How to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

The fastest way to renew in Alabama

You can renew your Alabama driver's license online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. Online renewal is the quickest option — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You're may be able to access for online renewal if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.

If you can't renew online, mail-in renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time ALEA receives your process. In-person renewal at a local examiner's office is when ready — you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card within 7 to 10 days. Choose in-person renewal if you need to update your address, add or remove restrictions, or if your license is damaged.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the ALEA website is available if your license is valid, unrestricted, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
You'll need your current Alabama driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
Mail-in renewal requires you to complete an process form, include a check or money order, and mail everything to the address provided by ALEA.
In-person renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office takes about 30 minutes and lets you update your address or medical information on the same day.
Alabama driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to 6 months before expiration without penalty.

Online renewal step by step

Start by visiting the ALEA website and locating the online renewal portal. You'll enter your current driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will pull up your existing information and ask you to confirm that your address, name, and other details are still correct. If anything has changed, you cannot proceed online — you'll need to renew in person instead.

Once you've confirmed your information, you'll pay the renewal fee using a debit or credit card. The fee for a standard 8-year renewal is $28.50. After payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation number. Print this confirmation or save it to your phone — you may need it if there's a delay. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail-in renewal: what to send and where

To renew by mail, read the DL-43 process form from the ALEA website or request one by phone at 334-242-4437. Fill out the form completely, including your name, address, date of birth, and license number. Sign and date the form — an unsigned process will be rejected and returned to you.

Include a check or money order for $28.50 payable to the State of Alabama. Do not send cash. Place your process, payment, and a copy of your current license in an envelope and mail it to the address listed on the form (typically the ALEA Driver License Section in Montgomery). Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after ALEA receives your process, so mail early if your license is expiring soon.

In-person renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office

Visit your local Driver License Examiner's Office with your current Alabama driver's license and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you're changing your address, bring the new proof of residency for that address.

The examiner will review your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal. You'll pay the $28.50 renewal fee at the office. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready that's valid for 30 days, and your plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to update medical information, add or remove restrictions, or correct your name, you must renew in person.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired fewer than 5 years ago, you can still renew it using the same methods — online, by mail, or in person. There is no penalty fee for renewing a recently expired license. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renew as soon as possible.

If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot renew it. You'll need to explore for a new license, which requires taking the written test and road test again. Contact your local Driver License Examiner's Office to schedule these tests.

Address changes and other updates

If you've moved since your last renewal, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office and bring proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you need to update your name, add medical restrictions, remove restrictions, or change your gender marker, you must renew in person. Bring the required documents — for a name change, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For medical restrictions, bring a letter from your doctor. The examiner will process these changes during your renewal appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online if you meet the may be able to access requirements, or you can renew by mail. You cannot renew in person at an examiner's office unless you're physically present in Alabama. Online renewal is your fastest option if your address hasn't changed and your license has no restrictions.

What if I lost my license or it's damaged?

You must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number, and proof of residency. The examiner will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot and mail your new plastic license within 7 to 10 business days.

How long does my renewed license last?

A standard Alabama driver's license is valid for 8 years from the date of renewal. Your license expires on your birthday in the year it's set to expire. You can renew up to 6 months before your birthday without any penalty.

What if my renewal process is rejected?

If you renew online or by mail and your process is rejected, ALEA will mail you a notice explaining why. Common reasons include a mismatch in your personal information, an outstanding ticket or suspension, or a problem with your payment. Follow the instructions in the notice to correct the issue, then resubmit your process or visit an examiner's office in person.

Do I need a new photo for renewal?

Yes. A new photo is taken during in-person renewal. If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your previous license is used. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you'll need to renew in person instead.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.