Alabama lets you renew online if you meet specific requirements
You can renew your Alabama driver's license online through the state's ALEA Online Services portal if your license is still valid or expired for less than five years, and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that require an in-person visit. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $24.50, and you'll receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can use the online route. If your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your address, if you have certain medical conditions on file, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license, you must visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety driver's license office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through ALEA Online Services works only if your license expired less than five years ago and has no medical holds or restrictions.
- You'll 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 transaction online.
- The renewal fee is $24.50 and must be paid by credit card, debit card, or electronic check 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 cannot renew online, you must schedule an appointment at a local driver's license office through the ALEA website.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you log into ALEA Online Services: your current Alabama driver's license (you'll need the number), the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The state accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic check payments.
If your address has changed since your license was issued, you cannot complete the renewal online. You'll need to visit a driver's license office in person to update your address at the same time. The same applies if you've changed your name — the online system does not handle name changes.
Steps to renew through ALEA Online Services
Go to alea.alabama.gov and select the "Online Services" option from the main menu. Click "Driver License Services" and then "Renew Driver License Online." You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
Review the information the system displays — your name, date of birth, address, and current license expiration date. If anything is incorrect, stop and visit a driver's license office instead; the online system cannot fix errors in your record. If everything matches, confirm that you meet the renewal requirements (license expired less than five years ago, no medical restrictions), then proceed to payment.
Enter your payment information and submit. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
When you cannot renew online and must visit an office
If your license expired more than five years ago, the online system will not let you proceed. You must visit a driver's license office and renew in person, which involves a new photo and may require a vision test depending on your age and the length of the renewal period.
Medical suspensions, restrictions, or holds also block online renewal. These include restrictions for vision correction, hearing aid use, or automatic transmission only. If your file shows any medical notation, you'll need to visit an office so a staff member can review your medical documentation and clear the restriction before issuing a new license.
Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals cannot be done online under any circumstances. You must visit a driver's license office and bring your current CDL, proof of medical certification (if required), and any other documents the office requests.
How to schedule an in-person appointment if you need one
Return to alea.alabama.gov and select "Online Services," then "Driver License Services," then "Schedule an Appointment." Choose your county and the office location you prefer. The system shows available dates and times up to 30 days in advance.
Select your appointment time and enter your contact information. You'll receive a confirmation email with your appointment number and date. Arrive 10 minutes early with your current driver's license and any documents the office listed for your specific renewal type (such as proof of residency if you're changing your address).
What happens after you submit your online renewal
Your new license is produced at the state's printing facility and mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete the online transaction. You do not need to do anything else — no signature is required upon delivery.
You can continue driving on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. Your old license remains valid until the new one is issued. If more than 10 business days pass and you have not received your license, contact the driver's license office in your county to check the status of your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is already expired?
Yes, as long as it expired less than five years ago. The online system accepts renewals for licenses that are currently expired or will expire soon. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.
What if I don't have a credit card or debit card?
ALEA Online Services accepts electronic check payments as an alternative. You'll need your bank routing number and account number to pay this way. If you cannot pay online by any method, you can renew in person at a driver's license office and pay by cash, check, or card.
Do I need to print anything or bring anything to the mailbox?
No. The online renewal is entirely digital. You do not print anything, sign anything, or mail anything back. Your new license is mailed to you automatically by the state printing facility.
What if my address changed since I got my current license?
You cannot update your address through the online renewal system. You must visit a driver's license office in person to change your address. The office can renew your license and update your address in the same visit.
How do I know if my license has a medical restriction that blocks online renewal?
When you log into the online system and enter your information, it will tell you whether your record has any restrictions. If it does, the system will not let you proceed with online renewal and will direct you to visit an office instead.