Location and Hours at the Alea Fairhope Office

The Alea Driver License Office in Fairhope, Alabama is located at 19750 Greeno Road, Fairhope, AL 36532. This is one of several Alabama Department of Public Safety driver license offices serving Baldwin County and the surrounding area.

The office operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. Hours can change seasonally or due to staffing, so calling ahead at the office phone number before your visit is a practical step.

This location serves residents in Fairhope and nearby communities who need to renew, replace, or obtain a driver license or identification card. It also handles certain permit and testing services.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fairhope office is located at 19750 Greeno Road and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or documentation to obtain or renew a driver license.
  • Vision tests and written knowledge tests are administered at this location, but road tests are scheduled separately through the Alabama Department of Public Safety.
  • Arriving early in the day or mid-week typically means shorter wait times than late afternoon or Friday visits.
  • If you have a suspended or revoked license, you must resolve the suspension before the office can issue a new license or permit.

What Documents to Bring

Before you visit the Fairhope office, gather the documents the Alabama Department of Public Safety requires. You will need one form of government-issued photo identification (such as a passport, military ID, or current out-of-state driver license) and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).

You also need proof of your current Alabama residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and address. A driver license renewal notice sent by mail also counts as proof of residency.

If you are renewing an existing Alabama driver license, bring that license with you. If you are obtaining your first license or replacing a lost one, bring all the documents listed above. Bring your original documents — photocopies are not accepted.

Services Available at This Location

The Fairhope office issues standard driver licenses, commercial driver licenses (CDLs), and Alabama identification cards. You can renew an expiring license, replace a lost or damaged license, or change your address on your current license at this location.

Vision screening and written knowledge tests are performed at the office. If you are obtaining your first license or renewing after a suspension, you will take the written test here. The office also administers the vision test required for all license types.

Road tests for driver license applicants are not conducted at the Fairhope office. Road tests are scheduled through a separate appointment system managed by the Alabama Department of Public Safety. After you pass your written and vision tests, you will receive information on how to schedule your road test at an approved testing location.

Wait Times and Best Times to Visit

Wait times at the Fairhope office vary by day and time of day. Mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, typically have shorter waits than afternoons. Fridays and the end of the month tend to be busier as people rush to renew licenses before expiration.

The office does not take reservations or appointments for standard services like renewals and replacements. You arrive, take a number, and wait your turn. If you have a complex transaction — such as resolving a suspension or explore for a commercial license — calling ahead to ask how long the wait is can help you plan your visit.

Arriving 15 to 30 minutes after the office opens (around 8:15 a.m.) or just after the lunch break ends (around 1:15 p.m.) often means a shorter wait than mid-morning or mid-afternoon.

License Suspensions and How They Affect Your Visit

If your Alabama driver license is currently suspended or revoked, you cannot renew or replace it at the Fairhope office until the suspension is lifted. The office will check your status when you arrive, and if a suspension is active, you will be turned away.

Suspensions can result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain auto insurance (which triggers an SR22 requirement), or conviction of certain traffic offenses. To find out why your license is suspended, you can call the Alabama Department of Public Safety or check your status online through the state's website.

Once you have resolved the reason for the suspension — paying fines, obtaining an SR22 form from your insurance company, or completing required court-ordered actions — you can return to the office to reinstate your license. Bring proof that the suspension has been cleared, such as a receipt showing payment or a letter from the court.

Real ID Compliance and What It Means for Your License

Alabama driver licenses issued after May 3, 2023 are compliant with the federal Real ID Act. A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings.

If your current license does not have the gold star, it is not Real ID-compliant. You can still use it for driving, but you cannot use it as identification for domestic flights — you would need a passport or other federal ID instead. When you renew your license at the Fairhope office, you will receive a Real ID-compliant license automatically if you provide the required documents.

No extra fee is charged for a Real ID-compliant license in Alabama. The documents you bring (proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number) are the same whether you are renewing a standard license or obtaining a Real ID-compliant one.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license renewal fees in Alabama are $24.50 for a four-year license or $36.75 for an eight-year license. A replacement license (if yours is lost or damaged) costs $24.50. An Alabama identification card costs $24.50 for a four-year card or $36.75 for an eight-year card.

The Fairhope office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Check with the office directly if you have questions about payment methods, as policies can vary by location.

If you are renewing a commercial driver license or obtaining one for the first time, fees are higher and depend on the class of license and endorsements you need. Call the office or visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety website for current CDL pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit the Fairhope office?

No. The Fairhope office operates on a walk-in basis. You arrive during business hours, take a number, and wait your turn. There is no reservation system for standard services like renewals and replacements.

Can I renew my license online instead of visiting in person?

Alabama allows online renewal for some driver licenses, but only if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions. Check the Alabama Department of Public Safety website to see if you are may be able to access. If you are not, you must visit the Fairhope office or another location in person.

What if I fail the vision or written test?

If you fail the vision test, you may be referred to an eye care professional for correction. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return on another day. The office staff will explain your options and any fees that explore to retesting.

How long does it take to get a new license after I visit the office?

If you pass all tests and your process is approved, your license is typically printed and issued the same day or within a few days. The office will tell you when to expect it. If there are issues with your process, processing may take longer.

What should I do if my license is suspended and I need to drive?

A suspended license cannot be driven legally. You must resolve the suspension first. Depending on the reason, you may be able to obtain a limited permit for work or medical purposes, but this requires a separate process. Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety or the Fairhope office to learn what options are available for your specific situation.