How to renew your Alabama driver's license

You can renew your Alabama driver's license by mail, online, or in person at an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time you have before expiration, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew by mail or online because it takes less time than visiting an office in person.

Your license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age when you received it. Alabama sends renewal notices to your mailing address about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama offers three renewal methods: mail, online through the DPS website, or in person at a DPS office.
  • Mail and online renewals cost less than in-person renewals and do not require a new photo unless your license is more than eight years old.
  • You must renew in person if you need to change your address, update your photo, or correct information on your license.
  • Processing times vary: online renewal takes one to two weeks, mail renewal takes two to four weeks, and in-person renewal is usually completed the same day.
  • You can drive on an expired license for up to 30 days after expiration in Alabama, but it is not legal to drive with an expired license after that period.

Renewing by mail in Alabama

Mail renewal is the least expensive option and requires no appointment. When you receive your renewal notice in the mail, it includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. You fill out the form, include your current license, and mail everything back to the DPS. The entire process costs $20.50 for a four-year renewal or $31 for an eight-year renewal.

Mail renewal works only if your address has not changed, you do not need a new photo, and your license is not damaged or lost. Processing takes two to four weeks from the time the DPS receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your current license. If you do not receive your renewal notice, you can call the Alabama DPS at 334-242-4437 to request one or to ask about renewing online instead.

Renewing online through the Alabama DPS website

Online renewal through the Alabama DPS website is faster than mail renewal and costs the same amount: $20.50 for four years or $31 for eight years. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check). The DPS website is dps.alabama.gov, and the renewal section is clearly marked on the homepage.

Online renewal takes one to two weeks from the time you submit your process. Your new license arrives by mail at the address on your current license. Like mail renewal, online renewal does not include a new photo and works only if your address and personal information have not changed. If you have moved, changed your name, or want a new photo, you must renew in person.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

In-person renewal is necessary if you need to update your photo, change your address, correct your name, or replace a lost or damaged license. You can walk in to any Alabama DPS office without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. In-person renewal costs $25 for a four-year license or $37.50 for an eight-year license — more than mail or online renewal because you receive a new photo.

Bring your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. You will have your photo taken on the spot, and your new license is usually ready the same day or within a few days. The DPS website lists all office locations and hours at dps.alabama.gov.

What documents and information you need

For mail or online renewal, you need only your current Alabama driver's license and a payment method. The DPS already has your information on file, so no additional documents are required.

For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and payment in cash or card. If your name has changed, bring the document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your license is lost or damaged, you can still renew in person; tell the DPS staff when you arrive, and they will issue a replacement. If you are renewing an eight-year license and your photo is more than eight years old, you will receive a new photo during in-person renewal.

Costs and payment methods

Mail renewal and online renewal both cost $20.50 for a four-year license or $31 for an eight-year license. In-person renewal costs $25 for four years or $37.50 for eight years. Payment methods for online renewal are credit card, debit card, or electronic check. For mail renewal, include a check or money order in the prepaid envelope. For in-person renewal, most offices accept cash, card, and check.

Alabama does not charge a fee to renew a license that has already expired, so waiting past your expiration date does not add cost. However, driving with an expired license is illegal after 30 days past expiration, so renewing before your license expires is important.

Timeline and what to expect after you renew

Online renewal takes one to two weeks. Mail renewal takes two to four weeks. In-person renewal is usually completed the same day, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on the office. Your new license arrives by mail for online and mail renewals. For in-person renewal, you receive your license when ready or within a few days if the office needs to mail it to you.

You can drive on your current license until it expires. You can also drive on an expired license for up to 30 days after expiration in Alabama, but after 30 days, driving with an expired license is illegal. If you are renewing in person and your license expires before your appointment, bring your renewal notice or a printed confirmation of your appointment to show law enforcement if you are stopped.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama license if I have moved out of state?

If you have moved out of state, you cannot renew your Alabama license by mail or online. You must renew in person at an Alabama DPS office. If you cannot travel to Alabama, you may need to obtain a license from your new state instead. Contact the DPS at 334-242-4437 to discuss your options.

What happens if my license expires before my renewal arrives?

You can drive on an expired Alabama license for up to 30 days after expiration. If your renewal has not arrived within 30 days of expiration, contact the DPS at 334-242-4437. They can check the status of your renewal and reissue it if needed. Bring your renewal notice or confirmation email if you are stopped by law enforcement during this time.

Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail or online?

No. Mail and online renewals use your existing photo from your current license. You receive a new photo only during in-person renewal. If your photo is more than eight years old and you want a new one, you must renew in person.

Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Alabama DPS to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Call 334-242-4437 or visit a DPS office to find out the reason for the suspension and what steps are needed to restore your driving privileges.

How do I know which license type I have — four-year or eight-year?

Look at your current license. The expiration date is printed on the front. Count the years from the issue date to the expiration date. If it is four years, you have a four-year license. If it is eight years, you have an eight-year license. Your renewal notice also states which type you have.