What You Can and Cannot Do Online in Alabama
Alabama allows you to renew your driver's license online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, but only if you meet specific conditions. You can renew online if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions, and you are renewing a standard Class D license. You cannot renew online if you need to change your address, add or remove endorsements, correct your name, or if your license was suspended or revoked.
The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.50 for a four-year renewal or $42.50 for an eight-year renewal. You will receive your new physical license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can print a temporary license from the website to use as proof of a valid license if needed.
If your situation does not fit the online renewal rules — for example, if you need to update your address or if your license expired more than five years ago — you must visit an ALEA driver's license office in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical suspensions or address changes needed.
- The online renewal fee is $28.50 for four years or $42.50 for eight years, paid by credit or debit card during the process.
- You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start the renewal.
- Your new physical license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can print a temporary license when ready after completing the online renewal.
- If your license expired more than five years ago or you have any suspensions, you must renew in person at an ALEA office.
Step-by-Step Process for Online Renewal
Go to the ALEA online renewal portal at alea.gov and select "Renew Your Driver's License." You will be asked to enter your current Alabama driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and confirm your current information.
Review the information displayed on the screen. If any detail is incorrect — your name, address, or physical description — stop and do not proceed. You will need to visit an ALEA office in person to make corrections before you can renew online. If everything is correct, click to proceed to payment.
Choose your renewal term: four years ($28.50) or eight years ($42.50). Enter your credit or debit card information. After payment is processed, you will see a confirmation page with a reference number. Save or print this number. You can then print a temporary license valid for 45 days while you wait for your physical license to arrive by mail.
Documents and Information You Need Before Starting
Gather these items before you begin the online renewal:
- Your current Alabama driver's license (you need the license number printed on it)
- Your Social Security number
- Your date of birth
- A credit or debit card for the renewal fee
You do not need to upload documents or provide a new photo. Alabama will use the photo and information already on file from your current license. If you want to update your photo, you must renew in person at an ALEA office.
When You Cannot Renew Online
Do not attempt to renew online if any of the following explore to you: your license expired more than five years ago, your license was suspended or revoked, you have an active medical restriction or suspension, you need to change your address, you need to add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement), or you need to correct your name or other personal information.
In any of these cases, you must visit an ALEA driver's license office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and any documents related to your specific situation (for example, a court order if your suspension was lifted). You can find the nearest office and book an appointment at alea.gov.
What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal Online
After you complete payment, the system will generate a confirmation number and allow you to print a temporary license. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and can be used as proof of a valid Alabama driver's license for most purposes — driving, identification checks, and so on.
Your physical license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you moved recently and your address on your license is outdated, your new license will be sent to that old address. You will not be able to change your address through the online renewal process, so if you have moved, you must renew in person instead.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact ALEA at 334-242-4437 or visit alea.gov to report the issue. Have your confirmation number ready.
Common Mistakes That Block Online Renewal
The most common error is attempting to renew when your license expired more than five years ago. The system will reject your renewal request. You must renew in person at an ALEA office; there is no exception to this rule.
Another frequent mistake is entering your information incorrectly — especially your Social Security number or date of birth. The system will not find your record if these do not match exactly what ALEA has on file. Double-check before you submit. If the system cannot find your record after three attempts, stop and contact ALEA by phone or visit an office in person.
Some people also attempt to renew online when they have a suspension or medical restriction on their license. The system will block the renewal and direct you to contact ALEA. Do not ignore this message; it means you must resolve the suspension or restriction before you can renew.
Fees and Payment Methods
Alabama charges $28.50 for a four-year renewal or $42.50 for an eight-year renewal. These are the only two options available online. You must pay by credit card or debit card; Alabama does not accept cash, checks, or money orders through the online system.
The fee is non-refundable once you complete the transaction. If you change your mind after paying, you cannot cancel the renewal or recover the fee. If your payment fails, the system will prompt you to try again or contact ALEA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license online if it expired more than five years ago?
No. Alabama's online renewal system only works for licenses that expired within the last five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at an ALEA driver's license office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
What if I need to change my address when I renew?
You cannot change your address through the online renewal process. If you have moved, you must renew in person at an ALEA office. Bring your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
How long does the temporary license last?
The temporary license you print after completing your online renewal is valid for 45 days. Your physical license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary license covers the waiting period. If your physical license does not arrive within 10 days, contact ALEA at 334-242-4437.
Can I renew online if my license was suspended?
No. If your license has any suspension or medical restriction, the online system will reject your renewal. You must contact ALEA or visit an office in person to resolve the suspension before you can renew. Call 334-242-4437 to find out what you need to do to lift the suspension.
What if the system says it cannot find my record?
This usually means your license number, date of birth, or Social Security number does not match what ALEA has on file. Check your license and try again. If the system still cannot find your record after three attempts, visit an ALEA office in person or call 334-242-4437 to verify your information before you renew.