Alabama driver's license renewal: the basic process
In Alabama, you can renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. Most people renew by mail or online because it takes less time than a visit. You do not need to take a new written or road test unless your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years.
Your renewal notice will arrive in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you which method you can use and what documents to send. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew — contact your local Driver License Examiner's Office to confirm your address is current.
The cost of renewal in Alabama is $25.50 for a four-year license or $51 for an eight-year license. You pay when you submit your renewal, whether by mail, online, or in person. The state does not refund fees if your renewal is denied.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama allows mail, online, and in-person renewal, and most people renew by mail because it is the simplest option.
- You will receive a renewal notice 60 days before expiration that tells you exactly what documents to send and which method applies to you.
- A four-year license costs $25.50 and an eight-year license costs $51, and you pay at the time of renewal.
- You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years.
- Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks of approval if you renew by mail or online.
Renewing by mail in Alabama
Mail renewal is the most common method in Alabama. When your renewal notice arrives, it will include a form (DL-44) and instructions for what to send. You will need to include your current license, the completed form, payment, and proof of your current address — usually a recent utility bill or bank statement with your name and address.
Mail your packet to the address shown on your renewal notice. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the day the office receives it. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. If you move before your license arrives, contact the Driver License Examiner's Office to update your address.
Mail renewal works best if your license is not expired yet and you have not had any suspensions or revocations. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
Renewing online in Alabama
Alabama's online renewal system is available through the state's official website. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not had a suspension or revocation, and you have a valid email address. The online process takes about 10 minutes.
To renew online, you will need your current license number, date of birth, and a payment method (debit or credit card). You will also need to upload a photo or use the state's photo capture tool. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within two to three weeks.
Online renewal is faster than mail because you do not have to wait for postal delivery of your documents. However, not all license types can be renewed online — commercial licenses and licenses with certain restrictions must be renewed in person.
Renewing in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office
You can renew in person at any Driver License Examiner's Office in Alabama. Bring your current license, proof of your current address, and payment. You do not need an appointment for renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been suspended or revoked, if it has been expired for more than five years, or if you need to update your photo or personal information. You may also need to renew in person if you are renewing a commercial license or a license with special restrictions.
When you renew in person, you will receive a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license allows you to drive while you wait for the new one.
Documents you need for Alabama license renewal
For any renewal method, you will need proof of your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
You will also need your current driver's license. If you are renewing in person and your license is lost or stolen, bring a state ID card or passport instead. If you are updating your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.
If you are renewing a commercial license or a license with hazmat endorsement, you may need additional documents such as a medical certificate or proof of training. Check your renewal notice or contact your local office to confirm what you need.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
If your license expires before your renewal is processed, you cannot legally drive in Alabama. However, if you have already submitted your renewal process by mail or online before the expiration date, you can continue to drive on your current license until your new one arrives — as long as you have proof that you submitted the renewal.
If your license has already expired and you have not submitted a renewal, you must renew in person. You will need to bring all required documents plus your expired license. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test.
Driving on an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. If you are stopped by law enforcement, show proof that your renewal is pending if you have it.
Renewing a commercial driver's license in Alabama
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) in Alabama must be renewed in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. You cannot renew a CDL by mail or online. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of your current address, and payment.
Depending on your endorsements and restrictions, you may need to provide additional documents such as a current medical certificate (for hazmat or passenger endorsements) or proof of training. Your renewal notice will tell you what documents are required for your specific license.
If your CDL has been suspended or revoked, or if it has been expired for more than five years, you will need to retake the written test and possibly the road test. Contact your local Driver License Examiner's Office to find out what tests you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama driver's license if I have moved out of state?
Yes, you can renew by mail or online as long as your license is not expired and you have not had a suspension or revocation. You will need to provide your current out-of-state address as proof of residence. If you have moved to another state permanently, you may want to get a driver's license in your new state instead.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
Contact your local Driver License Examiner's Office and ask them to send you a new notice or tell you which renewal method you are may be able to access for. You can also renew in person without the notice — just bring your current license, proof of address, and payment.
How long is an Alabama driver's license valid after renewal?
A four-year license is valid for four years from the date of issue, and an eight-year license is valid for eight years. Your new license will show the expiration date. You can choose which length you want when you renew, though some offices may have a default option.
Can I renew early if my license does not expire for several months?
Yes, you can renew up to six months before your license expires. Early renewal is useful if you are planning to travel or if you want to update your photo or address. Your new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew, not when your old one was set to expire.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a certified copy of the document showing your legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can renew by mail, online, or in person, but you must include the name change document with your process. Your new license will show your updated name.