each county office are on the Department of Revenue website. Some offices hold phone appointment slots separately from the online system.
Walk-ins are still accepted at most Alabama DMV offices, but wait times can be several hours during peak times (lunch hours, Fridays, and the end of the month are typically busiest). An online appointment guarantees you a specific time slot and usually means a much shorter wait.
If you are moving to Alabama from another state and need your first Alabama license, you may not be able to use AVIS. Contact your local office to learn whether you can book by phone or must visit in person with your out-of-state license and other documents.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
If the system says your driver's license number is not found, double-check that you entered it correctly. Some people confuse their license number with their ID number if they hold both. If you still cannot find your record, your license may be suspended or expired beyond a certain threshold. Call your local office to confirm your status before trying to book.
If all appointment slots show as full for the next several weeks, try checking the website at different times of day. Some offices release new slots in the morning or at the end of the week. You can also try a different nearby office location, as they may have different availability.
If you receive a confirmation but do not get an email or text reminder, check your spam folder or confirm that your contact information in the system is correct. You can call your local office to verify they have your appointment on their calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to book online, or can I just walk in?
Walk-ins are still accepted, but online appointments are faster. You will wait much longer without an appointment, especially during busy hours. Booking online is free and takes about five minutes, so it is worth doing if slots are available.
What if I do not have a computer or internet access?
Call your local DMV office and ask to schedule by phone. All offices accept phone appointments. You can find the phone number for your county office on the Alabama Department of Revenue website.
Can I book an appointment for someone else?
No, the system requires the license holder's own license number to book. Parents or guardians can call the office directly to schedule for a minor or dependent, but online booking is for the person whose license it is.
How far in advance can I book an appointment?
This varies by office and season. During slow periods, you may book several weeks ahead. During busy times (summer, before holidays, end of month), slots may only be available a few weeks out. Check the calendar to see what is currently open.
What happens if I am late to my appointment?
Call your local office as soon as you realize you will be late. Many offices will still see you if you arrive within 15 to 30 minutes of your scheduled time, but it depends on how busy they are. If you are significantly late, you may lose your slot and have to reschedule.