What the Baldwin County DMV Handles and Where to Find It
Baldwin County does not have a single DMV office. Instead, the Alabama Department of Revenue runs driver's license and vehicle registration services through multiple locations across the county. The main office is in Bay Minette, but you can also visit locations in Daphne, Fairhope, and Foley. Each handles the same services — there is no reason to drive to Bay Minette if you live closer to Daphne.
The county also has a License Commissioner's office in each major town. These are separate from the Department of Revenue locations and handle some vehicle-related transactions but not driver's licenses. Knowing which office does what saves you a wasted trip.
All Baldwin County DMV locations are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Most open at 8 a.m. and close between 4 and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Saturday hours vary by location — some open, some do not. Call ahead or check the Alabama Department of Revenue website before you go, because hours change seasonally and without notice.
Key Takeaways
- Baldwin County has four Department of Revenue offices (Bay Minette, Daphne, Fairhope, and Foley) that all issue driver's licenses and handle vehicle registration.
- License Commissioners' offices in each town handle some vehicle transactions but cannot issue driver's licenses.
- You must bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and a birth certificate or passport to get a driver's license.
- Vehicle registration requires your title, proof of insurance, and a completed Form TR-44 (process for Certificate of Title).
- All offices close Sundays and Mondays, and hours vary by location and season.
Getting a Driver's License in Baldwin County
To get a new driver's license in Baldwin County, you need to visit one of the four Department of Revenue offices in person. You cannot renew online if you are explore for the first time or if your license has been expired for more than two years. You will take a written test, a vision test, and a driving test at the same visit or a scheduled follow-up, depending on the office's schedule.
Bring your original Social Security card, a birth certificate or U.S. passport, and proof that you live in Baldwin County. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state counts as proof of identity but not proof of residency. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a Social Security letter from the federal government instead.
The written test covers Alabama traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the free Alabama Driver's Manual, available on the Department of Revenue website. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The driving test happens on a closed course or public roads, depending on which office you visit — call ahead to find out what to expect.
A new driver's license costs $25 and is valid for eight years. If you are under 21, your license expires when you turn 21. Bring cash or a debit card; not all offices take credit cards.
Renewing Your Driver's License
If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online through the Alabama Department of Revenue website. You do not need to visit an office. Mail-in renewal takes about two weeks. Online renewal is faster but requires you to have a valid email address on file.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore in person as if it were your first license — you will need to take the written, vision, and driving tests again. The same documents explore: Social Security card, proof of identity, and proof of residency.
A renewed license costs $25 and lasts eight years. You can renew up to six months before your current license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
Vehicle Registration and Title Transfer in Baldwin County
To register a vehicle or transfer a title in Baldwin County, visit a Department of Revenue office or a License Commissioner's office. Both can handle these transactions, though the Department of Revenue offices are usually less crowded. You need your vehicle's title (the original document from the previous owner or the state), proof of insurance, and a completed Form TR-44 (process for Certificate of Title and Registration).
If you are buying a used car from a private seller, the seller must sign the back of the title and provide it to you. If you are buying from a dealer, the dealer usually handles the paperwork and gives you a temporary registration to drive home. Bring the dealer's paperwork and your proof of insurance to the DMV office to complete the registration.
Proof of insurance must show your name, the vehicle's identification number (VIN), and that coverage is active. Your insurance company can print this for you or email it. A screenshot from your insurance company's app counts.
Registration costs depend on the vehicle's weight and age. A new vehicle costs more than a used one. The Department of Revenue website has a fee calculator if you want to know the exact amount before you go. Registration is valid for one year from the date you receive it.
Changing Your Address on Your License or Registration
If you move within Baldwin County or to Baldwin County from another state, you must update your address on your driver's license within 30 days. You can do this in person at any Department of Revenue office or by mail. For mail-in changes, send a completed Form DL-44 (process for Driver's License) with your current license and proof of your new address to the Department of Revenue in Montgomery.
To change your address in person, bring your current license and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The change is free and takes about 15 minutes. Your license will show the new address when ready.
Vehicle registration address changes must be done at a Department of Revenue office or License Commissioner's office. Bring your current registration, proof of insurance, and proof of your new address. This is also free and takes about 10 minutes.
What to Bring: A Checklist for Common Transactions
| Transaction | Required Documents | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| New driver's license | Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, proof of residency | $25 |
| Renew driver's license (valid or expired less than 2 years) | Current license, proof of residency if address changed | $25 |
| Change address on license | Current license, proof of new address | Free |
| Register a vehicle | Title, proof of insurance, Form TR-44 | Varies by weight and age |
| Transfer vehicle title | Title signed by previous owner, proof of insurance, Form TR-44 | Varies |
| Change address on registration | Current registration, proof of insurance, proof of new address | Free |
Baldwin County DMV Office Locations and Hours
Bay Minette Department of Revenue Office: 1410 Fairground Avenue, Bay Minette, AL 36507. Phone: (251) 937-0202. Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Daphne Department of Revenue Office: 27280 Hwy 231, Daphne, AL 36526. Phone: (251) 621-2300. Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Fairhope Department of Revenue Office: 19100 Greeno Road, Fairhope, AL 36532. Phone: (251) 928-6300. Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Foley Department of Revenue Office: 1301 South McKenzie Street, Foley, AL 36535. Phone: (251) 943-7000. Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Saturdays and Sundays.
License Commissioners' offices in Baldwin County handle vehicle-related transactions but not driver's licenses. Call the Department of Revenue at (251) 242-5000 to find the nearest License Commissioner's office to you and confirm their hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my driver's license online if I live in Baldwin County?
Yes, if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. Go to the Alabama Department of Revenue website, create an account, and follow the renewal steps. You will need your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Online renewal takes a few days, and your new license will be mailed to you.
What if I moved to Baldwin County from out of state?
You must get an Alabama driver's license within 30 days of moving. Visit a Department of Revenue office with your out-of-state license, Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, and proof of your Baldwin County address. You will take the written, vision, and driving tests. Your out-of-state license counts as proof of identity, so you do not need to bring both a license and a birth certificate.
Do I need an appointment to visit a Baldwin County DMV office?
Most Baldwin County offices do not require appointments, but wait times vary. Call ahead to ask about current wait times, or check the Alabama Department of Revenue website to see if appointments are available. Early morning visits (8 to 9 a.m.) usually have shorter waits than afternoon visits.
What if I lost my vehicle title?
You can request a duplicate title from the Department of Revenue. Bring your driver's license, proof of insurance, and a completed Form TR-44. The duplicate costs $5 and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail. You can also request it in person at any Baldwin County office and pick it up in person if you need it faster.
Can I register a vehicle at a License Commissioner's office instead of the Department of Revenue?
Yes, License Commissioners' offices can register vehicles and handle title transfers. They charge the same fees as the Department of Revenue. Call ahead to confirm that the specific office near you handles vehicle registration, because some smaller offices do not.