Alabama license renewal: online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Alabama driver's license online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes. If your license is already expired, you have had a name change, or you need to update your address, you must renew in person at an ALEA office or an approved county sheriff's office. By-mail renewal is not available in Alabama.

The online route takes about 10 minutes and costs $25.50 for a four-year license or $38.25 for an eight-year license. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you cannot renew online, you can walk into any ALEA Driver License office or your county sheriff's office with the required documents. Processing times vary by location but typically take 30 minutes to an hour. Fees are the same as online renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through ALEA works only if your license is current and your address has not changed, and costs $25.50 for four years or $38.25 for eight years.
  • If your license is expired, you have changed your name, or you need a new address, you must renew in person at an ALEA office or county sheriff's office.
  • Alabama does not offer mail-in renewal, so expired licenses require an in-person visit.
  • Bring your current license, proof of Alabama residency, and proof of Social Security number to any in-person renewal appointment.

What documents you need for in-person renewal

Bring your current Alabama driver's license or learner's permit. If you do not have it, bring a birth certificate, passport, or military ID instead. You will also need one document showing your current Alabama address—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.

You must also prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring the legal document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

If you are renewing an expired license, the same documents explore. If your license expired more than five years ago, Alabama treats it as a new process, and you will need to pass a vision test and written exam.

Where to renew in person in Alabama

ALEA operates Driver License offices in most Alabama cities. The main office is in Montgomery, but there are branches in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, and other locations. You can find the full list and hours on the ALEA website at alea.gov.

If an ALEA office is not convenient, you can also renew at your county sheriff's office. Not all sheriff's offices offer this service, so call ahead to confirm. Many rural counties have limited hours, so check before you drive.

Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but wait times can be long during lunch hours and late afternoon. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter lines.

Online renewal step by step

Go to alea.gov and select "Driver License Services." Click "Renew Your License Online." You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against state records.

Next, you will choose your license term: four years ($25.50) or eight years ($38.25). You can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number by email.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your address before renewing, you must do so in person or by mail using the ALEA address change form—you cannot change your address during online renewal.

Renewing an expired Alabama license

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it using the same process as a current license. Bring the same documents to an ALEA office or sheriff's office, and the fee is the same. You will not need to retake the written test or vision exam.

If your license expired more than five years ago, Alabama considers it a new process. You will need to pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs. You will also need to provide proof of Social Security number and residency, just as a first-time applicant would. The fee is still the same.

If you are unsure whether your license is more than five years expired, call your local ALEA office before you go. They can tell you what to expect and what documents to bring.

Real ID and Alabama driver's licenses

Alabama driver's licenses are not Real ID compliant by default. If you need a Real ID-compliant license for federal travel or entry to federal buildings, you must request it at renewal. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses but require additional proof of identity and residency.

To get a Real ID license, bring your current license, a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your Alabama address. One must be from the last 60 days (utility bill, lease, mortgage). The other can be older (property tax bill, vehicle registration).

Real ID licenses are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. If you do not request it, your renewal will be a standard license. You can upgrade to Real ID at any time by visiting an ALEA office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama license online if it is expired?

No. Online renewal is only for current, valid licenses. If your license is expired, you must renew in person at an ALEA office or county sheriff's office. Bring your expired license and the required documents listed above.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

After online renewal, your license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. After in-person renewal, you receive it within 7 to 10 business days as well. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the ALEA office, valid for 30 days.

What if I have moved out of Alabama since my last license?

You cannot renew an Alabama license if you no longer live in Alabama. You will need to get a driver's license from your new state. If you are moving to Alabama and have a valid out-of-state license, you can renew it as an Alabama license by visiting an ALEA office with proof of Alabama residency.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Most ALEA offices do not require appointments and accept walk-ins. However, some locations may offer appointment scheduling during busy times. Check the ALEA website or call your local office to see if appointments are available or recommended in your area.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring the legal document showing your name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order—along with your current license and the other required documents. You must renew in person; online renewal does not allow name changes. The fee is the same.