What you need to renew in Alabama
Alabama renews driver's licenses in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew by mail or online, even if your license is not yet expired. You will need to visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety driver license office, bring the required documents, pass an eye test, and pay the renewal fee.
The process takes about 30 minutes to an hour from arrival to leaving with your renewed license in hand. Your new license is issued on the spot, though you may wait in line depending on how busy the office is that day.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama requires all driver's license renewals to happen in person at a Department of Public Safety office; there is no mail or online option.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number to renew.
- The renewal fee is $28 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license, paid in cash or card at the office.
- You must pass a vision screening at the office, so bring any glasses or contacts you wear while driving.
- Your new license is printed and issued the same day you visit, so you leave with it in hand.
Documents to bring to the Alabama DMV
Bring your current Alabama driver's license. If you have lost it or it was stolen, bring a government-issued photo ID instead, such as a passport or military ID.
You will also need one document that proves where you live. The DMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill. The document must show your current name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill does not count as proof of residency in Alabama.
Have your Social Security number ready. You do not need to bring a card, but you must know the number. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Where to find an Alabama DMV office and hours
Alabama's Department of Public Safety operates driver license offices in most counties. You can visit any office in the state; you do not have to go to the one in your county. The main office locator is on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website, where you can search by county or city and see the address, phone number, and hours for each location.
Hours vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead or check the website before you go, because some smaller offices have limited hours or may close for lunch.
Wait times are longest on Mondays and Fridays and during lunch hours. If you can visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning, you will likely wait less time.
The renewal fee and payment methods
A four-year Alabama driver's license costs $28. An eight-year license costs $48. You choose which length you want when you renew. The eight-year license costs more but means you will not have to renew again for eight years instead of four.
Pay the fee at the DMV office when you complete your renewal. Alabama accepts cash and debit or credit cards. Some offices may have ATMs on site if you need cash, but do not count on it—bring the payment method you plan to use.
Vision test requirements at renewal
You must pass a vision screening before your license is issued. An Alabama DMV employee will test your eyesight using a machine or chart. If you wear glasses or contacts while driving, wear them to the office. If you fail the vision test, you cannot renew that day and will be told what to do next, which usually means getting an eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist and returning with the results.
Bring any glasses or contacts you use while driving, even if you do not wear them all the time. The DMV will test you with them on if you are wearing them when you arrive.
What happens after you renew
Your new license is printed at the office and given to you before you leave. It is valid when ready. You can drive with it right away and do not need to wait for anything in the mail.
Your old license becomes invalid once the new one is issued. You can keep it as a record, but it cannot be used for driving or as a form of identification.
If you need a Real ID-compliant license for air travel or federal building access, ask the DMV employee whether your new license meets Real ID standards. Alabama offers Real ID licenses, but you must request one and may need to bring additional documents such as a birth certificate or passport.
What to do if your license is expired
If your Alabama license has already expired, you can still renew it in person at a DMV office using the same process. Bring the same documents and pay the same fee. An expired license does not disqualify you from renewing; it just means you should not have been driving until you renewed it.
If your license expired more than five years ago, Alabama may require you to take a written driving test in addition to the vision test. Call your local DMV office before you go to ask whether a written test will be required for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to six months before your license expires. This is useful if you know you will be busy or traveling when your expiration date arrives. Renew early using the same in-person process and documents.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
You must bring one of the accepted documents showing your current address. If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, bring a bank statement, insurance bill, or mortgage statement. If you cannot get any of these, call your local DMV office to ask what alternatives they may accept in your situation.
Do I need to make an appointment to renew at the Alabama DMV?
Most Alabama DMV offices do not require appointments for license renewal. You can walk in during business hours. However, some offices may offer appointment slots during busy times. Call ahead to ask whether your local office takes appointments or operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
What if I want a Real ID license?
Ask the DMV employee when you renew whether your new license will be Real ID-compliant. If you want to make sure it is, request a Real ID license and bring a birth certificate or passport along with your other documents. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses but meet federal requirements for air travel and federal building entry.
Can I renew if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Alabama does not prevent you from renewing your license because of unpaid tickets or fines. However, if your license was suspended for a traffic violation, you must clear the suspension before you can renew. Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety or the court that issued the suspension to find out how to clear it.