Documents and fees you'll need before you go
To renew your Alabama driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Alabama residency, and your current license or learner permit. You'll also pay a renewal fee — the cost depends on whether you're renewing in person or by mail, and how long you want the license to last. Alabama offers both four-year and eight-year renewal periods, with the eight-year option costing more upfront but spreading the cost over a longer time.
The state accepts a limited list of documents as proof of identity. A passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate works. If you don't have one of those, you can use a combination of documents — for example, a Social Security card plus a utility bill. The key is that at least one document must have your photo, or you must bring two documents that together show your name, date of birth, and current address.
Proof of residency must be recent — usually dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Alabama address will work. A piece of mail from a government agency counts too. You cannot use a post office box as your address; it must be a physical street address in Alabama.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current Alabama license or learner permit, proof of identity (passport, military ID, or birth certificate), and proof of residency dated within 60 days.
- In-person renewal at an Alabama Department of Public Safety office costs less than mail renewal and takes about 15 minutes.
- You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you're not changing your name or address.
- An eight-year license costs more than a four-year license, but you won't need to renew again for eight years instead of four.
- If your license is suspended or expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail and must go to an office in person.
Renewing in person at a Department of Public Safety office
In-person renewal is the most straightforward route and the cheapest option. Walk into any Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License office with your documents, take a number, and wait your turn. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll have a new photo taken, answer a few questions about your health and driving record, and pay the renewal fee at the counter.
The in-person renewal fee for a four-year license is $20.25, and for an eight-year license is $36.25. These prices have held steady, but confirm the current fee when you visit because the state can change them. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at most offices, though a few smaller locations may accept cash only — call ahead if you're unsure.
Bring the original documents listed above, not copies. The staff will inspect them and return them to you. If you're changing your name because of marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll need to renew in person if your license is suspended, if you have medical restrictions that need review, or if you're changing your name or address.
Renewing by mail if you're may be able to access
You can renew by mail only if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions listed on your current license, and you're not changing your name or address. The mail renewal form is available on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. read it, fill it out, and mail it with a copy of your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee.
Mail renewal takes longer — expect two to four weeks for processing, plus mail time in both directions. The fee is higher than in-person renewal: $25.25 for a four-year license and $41.25 for an eight-year license. You cannot pay by card through the mail, so you must include a check or money order made out to the Alabama Department of Public Safety.
Mail your renewal packet to the address listed on the form. Do not mail documents to a local office; they must go to the state processing center. Once your renewal is approved, your new license will arrive by mail. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving during the processing period.
When you cannot renew and must start over
If your license has been suspended, you cannot renew it — you must go through a reinstatement process instead. Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you owe and what steps are required. Suspensions are usually tied to unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, Alabama treats it as if it no longer exists. You'll need to explore for a new license rather than renew, which means taking a written test and a driving test. Bring the same identity and residency documents, but plan to spend an hour or more at the office and pay the full new-license fee instead of a renewal fee.
If you've lost your license or it was stolen, you can request a duplicate. This is faster and cheaper than renewal — bring your documents and pay a small duplicate fee. The duplicate will have the same expiration date as your original license, so you won't extend your license period.
How to find an Alabama Department of Public Safety office near you
Alabama has Driver License offices in most counties. The state website has a searchable list of all locations, hours, and phone numbers. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have limited Saturday hours. A few rural counties share one office, so if you live in a small area, you may need to travel to the nearest town.
Call ahead if you're making a long trip. Some offices get very busy on certain days, and a few have started taking appointments to manage wait times. If you can't reach an office by phone, the state website usually lists whether appointments are available and how to book one online.
What happens after you renew
Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks of your in-person renewal. If you renewed by mail, add another week or two for processing before it ships. Your old license is no longer valid once the new one arrives, but you don't need to destroy it — just stop carrying it.
If you don't receive your new license within four weeks of renewal, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety with your renewal receipt. They can track your license and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. Keep your receipt until the new license arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
Yes, if it expired less than five years ago. Bring it with your other documents and renew normally in person or by mail. If it expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license and take the written and driving tests.
Do I need to take a new photo every time I renew?
Yes. When you renew in person, a new photo is taken at the office. If you renew by mail, your photo from your current license is used, so you won't have a new one until your next in-person renewal.
What if I changed my name but don't have a legal document to prove it?
You must have a legal document — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, the office cannot change your name on your license. If you lost the document, contact the court or vital records office that issued it and request a certified copy.
Can I renew online?
No. Alabama does not offer online renewal. You can renew in person at any Driver License office or by mail if you meet the may be able to access requirements listed above.
What if my address changed but I want to keep my old license until it expires?
You cannot renew by mail if your address changed. You must go in person to update your address. However, you can update your address without renewing your license — some offices allow address-only changes, though you should call first to confirm.