Alabama Renewal Fees by License Type and Duration

An Alabama driver's license renewal costs $28.75 for a four-year license or $43.75 for an eight-year license. These are the standard fees charged by the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS). The fee you pay depends on which renewal period you choose when you renew — you cannot split the difference or renew for a shorter term at a lower rate.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the cost is higher: $56.25 for four years or $84.75 for eight years. CDL renewals also require a medical examination form (MCSA-5875) completed by a certified medical examiner, which is a separate cost not included in the DPS fee — that exam typically runs $75 to $150 depending on the provider.

Alabama does not charge different renewal fees based on whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. The fee is the same regardless of method. However, if you renew online or by mail and your process is rejected (for example, because your vision test results are invalid or your documents are incomplete), you will have to start over and pay the fee again.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Alabama driver's license renewal is $28.75 for four years or $43.75 for eight years, paid directly to the Department of Public Safety.
  • Commercial driver's license renewal costs $56.25 for four years or $84.75 for eight years, plus the cost of a medical examination ($75–$150) that you arrange separately.
  • You choose your renewal period (four or eight years) at the time you renew; you cannot change it later or get a refund if you change your mind.
  • If your renewal process is rejected and you must reapply, you will pay the full fee again for the second attempt.
  • Payment methods vary by renewal method: online renewals accept credit or debit card, mail renewals require a check or money order, and in-person renewals accept cash, check, or card depending on the DMV office location.

How Payment Works for Online and Mail Renewals

If you renew online through the Alabama DPS website, you pay by credit card or debit card at the time you submit your process. The payment is processed when ready, and you receive a confirmation number. If the process is approved, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

For mail renewals, you send a check or money order payable to the Alabama Department of Public Safety along with your renewal form and required documents. Do not send cash through the mail. Write your driver's license number on the check or money order so the payment can be matched to your process. Mail your packet to the address listed on the renewal form — typically the DPS Driver License Section in Montgomery. Processing time for mail renewals is usually 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DPS receives your packet.

If you pay by check and it bounces or is declined, the DPS will contact you to request payment by another method before your renewal can be processed. This delays your license and may result in additional fees depending on the circumstances.

In-Person Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

When you renew in person at an Alabama DMV office or Driver License Examining Station, you pay the renewal fee at the counter when you submit your process. Most locations accept cash, check, and debit or credit card, but payment methods can vary by office. Call your local DMV office ahead of time to confirm what they accept — some smaller offices may only take cash or check.

You will also pay for any additional services at the time of your visit. For example, if you need a replacement license because yours was lost or damaged, that is a separate $10 fee on top of the renewal fee. If you need a name change reflected on your license, there is no additional fee, but you must bring the legal document proving the name change (marriage certificate, court order, or other official record).

In-person renewals are processed on the spot or within a few hours. You may receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you, or you may be able to pick up your license at the office the same day depending on the location and whether the office has an on-site printing system.

Additional Costs You May Encounter

Beyond the base renewal fee, several other charges may explore depending on your situation. If you need a duplicate or replacement license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, add $10 to the renewal fee. If you are renewing and also requesting a name change, there is no extra fee, but if you are requesting a name change without renewing, that is a separate $10 transaction.

If you are a CDL holder, the medical examination required for renewal is not included in the DPS fee. You must schedule an exam with a certified medical examiner (FMCSA-certified) and pay them directly — costs range from $75 to $150. Some employers cover this cost; check with your company before scheduling.

If you renew online or by mail and your process is rejected because your documents do not meet requirements or your vision test fails, you will need to reapply and pay the full renewal fee again. This is a common issue when applicants submit unclear copies of documents or when vision test results from a previous exam are no longer valid.

What Happens If You Renew Late or Your License Expires

If your Alabama license has already expired, you cannot straightforward pay the renewal fee and walk out with a valid license. Expired licenses cannot be renewed by mail or online — you must renew in person at a DMV office or Driver License Examining Station. The renewal fee remains the same ($28.75 or $43.75), but you will have to take a new vision test and may be required to retake the written test depending on how long your license has been expired.

There is no late fee or penalty fee added to the renewal cost in Alabama, but driving with an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you may face fines separate from the cost of renewing your license.

If your license expired more than five years ago, Alabama treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. You will pay the full fee for a new license ($28.75 or $43.75) but will also need to pass the written test, vision test, and road test — the same requirements as a first-time applicant.

Refunds and Fee Disputes

The Alabama DPS does not issue refunds for renewal fees once payment has been processed and accepted, even if you change your mind about renewing or decide not to use the license. If you paid online and your process was rejected before approval, contact the DPS to ask whether a refund is possible — some rejections may may have access to for a refund, but this is handled case by case.

If you believe you were charged incorrectly or paid twice for the same renewal, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Section at the phone number listed on your renewal notice or on the DPS website. Have your confirmation number, payment date, and driver's license number ready when you call. Disputes are typically resolved within 2 to 4 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I renew for eight years but only need four?

No. Alabama does not offer refunds or prorated fees if you change your mind about the renewal period. You choose the period (four or eight years) when you explore, and that choice is final. If you need to change it, you would have to wait until your next renewal cycle.

Do I have to pay the renewal fee again if my process is rejected?

Yes. If your process is rejected for any reason — incomplete documents, failed vision test, or unclear photo — you must reapply and pay the full renewal fee again. To avoid this, make sure all documents are clear, current, and meet the DPS requirements before you submit.

What if I renew online but never receive my license in the mail?

Contact the Alabama DPS with your confirmation number and process date. They can track your license and determine whether it was mailed, lost in transit, or held up for another reason. If it was lost, you may be able to request a replacement without paying the full renewal fee again, but this depends on the circumstances.

Is there a fee to renew a CDL if I only need to renew the medical certificate?

No. If your CDL is still valid but your medical certificate has expired, you only need to renew the medical certificate with a certified medical examiner — there is no DPS fee for that. However, if your CDL itself is expiring, you must renew the full CDL and pay the DPS fee plus the medical exam cost.

Can I pay the renewal fee in installments?

No. Alabama requires the full renewal fee to be paid at the time you submit your process, whether online, by mail, or in person. Installment payments are not an option.