The documents and fees you'll need before you start

To renew your Alabama driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and the renewal fee. Alabama's Department of Public Safety handles renewals, and you can do this in person at any Driver License Examiner's Office or online through the state's portal if you meet certain conditions. The exact documents depend on whether you're renewing by mail, online, or in person — and whether your license is still valid or has already expired.

The good news: if your current license is valid and you haven't changed your name or address, the online renewal process is the fastest route. If you need to renew in person or by mail, the document list is longer but straightforward once you know what counts.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid form of ID (your current license, passport, or birth certificate), proof you live in Alabama, and your Social Security number to renew.
  • Online renewal is available only if your license is still valid, you haven't changed your name or address, and you have a valid email address on file.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office requires the same documents plus a completed DL-44 form and the renewal fee (currently $28 for a four-year license).
  • If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, not just renew.
  • Mail renewal is available in limited cases; contact your local examiner's office to confirm whether you're may be able to access before sending documents.

Documents you need for in-person renewal

Bring your current Alabama driver's license or a valid form of ID such as a U.S. passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. You also need proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your current Alabama address. A government-issued ID with your current address also counts as proof of residency.

You'll also need to provide your Social Security number (you can bring your Social Security card, but it's not required if you know the number). Fill out form DL-44 before you arrive or complete it at the office. The form is available on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website.

Bring your payment method for the renewal fee. A four-year license costs $28; an eight-year license costs $56. Alabama accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices, though some locations may have different payment options — call ahead if you're unsure.

Online renewal: when you can use it

You can renew online through the Alabama Department of Public Safety portal if all of these are true: your current license is still valid (not expired), you haven't changed your name since your last renewal, your address hasn't changed, and you have a valid email address on file with the state. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as in-person renewal ($28 for four years, $56 for eight years).

You'll pay by credit or debit card online. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If any of the conditions above don't explore to you — your license is expired, you've moved, or your name changed — you must renew in person.

What to do if your license has been expired for a long time

If your Alabama license expired more than five years ago, renewal alone may not be enough. The state may require you to retake the written knowledge test and the vision test, even if you're renewing rather than getting a new license for the first time. This is treated differently from a standard renewal and takes longer.

Contact your local Driver License Examiner's Office before you go in. They can tell you whether your specific situation requires retesting. If it does, you'll need to schedule an appointment and bring the same documents as a regular renewal, plus time to sit for the tests. The office can walk you through what to expect.

Renewing by mail in limited situations

Mail renewal is available only in specific cases — typically for people who are out of state, disabled, or over a certain age. Not everyone is may be able to access. You must contact your local Driver License Examiner's Office first to confirm that mail renewal is an option for you.

If you are may be able to access, the office will tell you which documents to send and where to mail them. Do not send original documents like your birth certificate or passport; send certified copies instead. Include a check or money order for the fee (do not send cash through the mail). Mail renewal takes longer than in-person or online — usually two to four weeks after the office receives your packet.

Finding your local examiner's office and scheduling

Alabama has Driver License Examiner's Offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require appointments. Call ahead or check online before you go, because wait times vary by location and time of day.

If you need an appointment, you can usually schedule one online or by phone through the same office. Bring all your documents in one folder so you don't forget anything. The in-person process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you're called, depending on how busy the office is.

Your new license and what happens next

If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew online, you'll only get the mailed license — no temporary document — so plan ahead if you need to drive before it arrives.

Your new license will have the same number as your old one unless you requested a change. Check the information on your temporary license before you leave the office and report any errors when ready; it's much easier to fix them on the spot than after your permanent license is printed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an unpaid traffic ticket or suspended license?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do to restore your driving rights. Once your status is cleared, you can proceed with renewal.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring proof of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot use online renewal if your name has changed. Bring the name-change document along with your other proof of identity and residency.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew in person, your temporary license is valid for 30 days and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew online, expect 7 to 10 business days for the mailed license only. Mail renewal takes 2 to 4 weeks after the office receives your documents.

What if I move to a different address before my license arrives?

Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety when ready with your new address. They can redirect your license to your new location. If your license arrives at your old address, you can pick it up from the new resident or contact the post office about mail forwarding.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Not always. If you're renewing online or by mail, your old photo is used. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo as part of the process. You cannot bring your own photo or request to use your old one.