What You Need to Do to Renew in Alabama
In Alabama, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 business days and costs $24.50. If you can't renew online, you'll need to visit a DPS office in person or mail in your process, both of which take longer and may require documents like proof of residency.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Alabama sends renewal notices to your address on file about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Alabama DPS website is available if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office requires a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and typically takes 30 minutes to an hour.
- Mail renewal is an option, but it takes 4 to 6 weeks and requires you to submit your current license along with a completed process form.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted and you've met all reinstatement requirements.
- Alabama charges $24.50 for an eight-year renewal, and you can renew up to one year before your current license expires.
Online Renewal Through the Alabama DPS Website
The Alabama Department of Public Safety operates an online renewal system at alabamadps.gov. To use it, you'll need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history.
Online renewal is only available if all of the following are true: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions or corrective lens requirements that have changed, your address is the same as what's on file, and you are not renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). If any of these conditions don't explore to you, you'll need to renew in person.
Once you complete the online process and pay the $24.50 fee by debit or credit card, Alabama will mail your new license to the address on file. The process typically takes 10 business days from the date you submit. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office
If you can't renew online, you'll need to visit a local Alabama DPS office. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the DPS website. Bring your current driver's license, one form of valid identification (such as a passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number.
The DPS office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. The new license is typically mailed to you within 10 business days. You'll pay $24.50 at the time of renewal. If you need your license sooner, some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location.
Wait times at DPS offices vary widely depending on the office and time of day. Visiting early in the week or early in the morning often means shorter waits. You do not need an appointment at most Alabama DPS offices, but some locations now offer online appointment scheduling, which you can check on the DPS website.
Mail Renewal for Alabama Residents
You can renew by mail if you meet the same conditions as online renewal: no suspension, no medical restrictions, and no address change. Complete the process form (DL-44), which you can read from the Alabama DPS website or request by calling the DPS at 334-242-4400. Include your current driver's license, a check or money order for $24.50 made payable to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your process. Because of this delay, mail renewal is best used if your license is not expiring soon. You'll continue to drive on your current license while your renewal is being processed. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you should not drive — contact the DPS to check the status of your renewal.
What to Do If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Before you can renew, you must first have the suspension or revocation lifted and meet any reinstatement requirements set by the Alabama DPS. Reinstatement requirements vary depending on why your license was suspended — common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or driving under the influence (DUI) convictions.
To find out the status of your license and what you need to do to reinstate it, contact the Alabama DPS directly at 334-242-4400 or visit a local DPS office in person. Some reinstatement requirements, such as paying fines or completing a DUI education program, must be completed before the DPS will lift the suspension. Once the suspension is lifted, you can then renew your license using any of the methods described above.
Renewing a License That Has Expired
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. This means you'll need to visit a DPS office in person, bring all required documents (including proof of residency and your Social Security number), and pay the full fee for a new license, which is the same as renewal ($24.50 for an eight-year license). You'll also have to take a new photo and answer security questions.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Alabama, even if you've started the renewal process. If you're stopped by law enforcement, you could be cited. If your license expired recently and you're waiting for your renewal to arrive, keep a copy of your online renewal confirmation or mail receipt with you to show that you've begun the process.
Address Changes and Other Updates
If you've moved since your last license was issued, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) along with your other required documents. The DPS will update your address during the renewal process.
If you need to change your name, add or remove medical restrictions, or update other information on your license, you'll also need to renew in person. The DPS will verify your identity and make the changes during your visit. The cost remains $24.50 for an eight-year renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Alabama typically sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice. Starting the process early can be helpful if you're planning to travel or if you want to avoid the rush near your expiration date.
What happens if I let my license expire?
You cannot legally drive with an expired license in Alabama. If your license has expired, you must reapply for a new one in person at a DPS office rather than renewing. You'll need to bring proof of residency, a valid ID, and your Social Security number. Driving with an expired license can result in a citation.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Online and in-person renewals typically take 10 business days for the new license to arrive by mail. Mail-in renewals take 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your process. You can continue driving on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive, as long as your current license hasn't expired.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a DPS office?
Most Alabama DPS offices do not require appointments, but some locations now offer online appointment scheduling. Check the DPS website to see if your local office offers appointments. Walk-ins are generally accepted, though wait times vary. Visiting early in the week or early in the morning often means shorter waits.
What if I lost my current license before renewal?
If your license is lost or stolen, you'll need to report it to the DPS and reapply for a new license in person. You cannot renew a license you don't have. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and Social Security number to a DPS office. The cost is the same as renewal ($24.50 for an eight-year license).