How to Renew Your Driver License in Montgomery, Alabama

Where to renew your license in Montgomery

In Montgomery, you renew your driver license at an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The main location is the Montgomery Driver License Office, located at 2060 East Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36106. This is the office that handles most renewals for people in the Montgomery area.

You can also renew at any other DPS Driver License Office across Alabama if you prefer a different location, though the Montgomery office is the most convenient for residents there. Hours vary by location, but the Montgomery office is typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Call ahead at the office or check the Alabama DPS website to confirm current hours before you go, since hours can change seasonally or due to staffing.

Alabama also offers online renewal for some drivers, which you can start from home. Not everyone is may be able to access — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you cannot have certain medical conditions flagged on your record, and you must have a Real ID-compliant license or be renewing a standard license. If you may have access to, online renewal is faster and you avoid the office wait.

Key Takeaways

The Montgomery Driver License Office is at 2060 East Boulevard and handles most renewals for the area during weekday business hours.
You need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN to renew in person.
Online renewal is available if your license expired less than five years ago and you have no medical holds, but you still pay the same fee.
A standard Alabama driver license costs $24.50 and is valid for four years; a Real ID costs $36.50 and is valid for eight years.
If your license is expired, you can still renew it, but you cannot legally drive until the new one arrives.

Documents you need to bring in person

If you renew at the Montgomery office, bring your current driver license and one document proving your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill does not count.

You also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). You do not need to bring a physical card — you can state the number verbally, and the DPS will verify it through the Social Security Administration. Bring your original Social Security card only if you are renewing for the first time or if your name has changed since your last license.

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, you cannot renew under a new name.

Cost and how long the license is valid

A standard Alabama driver license costs $24.50 and is valid for four years from the date of issue. A Real ID-compliant license costs $36.50 and is valid for eight years. Real ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 7, 2025, so many people choose it even though it costs more.

You pay at the DPS office when you renew, either in cash or by card — call ahead to confirm which payment methods the Montgomery office accepts. The fee is the same whether you renew online or in person. If you renew online, you pay during the online transaction before your new license is mailed.

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your renewal. During that time, your old license remains valid for driving. If you need to drive before the new license arrives and your old license has expired, you can request a temporary paper license at the office, though not all offices issue them — ask when you renew.

Online renewal: who can use it and how

Alabama's online renewal system is available at the Alabama DPS website. You can renew online if your current license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical conditions or holds on your record, and you are renewing a standard or Real ID license (not a commercial license). If you meet these conditions, the online process takes about 10 minutes.

To renew online, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. You upload a new photo during the process — it must meet Alabama's photo standards (plain background, no sunglasses, head straight on). If your photo does not meet the standards, the system will reject it and you will have to renew in person instead.

After you complete the online renewal, your new license is mailed to the address on file. You cannot change your address online; if you have moved, you must renew in person at the Montgomery office so the DPS can update your address with the new proof of residency.

What to do if your license is expired

You can renew an expired license at any time, even years after it expired. There is no penalty or extra fee for renewing late — you pay the same $24.50 or $36.50 as anyone else. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives, so do not delay if you need to drive soon.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use online renewal — you must go to the Montgomery office in person. Bring the same documents as anyone else: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.

If your license expired while you were out of state or out of the country, Alabama still treats it as a standard renewal. You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has been expired for more than five years and Alabama's rules have changed (which is rare). Ask at the office if you are unsure.

Renewing a commercial driver license (CDL)

If you hold a commercial driver license, you cannot renew online — you must renew in person at the Montgomery office. You need the same documents as a standard renewal: your current CDL, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. You also need to pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner and bring the Medical Examiner's Certificate (MCSA-5875) with you.

The medical exam is not done at the DPS office — you must schedule it separately with a doctor certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can find certified examiners through the FMCSA National Registry on their website. The exam costs money (typically $50 to $150, depending on the provider) and is separate from the DPS renewal fee.

A CDL renewal costs the same as a standard license ($24.50 for four years or $36.50 for eight years with Real ID). Bring your Medical Examiner's Certificate to the Montgomery office when you renew, or the DPS will not issue your new CDL.

Real ID versus standard license: which to choose

A Real ID is a driver license that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building (courthouse, military base, federal office). If you do neither of these things, a standard license is sufficient.

A Real ID costs $36.50 and is valid for eight years, compared to a standard license at $24.50 for four years. Over time, Real ID is slightly cheaper per year, and you renew less often. The tradeoff is that Real ID requires more documentation at the office — you must bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) in addition to your standard renewal documents. A standard license does not require proof of citizenship.

If you are renewing now and your license will not expire for several years, getting Real ID now means you will not have to renew again just to get it later. If you are unsure, ask the staff at the Montgomery office — they can tell you whether Real ID makes sense for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Alabama does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid traffic fines, but some courts can request a hold on your license. If there is a hold, the DPS office will tell you when you try to renew. You will need to resolve the fine or contact the court before you can complete your renewal. Call the Montgomery office ahead of time if you are unsure whether a hold exists.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

If your license is lost or stolen, you must report it to the DPS and request a replacement before you can renew. You can do this at the Montgomery office in one visit — bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. The replacement and renewal are processed together, and you pay one fee for the new license.

Do I need an appointment to renew at the Montgomery office?

The Montgomery Driver License Office does not require appointments for standard renewals, but wait times can be long during peak hours (lunch time and late afternoon). Going early in the morning or mid-week typically means a shorter wait. Call the office to ask about current wait times before you go.

Can I renew my license by mail?

Alabama does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew either online (if you are may be able to access) or in person at the Montgomery office. Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired by more than five years.

What happens if my new license arrives with an error on it?

If your new license has a mistake — wrong address, misspelled name, or incorrect date of birth — contact the Montgomery office when ready. Bring your new license and the document that proves the correct information (lease, birth certificate, etc.). The DPS will issue a corrected license at no extra charge.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.