Where to Get Your License in Autauga County
Autauga County has one driver's license office: the Autauga County Department of Public Safety, located in Prattville. This is the only location in the county where you can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or handle most license-related transactions. The office is not a satellite location — it handles the full range of services for the county.
The office address is 254 West Main Street, Prattville, AL 36067. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though you should call ahead at (334) 361-3800 to confirm current hours, as they can change seasonally or due to staffing. The office is closed on state holidays and weekends.
You do not need an appointment for most transactions, but wait times can exceed one hour during peak periods (late morning and early afternoon). Arriving early in the day or on Tuesday or Wednesday typically means shorter waits than Friday or Monday.
Key Takeaways
- Autauga County's only driver's license office is in Prattville at 254 West Main Street, and you must go there in person for new licenses, renewals, and most other transactions.
- You need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to explore for any license type.
- Alabama licenses are valid for eight years for adults and four years for drivers under 21, and renewal can be done in person or by mail if you meet specific conditions.
- Fees vary by license type and transaction: a standard eight-year license costs $28.50, while a REAL ID costs $33.50, and renewals are the same price as new licenses.
- The office does not accept walk-in appointments, but calling ahead can tell you the current wait time so you can plan your visit.
Documents You Need for a New License
Alabama requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a school ID (for under-21 applicants only), or a previous Alabama driver's license. If you are explore for a REAL ID-compliant license, your birth certificate must be a certified copy with a raised seal or embossed seal — a plain photocopy will not work.
For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Autauga County address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, a property tax bill, or a vehicle registration. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.
For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation. You cannot use a driver's license or ID card as proof of your Social Security number.
New License vs. REAL ID: What You Need to Know
Alabama offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The difference matters if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025, when the federal REAL ID important date takes effect.
A standard Alabama driver's license costs $28.50 for an eight-year license (or $14.25 for a four-year license if you are under 21). It is valid for driving and identification within Alabama and most states, but it will not be accepted as identification for domestic flights or federal facilities after the important date. The process process is the same as for REAL ID.
A REAL ID-compliant license costs $33.50 for an eight-year license (or $19.25 for a four-year license if you are under 21). It requires the same documents as a standard license, but your birth certificate must be a certified copy with a raised or embossed seal. The license will have a gold star in the upper right corner. After May 7, 2025, you will need this license or a passport to board a domestic flight.
If you are unsure which type you need, ask the staff at the Prattville office when you arrive. Many people choose REAL ID to avoid needing a passport for flights, even though the upfront cost is higher.
How to Renew Your License by Mail or in Person
Alabama allows mail-in renewal only if you meet specific conditions: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have no medical restrictions, you must not have any outstanding violations or suspensions, and you must not be changing your address. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew in person at the Prattville office.
To renew by mail, contact the Autauga County Department of Public Safety at (334) 361-3800 to request a renewal form. You will fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($28.50 for a standard license or $33.50 for REAL ID), and mail it to the office. Processing takes two to three weeks. You do not need to provide new documents if your address and personal information have not changed.
To renew in person, visit the Prattville office with your current license and proof of residency (a document dated within the last 60 days). If you are renewing a REAL ID license, bring a certified copy of your birth certificate. The transaction takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter. You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your new license by mail within 10 business days.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must explore for a new license rather than a renewal. This requires all the documents listed in the "Documents You Need for a New License" section above.
Fees and Payment Methods
The Autauga County office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. Fees do not vary by how you pay. Here is what you will pay for each transaction type:
| Transaction Type | Standard License | REAL ID License |
|---|---|---|
| New license (8 years, age 21+) | $28.50 | $33.50 |
| New license (4 years, under 21) | $14.25 | $19.25 |
| Renewal (8 years, age 21+) | $28.50 | $33.50 |
| Renewal (4 years, under 21) | $14.25 | $19.25 |
| Duplicate license | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Address change only | $5.00 | $5.00 |
If you need a duplicate license (because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged), the fee is $10.00 regardless of license type. If you only need to change your address, the fee is $5.00. Both transactions can be done in person at the Prattville office.
Special Situations: Minors, Learner's Permits, and Restrictions
Alabama issues learner's permits to drivers as young as 14. A learner's permit costs $10.00 and is valid for two years. You must bring the same documents as for a regular license (proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number), plus a signed parental consent form if you are under 18. The form is available at the Prattville office or on the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website.
Drivers under 21 receive a four-year license instead of an eight-year license, and the fee is half the adult rate. If you turn 21 before your license expires, you do not automatically get an eight-year license — you must renew when your current license expires or visit the office to upgrade.
If you have medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), these will be noted on your license. You must disclose any medical conditions when you explore. If your condition changes, you must notify the office and may need to take a new vision or driving test.
What to Do If Your process Is Denied or Delayed
Your process can be delayed if documents are missing, illegible, or do not match the information you provided. The office will contact you by phone or mail to ask for corrected or additional documents. Check your process receipt for the case number and contact information.
Your process can be denied if you have an outstanding suspension, a revocation, or unpaid traffic fines. You cannot get a license until these issues are resolved. Contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency at (334) 242-4394 to find out the reason for the denial and what steps you need to take.
If you believe the denial is an error, you have the right to request a hearing. Contact the Autauga County office at (334) 361-3800 to ask about the hearing process and timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
No. Alabama does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no violations or address changes, or you can renew in person at the Prattville office. Mail-in renewal takes two to three weeks.
What if I moved to Autauga County from another state?
You must explore for a new Alabama license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license as proof of identity, plus proof of residency in Autauga County (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days) and your Social Security card or documentation. The fee is the same as for a new license.
How long does it take to get my license after I explore?
You receive a temporary license on the spot when you explore in person. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 10 business days. If you renew by mail, the entire process takes two to three weeks.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You must explore for a new license, not a renewal. The fee is the same as a regular new license.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Prattville office?
No appointments are required. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Call (334) 361-3800 to ask about current wait times before you go.