What You Can and Cannot Renew Online in Alabama

Alabama allows you to renew your driver's license online through the state's official portal, but only if you meet specific conditions. You can renew online if your license is not expired more than one year, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. If your license expired more than 12 months ago, you cannot use the online system — you must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person.

The online renewal process does not include a vision test or a new photograph. Alabama will use your existing photo from your previous license. If you need a new photo, a medical evaluation, or a corrected address, you must renew in person at an examiner's office instead.

Online renewal is available 24 hours a day through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the transaction.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your license expired within the last 12 months and you have no medical holds or address changes.
  • Online renewal uses your existing photo and does not include a vision test or medical evaluation.
  • The renewal fee in Alabama is $25.50 for a four-year license or $38.25 for an eight-year license, paid by credit or debit card during the online process.
  • Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
  • If you cannot renew online, you must visit an ALEA Driver License Examiner's Office with your current license and proof of residency.

Step-by-Step Process for Online Renewal

Start by visiting the ALEA website and locating the Driver License Renewal section. You will see a link labeled "Renew Your Driver License Online" — click it to enter the renewal portal. Have your current driver's license and Social Security number ready before you begin.

Enter your driver's license number and Social Security number exactly as they appear on your license. The system will pull up your current record and display your photo and personal information. Review everything for accuracy. If any information is incorrect, stop the process and contact an ALEA examiner's office — you cannot correct errors online.

Confirm that your address has not changed since your last renewal. If it has, you cannot complete the online renewal. Exit the system and visit an examiner's office with your current license and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

Select your license term: four years or eight years. The fee is $25.50 for four years or $38.25 for eight years. Enter your payment information (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). The system will process the payment when ready. You will receive a confirmation number on screen — write it down or take a screenshot.

What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal

Once your payment is processed, your renewal enters the ALEA system for approval. This typically takes one to three business days. You will not receive a phone call or email during this time — the system works silently in the background.

After approval, your renewed license will be printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date of approval. You can continue to drive on your current license during this waiting period — your online renewal is valid even though you have not yet received the physical card.

If you do not receive your renewed license within 14 business days of submitting your online renewal, contact the ALEA Driver License Section at 334-242-4437. Have your confirmation number ready. Do not visit an examiner's office unless you have waited the full 14 days.

Documents and Information You Need Before Starting

Gather these items before you log into the renewal portal. You will not be able to leave the system and come back — you must complete the entire process in one session.

Your current Alabama driver's license is required. You need the license number and the expiration date. If your license is damaged or unreadable, you cannot renew online; visit an examiner's office instead.

Your Social Security number must match exactly what is on file with ALEA. If you have changed your name since your last renewal, you cannot renew online — you must visit an office in person with a certified copy of your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

A valid payment method is required: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. The card does not have to be in your name, but the cardholder must authorize the charge. Debit cards that carry a Visa or Mastercard logo work the same way.

Common Reasons Online Renewal Will Be Rejected

The system will stop you at the verification step if your license expired more than 12 months ago. Alabama considers this a lapsed license, not a renewal. You must visit an examiner's office and complete a full process, which includes a vision test and a new photo.

If you have an active medical suspension or restriction on your license, the online system will reject your renewal. This includes suspensions for unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or medical conditions. You must resolve the underlying issue first by contacting ALEA or the relevant agency, then visit an examiner's office to renew in person.

Any change to your address since your last renewal will block the online process. The system cross-checks your address against ALEA's records. If there is a mismatch, you cannot proceed online. Visit an examiner's office with your current license and proof of your current address.

If your name has changed, the online system cannot process your renewal. Bring a certified copy of your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to an examiner's office along with your current license.

When You Must Renew in Person Instead

Visit an ALEA Driver License Examiner's Office if any of these explore: your license expired more than 12 months ago, you have an active medical suspension or restriction, your address has changed, your name has changed, or you need a new photo or vision test.

Bring your current Alabama driver's license and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days). If your address has changed, the proof of address is required. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the legal document that changed it.

Examiner's offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Visit the ALEA website to find the office nearest you and check current wait times.

The in-person renewal fee is the same as online: $25.50 for four years or $38.25 for eight years. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the office. Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license is suspended for unpaid traffic tickets?

No. Any active suspension or restriction blocks online renewal. You must resolve the suspension first — usually by paying the fine or appearing in court — then visit an examiner's office to renew in person. Contact ALEA at 334-242-4437 to confirm the suspension is cleared before you go to the office.

What if I move to a different state after renewing online but before my new license arrives?

Your Alabama license will still be mailed to the address you provided during renewal. If you have already moved, contact ALEA when ready with your confirmation number and new address. They can reissue your license to the new address, though this may delay delivery by several days.

Do I need to print anything or bring anything to complete the online renewal?

No. The entire process happens on the website. Write down or screenshot your confirmation number for your records, but you do not need to print or submit anything. Your renewed license will arrive by mail.

What if the online system says my information does not match?

This usually means your Social Security number or license number was entered incorrectly. Exit the system and try again, checking each digit carefully. If the error persists, contact ALEA at 334-242-4437 before attempting renewal again.

Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?

No. Commercial licenses must be renewed in person at an examiner's office. You will need to pass a vision test and medical examination. Bring your current CDL, proof of address, and any required medical certificates.