Drivers License
Baldwin County driver license services are divided between the county Probate Licensing Offices and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, so the correct office depends on the transaction you need. Baldwin County Probate can handle many routine Alabama driver license and identification card renewals, replacements, and certain name changes, while ALEA handles new license issuance, testing, out-of-state transfers, STAR ID issuance, reinstatement matters, commercial driver licensing, and changes involving endorsements or restrictions. The sections below explain where to go, what documents may be required, which transactions are available online, what fees are stated by the agencies, and how to avoid making an appointment with an office that cannot complete your request.
Driver License Services in Baldwin County
The Baldwin County driver license service page is the county's primary source for routine driver license transactions handled through the Probate Office. The most important distinction is that the county Probate Licensing Offices do not provide the full range of Alabama driver license services.
Baldwin County Probate processes renewals and replacements for Alabama driver licenses and identification cards. Appointments can be scheduled for Probate Office locations in Bay Minette, Fairhope, Foley, or Robertsdale. These offices are useful when a resident already has an Alabama credential and needs an eligible routine transaction rather than a new issuance or a transaction requiring examination by ALEA.
ALEA, through its Driver License Division, is responsible for transactions that Baldwin County Probate cannot perform. Before scheduling an appointment, identify the type of transaction involved. This prevents a common problem in which a resident appears at a county licensing office for a service that must be completed at an ALEA Driver License Office.
Services Handled by Probate
Baldwin County Probate Licensing Offices handle a limited group of Alabama driver license and ID transactions. According to the county, these offices process renewals and replacements only for Alabama driver licenses or identification cards.
Probate services relevant to driver licensing include:
Renewing an eligible Alabama driver license.
Renewing an eligible Alabama non-driver identification card.
Replacing a lost or stolen Alabama driver license.
Replacing a lost or stolen Alabama identification card.
Processing certain name changes when the applicant does not currently hold a STAR ID.
Providing replacement or corrected credentials when the transaction qualifies for county processing.
Residents who want an in-person Probate transaction can use the county's Probate appointment scheduling system. Appointments are strongly recommended. The county also accepts walk-in customers throughout the day, but wait times can vary.
Transactions That Require ALEA
The Probate Licensing Offices cannot complete several important driver license transactions. Those services must be handled through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The ALEA Driver License Division provides information about state driver licensing and the services available through ALEA offices.
ALEA is required for the following transactions identified by Baldwin County:
Adding a STAR ID.
Transferring an out-of-state driver license to Alabama.
Driver license testing.
Driver license reinstatement.
Changes to driver license endorsements.
Changes to driver license restrictions.
Commercial driver license transactions.
Name changes for applicants who currently hold a STAR ID.
New driver license issuance also belongs with ALEA rather than a Probate Licensing Office. This includes first-time issuance and transactions involving testing. Residents can review the ALEA Driver License Office directory to identify an appropriate examining location.
Renewing an Alabama License
Residents who already have an Alabama driver license can generally use Baldwin County Probate for an eligible renewal. The county provides in-person service through its Probate Licensing Offices, and an appointment may be scheduled at Bay Minette, Fairhope, Foley, or Robertsdale.
The county also states that an online renewal option is available once every eight years as long as the license holder is not making changes to the information appearing on the license. That limitation matters when deciding whether an online transaction is appropriate. A person who needs to change information should not assume that an ordinary online renewal will complete the change.
ALEA's online driver license services portal includes options for renewing or duplicating an Alabama driver license, ID, or permit. The portal also provides access to several other state driver license functions, including office planning, appointment services, license standing information, address changes, emergency contact updates, reinstatement services, driver records, and accident-related services.
When an In-Person Visit Makes Sense
An in-person visit is appropriate when the transaction is eligible for Probate processing but the resident does not use the online option. It is also necessary to distinguish an ordinary renewal from a transaction involving STAR ID issuance, testing, an out-of-state transfer, a restriction or endorsement change, or another ALEA-only service.
For county service, the scheduling portal specifically identifies renewal of an Alabama driver license as an available appointment type when the customer does not need to add a STAR ID. That qualification is significant because STAR ID issuance follows different rules and cannot be added by Baldwin County Probate.
Lost or Stolen Licenses
Baldwin County Probate can replace a lost or stolen Alabama driver license or identification card. The county requires the applicant to bring at least one form of identification that appears under ALEA's Primary Documents or Social Security Verification Documents.
The county identifies several documents that residents commonly use for this purpose:
An original Social Security card.
A certified copy of a birth certificate.
A passport.
These examples do not replace ALEA's formal document rules. Applicants who need to confirm acceptable identification can review the ALEA document requirements and fees before going to an office.
A duplicate may also be requested through ALEA's online driver license services when the transaction qualifies for online processing. This can be useful for a straightforward duplicate request that does not involve another change requiring an office visit.
Replacement Fee
Baldwin County states that the replacement fee for a lost or stolen driver license or non-driver identification card is $31.25. The same $31.25 fee applies to the corrected license associated with the name-change transactions described by the county.
Because a replacement transaction and a renewal are different services, residents should choose the appropriate service when making an appointment or using an online system. A duplicate replaces the credential; it should not be treated as a substitute for a transaction that requires ALEA to examine eligibility, add a STAR ID, or change an endorsement or restriction.
Name Changes on a License
Baldwin County Probate can process certain name changes on Alabama driver licenses, but the applicant must meet the county's documentation requirements. The process begins with updating the applicant's Social Security record because the county requires a Social Security card displaying the new name.
For a Probate name change, the applicant must have:
A Social Security card showing the new name.
The applicable documentation establishing the legal name change.
Acceptable Name Change Documents
The county identifies several forms of supporting name-change documentation. The applicable document may be a marriage certificate, a divorce decree containing language specifying that the person will be changing the name, or other court-ordered name-change documentation.
The document should match the type of name change being requested. A divorce decree, for example, must contain the required language concerning the name change rather than merely establish that a divorce occurred.
STAR ID Name Changes
Probate cannot process a name change for a person who currently holds a STAR ID. Those applicants must complete the transaction with an ALEA Driver License Office. This is one of the situations where choosing the correct agency before scheduling an appointment can prevent an unnecessary trip.
A duplicate fee is charged for a corrected license. Commercial driver license operators must also use an ALEA Driver License Office rather than Baldwin County Probate for their driver license transaction.
STAR ID and Federal Identification
STAR ID is Alabama's REAL ID-compliant credential. Baldwin County Probate cannot add a STAR ID to a driver license or identification card. Original STAR IDs are issued to qualified individuals through ALEA Driver License examining offices.
A person seeking a STAR ID should review the official ALEA STAR ID requirements before selecting an office or gathering documents. ALEA states that STAR ID was developed to comply with the federal REAL ID Act.
Effective May 7, 2025, travelers age 18 and older need a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card, such as an Alabama STAR ID, or another federally accepted form of identification for domestic commercial air travel. STAR IDs also apply to identification requirements for certain regulated federal facilities.
An Alabama driver license or identification card issued on or after April 25, 2022, that does not comply with the REAL ID Act displays the words “Not for Federal Identification” across the top of the credential. That language does not mean the credential is the same as a STAR ID.
Renewing an Existing STAR ID
The restriction on county offices concerns adding or originally issuing a STAR ID. ALEA's information states that county-operated license offices continue to provide renewals and duplicates for licenses, identification cards, and STAR IDs. However, Baldwin County specifically directs applicants who currently hold a STAR ID and need a name change to an ALEA Driver License Office.
This distinction is useful because “STAR ID transaction” can refer to different services. Adding STAR ID status and changing the name on an existing STAR ID require ALEA involvement, while an eligible renewal or duplicate may fall within county-operated services.
First-Time Driver License Applicants
First-time issuance is handled through ALEA rather than the Baldwin County Probate Licensing Offices. ALEA's stated credential requirements for a driver or learner license for applicants age 16 and older include identification, Social Security verification, proof of Alabama residence, and, for certain younger first-time applicants, school enrollment or graduation documentation.
Identification Requirements
For a driver or learner license for an applicant age 16 or older, ALEA requires either two forms of identification with at least one containing a photograph, or three forms of non-photo identification. In either situation, one identification document must come from ALEA's primary document list, in addition to the Social Security card.
ALEA's primary documents include:
A certified U.S. birth certificate issued by an authorized state or federal agency.
An unexpired U.S. passport.
An Alabama identification card.
An Alabama driver license.
A certificate of naturalization.
A certificate of citizenship.
A U.S. certificate of birth abroad.
A Permanent Resident Card.
A valid foreign passport with a valid U.S. immigration document.
Applicants should use the official document requirements page to determine which combination applies to their situation instead of assuming that any photo identification will satisfy the requirement.
Social Security Verification
ALEA requires an original Social Security card for applicants who have been assigned or are eligible to receive a Social Security number. ALEA also identifies certain other Social Security verification documents, including a U.S. military DD-214 and, in a specified situation, a Medicare or Medicaid identification card.
Because Baldwin County Probate also refers replacement applicants to ALEA's Primary Documents and Social Security Verification Documents, the same official document categories are relevant when preparing for a lost or stolen credential replacement at a county office.
Proof of Alabama Residence
ALEA requires two proofs of principal residence for several driver license and identification card transactions. Accepted examples identified by ALEA include a voter registration card, residential mortgage contract, current lease or rental agreement, proof of residential property tax payment, vehicle registration bearing the applicant's name and address, and a qualifying utility bill less than 90 days old.
Other identified residence documents include certain state or federal court documents, school enrollment documents, current homeowners insurance, Social Security benefit statements mailed to the physical address, qualifying government checks or documents, and military orders documenting a duty station and residence.
If a utility bill or similar residence document is in the name of the applicant's spouse or parent, ALEA requires a marriage certificate or birth certificate establishing the relationship to the person named on that document.
School Documents for Younger Applicants
An applicant younger than 19 who is applying for the first time must provide acceptable school enrollment or proof of graduation. ALEA identifies the DL1/93 school enrollment form, a certificate of graduation, and a GED certificate among the applicable school documents.
The school-document requirement should be considered before arriving for testing because first-time issuance cannot be completed at Baldwin County Probate, and an ALEA visit may involve several separate credential requirements.
Testing and License Fees
Driver license testing is an ALEA service. Baldwin County Probate does not administer driver license tests. For applicants age 16 and older, ALEA states a $5 testing fee and specifies that checks are not accepted for that fee.
ALEA lists a $36.25 fee to purchase a driver license. Applicants age 18 or older who want to complete all testing for a license must have a licensed driver, proof of vehicle insurance, and a vehicle that will pass inspection.
These requirements concern testing and initial issuance through ALEA. They should not be confused with Baldwin County's $31.25 replacement fee for a lost or stolen credential or a corrected credential associated with an eligible name change.
Learner License at Age 15
ALEA's requirements for a learner license at age 15 include a certified U.S. birth certificate issued by the Bureau of Vital Statistics, with photocopies specifically excluded, a Social Security card, acceptable proof of school enrollment or graduation, and two proofs of principal residence.
ALEA lists a $5 testing fee and a $36.25 fee to purchase the learner license, with checks not accepted for the stated fees.
Out-of-State License Transfers
An out-of-state driver license transfer must be completed at an ALEA office. Baldwin County Probate does not process these transfers. A person moving to Alabama with a license from another state should therefore select an ALEA Driver License Office rather than make a Probate renewal appointment.
ALEA identifies the following requirements for an out-of-state license transfer:
The applicant's out-of-state driver license.
A Social Security card.
One item from ALEA's primary document list in addition to the Social Security card.
Proof of school enrollment or graduation if the applicant is younger than 19.
Two proofs of principal residence.
A $5 transfer fee, for which checks are not accepted.
A $36.25 license purchase fee, for which checks are not accepted.
The transfer is a state driver licensing transaction rather than an ordinary Alabama license renewal. Selecting “renewal” at a Probate Office does not convert an out-of-state credential into an Alabama driver license.
Non-Driver Identification Cards
Baldwin County Probate can renew and replace eligible Alabama identification cards in the same general category of routine credential services as Alabama driver licenses. Initial issuance requirements, however, are governed by ALEA.
For a non-driver identification card, ALEA requires one document from the primary list verifying the applicant's name and date of birth, Social Security verification, and two proofs of principal residence. A third identification document from the primary or secondary list is required when the primary document does not contain a photograph.
ALEA lists a $36.25 purchase fee for a non-driver identification card. For a lost or stolen Alabama non-driver ID handled as a replacement through Baldwin County Probate, the county states a $31.25 replacement fee.
Commercial Driver License Transactions
Commercial driver license operators must use an ALEA Driver License Office. Baldwin County Probate specifically directs CDL operators to ALEA rather than processing those transactions at the Probate Licensing Offices.
ALEA's CDL and commercial learner license requirements include a current driver license, Social Security card, and two proofs of principal residence. An applicant transferring from another state must also provide a primary document in addition to the Social Security number document.
ALEA states that medical certification or the DOT medical card is received electronically when the applicant certifies to Non-Excepted Interstate status, and missing or inaccurate information can prevent issuance. A Transportation Security Administration background check applies when transferring or obtaining a hazardous materials endorsement.
Testing and purchase fees vary by commercial license class. ALEA lists a $25 testing fee and separate purchase fees for Class A, Class B, Class C, and commercial learner licenses. Skills testing applies to first-time applicants and certain upgrades and is conducted by appointment, with a separate stated skills-test fee.
Reinstatement Services
Driver license reinstatement is another service that Baldwin County Probate cannot perform. A person dealing with a suspended license or a reinstatement requirement should work through ALEA rather than scheduling a routine county Probate driver license appointment.
ALEA's online portal includes reinstatement-related services such as viewing or downloading a recent reinstatement letter, requesting a hearing, and applying for a hardship driver license when applicable. In-person reinstatement service is also associated with ALEA offices, including the Foley location identified by ALEA as having a reinstatement contact.
A reinstatement transaction should not be confused with replacing a physical license card. Obtaining a duplicate of a lost credential does not itself address a suspension or another issue affecting the standing of the driver license.
Choosing the Correct Office
The simplest way to choose between Baldwin County Probate and ALEA is to identify what will change as part of the transaction. Routine renewal or replacement of an existing Alabama credential may be handled by Probate. Transactions involving issuance, testing, interstate transfer, federal STAR ID status, reinstatement, commercial licensing, or changes to endorsements or restrictions belong with ALEA.
Probate Office Transactions
A Baldwin County Probate appointment is generally appropriate for an eligible Alabama driver license or ID renewal, an eligible replacement of a lost or stolen Alabama credential, or a qualifying name change for a credential holder who does not currently have a STAR ID.
Appointments are strongly recommended, although the county accepts walk-ins with variable wait times. The county Probate Office operates licensing locations in Bay Minette, Fairhope, Foley, and Robertsdale.
ALEA Office Transactions
An ALEA office is the appropriate destination for a first-time license, testing, an out-of-state transfer, addition of a STAR ID, reinstatement, a commercial driver license transaction, a change to an endorsement or restriction, or a name change involving an existing STAR ID.
Because different ALEA locations may provide examining, reinstatement, or CDL functions, residents should confirm the service type before selecting an office. ALEA's driver license office directory identifies Baldwin County examining locations in Bay Minette, Fairhope, and Foley.
Common Driver License Mistakes
Many avoidable problems come from treating all driver license services as if they are handled by the same office. Baldwin County's licensing structure makes the service type especially important.
Booking Probate for Testing
Probate Licensing Offices do not perform driver license testing. First-time applicants and other customers who need testing must use ALEA. Scheduling a Probate appointment for a license renewal will not provide access to an ALEA examination.
Requesting STAR ID at Probate
Baldwin County Probate cannot add a STAR ID. Applicants seeking original STAR ID issuance must use an ALEA examining office and should review ALEA's STAR ID document requirements before the visit.
Using Renewal for a Transfer
An out-of-state license cannot be handled as an ordinary Alabama renewal through Probate. ALEA specifically requires out-of-state transfers to be completed at an ALEA office and has a separate document and fee structure for the transfer.
Arriving Without Replacement Identification
A person requesting replacement of a lost or stolen Alabama license or ID through Baldwin County Probate must bring at least one qualifying document from ALEA's Primary Documents or Social Security Verification Documents. Bringing only documents outside those categories can prevent the replacement transaction from being completed.
Missing Name Change Documents
A Probate name change requires both a Social Security card displaying the new name and the applicable legal document supporting the change. A marriage certificate, qualifying divorce decree, or other court-ordered name-change document may apply depending on the situation.
Confusing a Duplicate With Reinstatement
A duplicate replaces the physical driver license or ID credential. Reinstatement concerns the standing of a driver license and is handled through ALEA. A person facing a reinstatement issue should use the state reinstatement process rather than relying on a replacement transaction.
Driver License Offices
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Office
203A Oak Street, Bay Minette, AL 36507
251-990-4690
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Office
Baldwin County Satellite Courthouse
1100 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, AL 36532
251-990-4690
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Office
Baldwin County Satellite Courthouse
201 E. Section Avenue, Foley, AL 36535
251-990-4690
Drivers License FAQs
What does “Not for Federal Identification” mean on my license?
An Alabama license or identification card issued on or after April 25, 2022, may display “Not for Federal Identification” if it is not REAL ID compliant. The wording does not affect the credential’s ordinary state licensing purpose, but it means the card is not a STAR ID. Since May 7, 2025, travelers age 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant credential or another federally accepted form of identification for domestic commercial flights. Residents who need a compliant credential can review the official STAR ID requirements from ALEA before visiting an examining office.
Which online driver license services can I use before visiting an office?
ALEA’s online driver license services portal offers more than renewals and duplicates. Residents can pre-apply for an Alabama license, ID, or permit, schedule and locate appointments, check a credential’s standing, change an address, update emergency contact information, and check the print status of a credential recently purchased online. The portal also provides access to driver records, accident reports, reinstatement documents, hearing requests, and hardship license applications. Checking the available service online first can help determine whether an office visit is necessary.
What can I use as proof of Baldwin County residence?
ALEA accepts several types of documents as proof of principal residence. Examples include a current lease or rental agreement, residential mortgage contract, voter registration card, vehicle registration showing the applicant’s name and address, homeowners insurance policy, residential property-tax documentation, or a water, gas, or electric bill less than 90 days old. Certain government, court, school, Social Security, and military documents may also qualify. When a qualifying household document is in a spouse’s or parent’s name, ALEA may require a marriage certificate or birth certificate establishing the relationship. Review the official document requirements and acceptable proof lists before your transaction.
What documents may non-U.S. citizens need?
ALEA states that non-U.S. citizen applicants may need a valid foreign passport with an acceptable visa or resident alien card, Social Security verification or documentation of non-eligibility, and an acceptable immigration document authorizing presence in the United States. Depending on the transaction and immigration status, documents such as an employment authorization document, valid I-94, or qualifying I-797 notice may be relevant. Applicants should confirm the current requirements before appearing for issuance or testing because immigration-document rules can differ from ordinary renewal requirements.