Alabama Renewal Basics
Alabama allows you to renew your driver's license in person at any DMV office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website. The method you use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most Alabama licenses are valid for eight years, and ALEA sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration.
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) always require an in-person visit. Online renewal is the fastest option for standard licenses and takes about 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Alabama driver's licenses valid for eight years can be renewed online, by mail, or in person, depending on how recently they expired and your license type.
- Online renewal costs $28.50 and takes about 10 business days; mail renewal costs $28.50 and takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal costs $28.50 and you receive a temporary license when ready.
- You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have a CDL, or if you need a name change, address correction, or new photo.
- Bring your current or expired license, proof of Alabama residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number to any in-person renewal.
- ALEA mails renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you can renew up to one year early if you prefer.
Online Renewal Through ALEA
The online renewal process is available at alea.gov under the Driver License section. You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity using information already on file with ALEA.
Online renewal costs $28.50 and does not include a new photo — your existing photo remains on file. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license within 10 business days. You cannot change your address, name, or request a new photo through online renewal. If any of those changes are needed, you must renew in person or by mail with a new photo.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If you have any holds or flags on your driving record, the system will tell you and direct you to contact your local DMV office before you can proceed.
Mail Renewal with Photo Update
To renew by mail, request a renewal process from your local DMV office or read it from alea.gov. Mail renewal allows you to submit a new photo if you want one, and it costs $28.50. You will need to include your current or expired license, a new passport-style photo (if you are updating), and a check or money order payable to ALEA.
Mail your completed process and documents to the address listed on the form — typically the ALEA Driver License Section in Montgomery. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date ALEA receives your envelope. You will not have a valid license during this time, so plan accordingly if you need to drive.
Mail renewal is available only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you do not have a CDL. If you need to change your address or name, include a copy of proof of residency or a legal name change document with your process.
In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office
Visit any Alabama DMV office to renew in person. Bring your current or expired license, proof of Alabama residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed. Your new license arrives within 10 business days. In-person renewal costs $28.50.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have a CDL, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your address or name. DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours. Check alea.gov for your nearest office location and hours before you go.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
The renewal fee is $28.50 for a standard eight-year license, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Pay by check, money order, or debit/credit card (in person only). ALEA does not accept cash by mail.
Proof of Alabama residency is required for all renewal methods. Acceptable documents include a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail (such as a tax return or court document) dated within the last 60 days. A post office box address does not count as proof of residency.
If you are renewing in person and need a name or address change, bring the supporting document: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or a utility bill or lease showing your new address. If you are renewing by mail with a name change, include a photocopy of the legal document.
| Renewal Method | Cost | Processing Time | New Photo | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $28.50 | 10 business days | No | License expired less than 5 years ago; no changes needed |
| By Mail | $28.50 | 2–3 weeks | Yes | License expired less than 5 years ago; want new photo |
| In Person | $28.50 | 10 business days (temporary issued same day) | Yes | License expired more than 5 years ago; CDL; name or address change |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. ALEA recommends renewing 30 to 60 days before expiration. If your license has already expired, you can still renew, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. Expired licenses cannot be used for identification at banks, airports, or other places that require a current ID.
Do not submit an process without proof of residency. ALEA will reject your mail renewal if the residency document is missing or dated outside the 60-day window. For in-person renewal, you will be turned away and asked to return with the correct document.
Do not attempt online renewal if your license has been suspended or revoked. The system will block your process, and you will need to contact your local DMV office to resolve the issue before you can proceed. If you have unpaid traffic fines or child support obligations, your license may be flagged, and you must clear those issues first.
Do not send cash by mail. ALEA only accepts checks or money orders for mail renewals. If you send cash, it will not be processed, and your process will be delayed.
What Happens After You Renew
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with ALEA. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Keep this temporary license with you while you drive — it is valid for all purposes until your permanent card arrives.
Your new license should arrive within 10 business days of approval. If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received it, contact your local DMV office with your confirmation number or receipt. ALEA can track your license and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.
Your old license is no longer valid once your new one arrives. You do not need to return it, but you may want to keep it for your records. If you renewed online and did not update your photo, your old photo will remain on your new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license if I live out of state?
No. Alabama requires proof of current residency in the state to renew. If you have moved out of Alabama, you must obtain a license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still an Alabama resident, you can renew by mail or online if your license expired fewer than five years ago.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — to your in-person renewal appointment. If renewing by mail, include a photocopy of the legal document with your process. Online renewal does not allow name changes; you must renew in person or by mail.
How long can I drive on an expired Alabama license?
You cannot legally drive on an expired license. Once your license expires, you must have a valid license or a temporary license issued at the DMV office. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary license valid for 30 days. If you renew online or by mail, you cannot drive until your new license arrives.
Can I renew early, before my license expires?
Yes. Alabama allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Early renewal restarts your eight-year validity period from the renewal date, not from your original expiration date. This is useful if you want to renew before traveling or if you prefer to handle it early.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. The office will issue a replacement license with a new number and a new photo. The fee is $28.50 for the renewal. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police for your records.