Where to renew your license in Montgomery

In Montgomery, you renew your driver's license at the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office. The main Montgomery location is at 301 South Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. This is the office that handles most renewals for people living in Montgomery and the surrounding area.

You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or violations on your record. If you may have access to for mail renewal, you can request an process by calling the Montgomery DPS office at (334) 242-4437.

Before you go in person or explore by mail, check the DPS website or call ahead. Office hours and processing times can change, and knowing what to bring saves you a trip back.

Key Takeaways

  • The Montgomery DPS office at 301 South Ripley Street handles most driver's license renewals in person.
  • You can renew by mail if your license expired less than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions or violations.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or card.
  • In-person renewals take about 30 minutes to an hour, and your new license arrives by mail within two weeks.
  • If your license is expired by more than five years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

What documents to bring for in-person renewal

Bring your current Alabama driver's license — this is your primary document. If your license is lost or stolen, bring a state ID card or passport instead.

You also need proof of residency. The DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Montgomery address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A government check or tax return also works if it shows your address.

Bring your Social Security card or number. If you do not have your card, you can write the number on a piece of paper and bring it with you. The DPS uses this to verify your identity and check for any violations or holds on your record.

If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. Without this, you cannot renew under a new name.

The in-person renewal process at the Montgomery office

When you arrive at the DPS office, take a number from the ticket machine near the entrance. Wait for your number to be called, then approach the window. Tell the clerk you are renewing your license and hand over your documents.

The clerk will verify your information, check for any violations or medical restrictions, and ask you to sign a form. You will also have your photo taken — wear something you are comfortable with, as this photo will be on your license for the next four or eight years depending on your age.

You will pay the renewal fee at the window. The cost depends on your age and how long you want the license to be valid. Alabama offers four-year licenses for people under 65 and eight-year licenses for people 65 and older. Ask the clerk for the exact fee when you arrive, as it may change.

After you pay, you are done. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process within two weeks. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal: when you can do it and how

You can renew by mail only if your current license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical restrictions or violations on your record, and you have a valid Social Security number on file with the DPS.

Call the Montgomery DPS office at (334) 242-4437 and ask for a mail renewal process. They will mail it to you, or you can read it from the Alabama DPS website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a copy of your current license and proof of residency.

Mail the packet to the address listed on the process along with your renewal fee. You can pay by check or money order — do not send cash. The DPS will process your renewal and mail your new license to you. This takes longer than in-person renewal, usually four to six weeks from the time they receive your packet.

License expiration dates and renewal timing

Your Alabama driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew up to 60 days before your birthday without penalty, and you can renew up to five years after expiration.

If you renew before your license expires, your new license will be valid for four or eight years from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew. This means you do not lose time by renewing early.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or through a straightforward renewal process. You will need to explore for a new license in person, which includes retaking the written test and possibly the road test depending on how long it has been expired. Contact the Montgomery DPS office to find out what tests you will need to take.

What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot use the standard renewal process. Instead, you must explore for a replacement in person at the Montgomery DPS office. Bring a state ID card, passport, or other government-issued photo ID, along with proof of residency and your Social Security number.

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can renew it as normal. If it is so damaged that information cannot be read, treat it as a replacement rather than a renewal and bring an alternate ID to the office.

The replacement fee is different from the renewal fee and may be higher. Ask the clerk for the exact cost when you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online in Montgomery?

No. Alabama does not offer online driver's license renewal. You must renew in person at the DPS office or by mail if you meet the requirements. Some states offer online renewal, but Alabama is not one of them.

What if I moved to Montgomery from another state?

If you have a valid out-of-state license, you can renew it at the Montgomery DPS office. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of residency in Montgomery, and your Social Security number. You do not need to take a new written or road test unless your license has been expired for more than five years.

How long does my new license take to arrive?

In-person renewals usually arrive within two weeks of your visit. Mail renewals take four to six weeks from the time the DPS receives your packet. If you need your license sooner, renew in person rather than by mail.

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

No appointment is required. The Montgomery DPS office operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a ticket system. Arrive early in the day or mid-week to avoid long waits. Call ahead to check current wait times.

What if my address changed but I do not have a utility bill yet?

Bring whatever proof of residency you have — a lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government check dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and have none of these, ask the DPS clerk what documents they will accept. A signed lease or rental agreement is often acceptable even if it is not dated within 60 days, as long as it shows your current address.