Where to renew your license in Baldwin County
In Baldwin County, you renew your driver's license at an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Office. The county has two main locations: one in Daphne and one in Foley. Both offices handle renewals for residents across the entire county.
You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Mornings and weekdays tend to be less crowded than afternoons and Saturdays. Some people call ahead to ask about current wait times, though the offices do not hold spots for walk-ins.
If you cannot reach a Baldwin County office, you can also renew at any DPS Driver License Office anywhere in Alabama — the system is statewide. However, going to your local office is usually faster and more convenient.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew in person at the Daphne or Foley DPS Driver License Office in Baldwin County, or at any DPS office in Alabama.
- Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security card or birth certificate.
- Standard renewals cost $25.50 for a four-year license or $38.25 for an eight-year license; you choose the term when you renew.
- You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so plan ahead to avoid the rush near your expiration date.
- If your license is expired by more than five years, you may need to pass a vision test or written exam in addition to the standard renewal process.
What documents you need to bring
Bring three categories of documents: your current driver's license, proof of your identity and Social Security number, and proof that you live in Alabama.
For identity, bring either your Social Security card or your birth certificate. The DPS office will not accept a photo of these documents — you must bring the originals. If you do not have your Social Security card, you can bring a Social Security statement from ssa.gov, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form instead.
For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail all work. A driver's license or ID card with your current address printed on it also counts. If you recently moved and your documents do not yet show your new address, bring a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on letterhead, plus one of the documents above.
Bring your current driver's license itself — the one you are renewing. If it is lost or stolen, tell the staff when you arrive; you will need to report it and may face a small additional fee.
The renewal process and what happens at the office
When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will wait until your number is called, then sit with a DPS employee at a window.
The employee will review your documents, take a new photo of you, and ask you to sign a form confirming your information is correct. They will ask whether you want a four-year or eight-year license. You will also be asked whether you want to register as an organ donor — this is optional and does not affect your license.
If your vision is unclear or if you have not renewed in a very long time, you may be asked to read an eye chart. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will take a written test on Alabama traffic laws. Most people do not face either of these — they are only required if your record shows a reason.
Once everything is complete, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Cost and payment methods
A four-year renewal costs $25.50. An eight-year renewal costs $38.25. These are the standard fees as of 2024, though fees can change. You pay only once, at the time of renewal.
The DPS offices in Baldwin County accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations may accept checks, but card or cash is safest. Ask at the window if you are unsure.
If you are a military member on active duty, you may be may have access to to a fee waiver or discount. Bring your military ID and ask the staff whether you may have access to.
When your license expires and how early you can renew
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to six months before that date. Many people renew three to four months early to avoid the last-minute rush.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew at a DPS office, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a temporary license extension at the office — ask the staff whether this is an option in your situation.
If your license expired more than five years ago, the renewal process is more involved. You will need to pass a written test on Alabama traffic laws and may need to pass a vision test. You should plan for a longer appointment and bring study materials or be prepared to take the test on the spot.
Baldwin County DPS Driver License Office locations and hours
Daphne Office: 1300 US Highway 231, Daphne, AL 36526. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (closed Sunday).
Foley Office: 1001 North McKenzie Street, Foley, AL 36535. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (closed Sunday).
Hours can change for holidays or staffing reasons. Before you go, call the office directly to confirm they are open. The Daphne office phone number is (251) 626-0180 and the Foley office is (251) 968-6500. You can also visit the Alabama DPS website for current hours.
What to do if you have moved out of state or lost your license
If you have moved out of Alabama, you cannot renew your Alabama license by mail or online. You will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency for their renewal process.
If your license was lost or stolen, go to a Baldwin County DPS office and tell the staff. You will fill out a report, pay a replacement fee (usually around $5 to $10), and receive a temporary license while your permanent one is mailed to you. The process is similar to a regular renewal, but you will not have your old license to turn in.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at a regular DPS office. You will need to contact the Alabama DPS directly to find out what steps are required to restore your driving privileges. Call (334) 242-4400 or visit the DPS website for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online or by mail in Alabama?
No. Alabama does not offer online or mail-in renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew in person at a DPS Driver License Office. However, you can renew at any DPS office in the state, not just in Baldwin County.
What if I wear glasses or contacts — do I need to bring them to the office?
Yes. If you wear corrective lenses, wear them when you go to renew. Your new photo will show you as you normally appear, and the vision test (if required) will be done with your glasses or contacts on.
How long does it take to renew at the office?
The actual renewal process at the window usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. However, wait time in the office can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on how busy it is. Going early in the morning or on a weekday typically means shorter waits.
What if my address on my license is wrong?
Tell the DPS employee when you sit down for your renewal. They will update your address in the system as part of the renewal process. Bring proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days) so they can verify it.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must be present in person to renew your driver's license. The DPS office will take a new photo of you and you must sign the renewal form yourself. No one can do this on your behalf.