Alabama lets you renew online if you meet three conditions
You can renew your Alabama driver's license online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.50. You will receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you have a medical hold, or your address has changed, you must renew in person at an ALEA driver license office. The same applies if you need to change your name, add an endorsement (like a motorcycle or CDL), or correct information on your current license.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last five years, you have no medical suspensions, and your address has not changed.
- You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the renewal online.
- The renewal fee is $28.50, paid by debit or credit card during the online process.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
- If you do not meet the online requirements, you must visit an ALEA driver license office in person to renew.
What you need before you start
Have your current Alabama driver's license in front of you. You will need to enter your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will also ask for your date of birth and the expiration date on your current license.
You will need a valid debit or credit card to pay the $28.50 renewal fee. ALEA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The payment is processed when ready when you submit your renewal.
Step-by-step process on the ALEA website
Go to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website and look for the driver license renewal section. Click on "Renew Your License Online" and select the standard driver's license renewal option (not commercial or motorcycle, unless that is what you hold).
Enter your driver's license number, last four digits of your Social Security number, date of birth, and current license expiration date. The system will verify this information against ALEA records. If the information does not match, you will see an error message and cannot proceed online.
Review the renewal form on the next screen. Confirm that your name, address, and date of birth are correct. If anything is wrong, stop and renew in person instead—you cannot change information online. Check the box confirming you have no medical conditions that would restrict your driving, then proceed to payment.
Enter your payment information and submit. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number for your records.
What happens after you submit
Your renewal is processed when ready. ALEA will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to do anything else—no visit to an office, no additional forms, no waiting for approval.
You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive out of state or use your license as identification before the new one arrives, your current license remains valid.
If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact ALEA at 334-242-4437 to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready.
When you cannot renew online and must visit an office
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. The online system will reject your process and direct you to find a local ALEA driver license office.
You also cannot renew online if you have a medical suspension or restriction on your license. This includes suspensions for failing a vision test, failing a medical evaluation, or having a condition that ALEA flagged. You will need to clear the suspension with ALEA or a doctor before you can renew.
If your address has changed since your last renewal, you must visit an office in person. Bring proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You will also need your current license and proof of Social Security number.
Name changes, adding endorsements, and correcting errors on your license all require an in-person visit. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and any other documents ALEA requests for your specific situation.
Finding an ALEA driver license office near you
ALEA operates driver license offices in every county in Alabama. You can find the office nearest you on the ALEA website by entering your county or city. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have limited hours on certain days.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you need to renew in person, consider visiting early in the morning or mid-week to avoid the longest lines.
You do not need an appointment for a standard license renewal at most offices, but some locations now offer appointment scheduling through the ALEA website. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. If your license is suspended for any reason—unpaid traffic fines, child support, medical conditions, or other holds—you cannot renew online. You must resolve the suspension first by contacting ALEA or the agency that placed the hold, then renew in person at a driver license office.
What if I made a mistake when I submitted my online renewal?
Once you submit payment, the renewal cannot be cancelled or changed online. If you entered incorrect information, contact ALEA at 334-242-4437 as soon as possible with your confirmation number. They may be able to stop the renewal before it is processed, but this is not may provide. If the license is already printed with wrong information, you will need to visit an office to correct it.
Do I need a Real ID to renew online?
No. Online renewal produces a standard Alabama driver's license. If you need a Real ID-compliant license for federal travel or building access, you must renew in person and bring the required documents: a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online in Alabama. You must visit a driver license office in person. Bring your current CDL, proof of medical certification if required, and any other documents related to your endorsements or restrictions.
What if my address changed but I do not have proof?
You cannot renew online with an address change. You must visit an ALEA office in person and bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, insurance bill, or bank statement. Without proof, ALEA will not update your address or process your renewal.