What You Need to Renew in Alabama
Alabama driver licenses expire every four or eight years depending on your age and license type. You can renew in person at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office, or by mail if you meet specific conditions. The state does not offer online renewal.
Your renewal notice will arrive in the mail 30 to 60 days before expiration. This notice contains your renewal code, which you will need if you choose to renew by mail. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew — you just will not have the code.
Standard renewal costs $25.50 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license. If you are renewing a REAL ID-compliant license, the fee is the same. Payment methods vary by location; most offices accept cash, check, and card.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama licenses expire every four or eight years; your renewal notice arrives 30 to 60 days before the expiration date and includes your renewal code.
- You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and you are not required to take a new photo.
- In-person renewal at a DPS Driver License office takes 15 to 30 minutes on average and requires your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee.
- If you need a REAL ID-compliant license, you must provide a birth certificate or passport and proof of Social Security number in addition to standard documents.
- Expired licenses can still be renewed for up to five years after expiration; after five years, you must explore for a new license instead.
Renewing by Mail in Alabama
Mail renewal is the fastest option if you are not required to provide a new photo or medical information. You are may be able to access to renew by mail if your current license is valid (not suspended or revoked), you have no medical restrictions listed on your license, and you do not need to update your photo.
To renew by mail, send your renewal notice, current license, and the $25.50 or $36 fee to the address printed on your notice. Include a check or money order — the state does not accept card payments by mail. Do not send cash. Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after the DPS receives your packet.
If you lost your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail. Write a letter requesting renewal, include your current license, proof of residency, and payment, and mail it to the DPS Driver License Section, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Processing takes longer without the renewal code, so allow 10 to 14 business days.
Renewing in Person at a DPS Office
In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have medical restrictions, if you need a new photo, or if you are upgrading to a REAL ID license. Visit any Alabama DPS Driver License office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some locations have extended hours on certain days.
Bring your current driver license, one form of proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and the renewal fee in cash or card. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Urban offices like Montgomery and Birmingham often have longer lines during lunch hours and late afternoon. Call ahead or check the DPS website for current wait times at your nearest office.
REAL ID Renewal Requirements
If your current license displays the REAL ID star in the top right corner, you can renew it as a standard license. If your current license does not have the star and you want to add REAL ID compliance, you must renew in person and bring additional documents.
For a REAL ID license, bring your current license, proof of residency, and one of the following as proof of citizenship or legal residency: a certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or naturalization certificate. You also must provide proof of your Social Security number — either your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form.
REAL ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses ($25.50 for four years, $36 for eight years) and are valid for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Processing takes the same 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing an Expired License
You can renew an expired Alabama license for up to five years after the expiration date. After five years, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to take the written test, vision test, and photo again.
To renew an expired license within the five-year window, follow the same process as a standard renewal — by mail or in person. Bring your expired license along with your other documents. There is no penalty fee for renewing late; you pay only the standard renewal fee.
If you are unsure whether your license is within the five-year renewal window, check the expiration date on the back of your license or contact your local DPS office.
Documents You Need for In-Person Renewal
| Document Type | Standard Renewal | REAL ID Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Current driver license | Yes | Yes |
| Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage, bank statement) | Yes | Yes |
| Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate) | No | Yes |
| Proof of Social Security number (card, W-2, 1099) | No | Yes |
| Renewal fee ($25.50 or $36) | Yes | Yes |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not send cash by mail. The DPS will not replace lost cash, and it is a security risk. Use a check or money order instead. If you are renewing in person, bring exact change or a card to avoid delays.
Do not assume your address is current. If you moved and have not updated your address with the DPS, your renewed license will be mailed to your old address. Update your address before renewing by visiting a DPS office or by mail using the address change form on the DPS website.
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. While you can renew up to 60 days before expiration, waiting until after expiration creates unnecessary risk. An expired license is not valid for identification or driving, even if you have a renewal process pending.
Do not confuse renewal with a new license process. If your license is suspended, revoked, or more than five years expired, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license, which requires a written test, vision test, and new photo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license if it is suspended?
No. A suspended or revoked license cannot be renewed. You must contact the DPS to find out why your license is suspended, resolve the issue (usually paying a fine or completing a required course), and then explore for a new license rather than a renewal.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I renew by mail?
Mail renewal typically takes 7 to 10 business days after the DPS receives your packet. Delivery by U.S. mail adds 2 to 5 days depending on your location. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a DPS office instead.
What if I move out of state before my renewed license arrives?
Your renewed Alabama license will be mailed to the address on file with the DPS. If you move, update your address with the DPS before you renew, or contact the DPS after renewal to request your license be mailed to your new address.
Do I have to renew in person if I want to change my name on my license?
Yes. Name changes require in-person renewal and a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Bring this document along with your standard renewal documents to a DPS office.
Can I renew my license if I do not have a proof of residency document?
Proof of residency is required for in-person renewal. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement, contact your local DPS office to ask about alternative documents they may accept in your situation.