The Birmingham Driver's License Office Location and Hours

The Alabama Department of Public Safety operates a driver's license office in Birmingham at 410 South 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35233. This is the main location serving the Birmingham area and surrounding Jefferson County. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays and weekends.

You do not need an appointment to visit this office. Walk-in service is available during business hours, though wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Mornings, particularly Tuesday through Thursday, tend to have shorter lines than late afternoons or Mondays and Fridays.

Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. The building is accessible by public transit; check the BJCTA website for bus routes that serve this address. If you are unable to visit in person, some transactions can be handled by mail or through Alabama's online renewal system, depending on your license type and renewal status.

Key Takeaways

  • The Birmingham office is located at 410 South 20th Street and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no appointment required.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to renew or obtain a license.
  • First-time driver's license applicants must bring a completed DL-44 form, proof of legal presence, and documentation of your Alabama residency.
  • Renewal by mail or online is available for standard license renewals if you meet Alabama's requirements, which can save you a trip to the office.
  • The office handles license renewals, replacements, address changes, and new license applications, but commercial driver's license (CDL) transactions require a separate visit to a CDL testing facility.

What Documents You Need for a License Renewal

If you are renewing an existing Alabama driver's license, bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Proof of residency must be a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address—a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A driver's license or state ID card from another state does not count as proof of residency.

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring documentation of your new address. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, bring the court order or marriage certificate along with your current license.

Bring your Social Security card or a document that displays your full Social Security number. If you do not have your card, a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement will work. You will also need to bring a valid form of identification—your current Alabama license, a passport, or a military ID are all acceptable.

Documents Required for a First-Time License process

First-time applicants must bring more documentation than renewal applicants. You will need a completed DL-44 form (process for Driver's License or Identification Card), which you can obtain at the office or read from the Alabama Department of Public Safety website before you arrive.

You must also bring proof of legal presence in the United States. A U.S. passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or visa all satisfy this requirement. If you were born outside the United States, your birth certificate must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy.

Bring two documents that prove your Alabama residency. These must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and address. Acceptable documents include utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance policies, or government correspondence. A single document showing only your name without an address does not count.

You will also need your Social Security card or a document displaying your full Social Security number, and a valid form of identification such as a passport or military ID. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and bring their own identification.

License Renewal by Mail or Online

Alabama allows renewal by mail for standard driver's licenses if you meet specific conditions. Your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have no medical restrictions or suspensions, and you must not have changed your name or address since your last license was issued. If all these conditions explore, you can renew by mail without visiting the office.

To renew by mail, send your current license, a completed DL-44 form, and the renewal fee to the Alabama Department of Public Safety. The mailing address is on the renewal notice you receive before your license expires. Processing takes approximately two to three weeks from the date the department receives your materials.

Online renewal is also available through the Alabama Department of Public Safety website for certain license types. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to start an online renewal. Online renewal is faster than mail renewal and typically processes within one to two weeks. However, online renewal is not available if you need to update your address, change your name, or if your license has been expired for more than five years.

Fees and Payment Methods

License renewal fees vary depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard four-year renewal costs $28.50, while an eight-year renewal costs $57.00. A first-time license process costs $28.50 for a four-year license or $57.00 for an eight-year license. A replacement license for a lost, stolen, or damaged card costs $20.00.

The Birmingham office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you are renewing by mail, include a check or money order with your process—do not send cash through the mail. Online renewal requires a debit or credit card.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive at the office, check in at the front desk and provide your documents. A staff member will verify that you have brought everything required and may ask you questions about your process. You will then be directed to a station where your photograph will be taken and your signature will be captured digitally.

Your vision will be tested using an eye chart. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to obtain a vision correction restriction on your license, which means you must wear corrective lenses while driving.

After your photograph and signature are recorded, you will pay the renewal or process fee. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card to arrive.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring a photocopy of your birth certificate if you were born outside the United States—the office requires an official certified copy. Do not assume that a document without a date counts as proof of residency; the document must be dated within the last 60 days.

Do not bring only one proof of residency document if you are a first-time applicant; you must bring two. Do not wait until your license expires to renew; you can renew up to 180 days before expiration, and renewing early avoids the rush and any gaps in your driving privileges.

Do not assume that your out-of-state driver's license counts as proof of residency in Alabama. Do not bring a learner's permit or instruction permit as your primary form of identification; these do not count. If you have changed your name, do not forget to bring the court order or marriage certificate—the office cannot process your renewal without it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit the Birmingham office in person and bring all the same documents you would bring for a renewal. The office will treat an expired license the same as a current one for renewal purposes, though you may be asked to retake your vision test.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

Bring a document that displays your full Social Security number instead. A W-2 form, tax return, Social Security statement, or bank statement all work. The office needs to verify your number but does not require the physical card.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Birmingham office?

No appointment is required. The office operates on a walk-in basis during business hours. However, you can expect longer wait times on Mondays, Fridays, and late afternoons. Visiting on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning typically means a shorter wait.

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

Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card. If your license has not arrived after 10 business days, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to check the status.

Can I get a commercial driver's license at the Birmingham office?

No. Commercial driver's license (CDL) applications and renewals must be handled at a separate CDL testing facility. The Alabama Department of Public Safety website lists all CDL testing locations in the state. You will need to schedule an appointment at a CDL facility and bring different documentation than you would for a standard license.