The Cullman DMV office location and hours
The Cullman County Driver License Examiner's Office is located at 1716 Commerce Avenue Northeast in Cullman, Alabama. This is the main office where you can handle driver license renewals, replacements, address changes, and written or road tests.
Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the office is closed on weekends and state holidays. The office does not take appointments, so you arrive and wait your turn. Arrival time varies depending on how busy the office is that day — early morning typically means shorter waits.
You can reach the office by phone at (256) 734-4371 if you have questions about specific documents or services before you go. The staff can tell you whether you need to bring original documents or copies, and whether a particular service is available that day.
Key Takeaways
- The Cullman DMV is at 1716 Commerce Avenue Northeast and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no weekend or holiday hours.
- You do not need an appointment — arrive during business hours and wait your turn, though early morning typically has shorter lines.
- Bring your current driver license or ID, proof of residency, and any documents related to the specific transaction you are handling.
- The office handles driver license renewals, replacements, address changes, and both written and road tests for new drivers.
- Call ahead at (256) 734-4371 if you are unsure which documents to bring or whether your specific service is available.
What documents to bring for a driver license renewal
For a standard renewal, bring your current Alabama driver license and proof that you live in Alabama. Proof of residency can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test and pass a vision screening. Call the office before you go to confirm whether your specific license falls into this category, since the rules depend on how long it has been expired and whether you have held an Alabama license continuously.
Bring cash or a debit card — the office accepts both for the renewal fee. The fee amount depends on how many years you are renewing for, so ask when you call or when you arrive.
What documents to bring for an address change
To change your address on your driver license without renewing it, bring your current license and proof of your new address. The proof must be a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work.
You do not need to retake any tests for an address change. The office will issue you a new license with the updated address, and you pay a small fee for the replacement card. Bring cash or a debit card.
What documents to bring for a replacement license
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, bring proof of your identity and proof of residency. A valid passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card counts as proof of identity. Proof of residency is the same as described above — a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage, or bank statement with your name and current address.
You do not need to retake tests for a replacement. The office will issue a new card with the same information as your old license, and you pay a replacement fee. The fee is smaller than a renewal fee because you are not extending the license term.
Taking the written test at Cullman DMV
If you are a new driver or your license has been expired for more than five years, you must pass the written test before you can renew or get a license. The Cullman office administers the test during regular business hours — you do not need a separate appointment.
Bring your current ID or proof of identity, proof of residency, and any documents the office told you to bring when you called. The test covers Alabama traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Alabama Driver's Manual, which is available free on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website.
The test is multiple choice and you must pass with a score of 80 percent or higher. If you do not pass, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is a fee for each test attempt.
Taking the road test at Cullman DMV
The Cullman office also administers road tests for new drivers. You must first pass the written test and vision screening before you can schedule or take a road test. Road tests are not first-come, first-served like other services — you may need to call ahead or ask about availability when you arrive.
Bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors before the test begins. Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and your learner's permit or current license.
The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills, following traffic laws, and safe vehicle handling. You must pass the test to receive your driver license. If you do not pass, you can retake it after a waiting period — ask the examiner how long you must wait before your next attempt.
Parking and accessibility at the Cullman office
The office has a parking lot on site, so you can park for free while you are inside. The building is accessible to people with mobility issues — there is an accessible entrance and restrooms on the premises.
If you need information or have questions about accessibility, call the office at (256) 734-4371 before you visit. The staff can direct you to the right entrance or let you know if any services are temporarily unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail instead of going to the office?
Alabama allows mail renewals for some drivers, but not all. You must meet specific requirements — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have held an Alabama license continuously, and you must not have any medical restrictions. Call the Cullman office at (256) 734-4371 to ask whether you are may be able to access for a mail renewal before you visit in person.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
You must bring proof of residency to renew, replace, or change your address on your license. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, mortgage, or bank statement, ask the office what other documents they accept. Some offices accept letters from government agencies or employers that show your name and address, but policies vary — call ahead to confirm.
How long does it take to get a new license after I renew or replace mine?
You receive your new license card the same day you complete your transaction at the office. The card is printed on site, so you can leave with it in hand. If you ordered a mail renewal, the card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card to renew my license?
You do not need your Social Security card for a renewal if you already have a valid Alabama driver license. You only need your current license and proof of residency. If you are explore for a license for the first time or replacing a lost license, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number.
What if I fail the written test — can I retake it the same day?
Yes, you can retake the written test the same day if you do not pass on your first attempt. There is a fee for each test attempt. You do not need to leave and come back — ask the staff how long you should wait before retaking the test, and they will let you know when you can sit for it again.