Renewing Your Alabama Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can renew your Alabama driver's license online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website if you meet certain conditions, by mail if you prefer not to visit an office, or in person at any ALEA driver license office. The online route is fastest — you'll receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready if you need your license the same day, though you'll wait in line.
Your may be able to access for each method depends on your license type, how long it's been expired, and whether you've had any suspensions or violations. Most standard driver's licenses can be renewed online or by mail. Commercial licenses, licenses suspended for medical reasons, and licenses expired for more than 5 years require an in-person visit.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through ALEA's website is the fastest option for standard licenses not expired more than 5 years, and you'll get your license in 7 to 10 business days.
- You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
- Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to ALEA's Montgomery office.
- In-person renewal at any ALEA driver license office is required if your license has been expired for more than 5 years, is a commercial license, or has a medical suspension.
- Your renewal fee in Alabama is $24.50 for a four-year license or $36.75 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of renewal.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
To renew online, go to the ALEA website and select the driver license renewal option. You'll enter your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will verify your information against ALEA's records. If everything matches, you'll proceed to payment.
Online renewal is available only if your license is not currently suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your license expired less than 5 years ago. You cannot renew online if you need to change your address, add or remove restrictions, or update your name — those changes require an in-person visit or mail renewal with additional documentation.
After you pay the renewal fee online, ALEA will mail your new license to the address on file. Check your address before submitting payment. If your address is wrong, you'll need to update it in person or by mail before renewing, or your new license will arrive at the old address.
Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Required
To renew by mail, read the DL-44 form from the ALEA website or call the driver license section at 334-242-4437 to request one. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and payment to the ALEA Driver License Section, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471.
Mail renewal works for most standard licenses, but you cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than 5 years, if you have a commercial license, or if you have a medical suspension. You also cannot use mail renewal to change your address or name — those updates require an in-person visit.
Include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. ALEA will process your form and mail your new license back to you. The entire process typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date ALEA receives your form. Keep a copy of your form for your records in case questions arise.
In-Person Renewal at an ALEA Office
Visit any ALEA driver license office with your current license, proof of Alabama residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. You can find office locations and hours on the ALEA website. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if your current license does not display it.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than 5 years, if you hold a commercial driver's license, if you have a medical suspension, or if you need to change your address or name. It's also the only option if you've had violations or suspensions that affect your driving record.
Processing time at the office is usually 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the location is. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
What You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | What You Need | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, date of birth, Social Security number, payment method (debit or credit card) | 7–10 business days by mail |
| Current license, completed DL-44 form, check or money order for renewal fee | 2–3 weeks | |
| In Person | Current license, proof of residency, Social Security card or number, payment (cash, check, debit, or credit card) | Same day (temporary license); 7–10 business days for permanent license by mail |
Renewal Fees and License Validity
Alabama offers two renewal options: a four-year license for $24.50 or an eight-year license for $36.75. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Choose the length that works for you — the eight-year license costs more upfront but means you won't need to renew as often.
Your new license will be valid for the term you choose, starting from the date you renew. If your current license is already expired, you should renew as soon as possible — driving on an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fines.
If Your License Is Suspended or Has Restrictions
If your license is suspended for any reason — unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical reasons, or DUI-related suspensions — you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an ALEA driver license office in person. The office staff will check your record and explain what must be resolved before your license can be renewed.
Some suspensions can be lifted when ready if you pay outstanding fines or fees. Others, such as medical suspensions, require documentation from a doctor or specialist before renewal is possible. Ask the office staff what steps you need to take and whether you can renew once those steps are complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than a year?
Yes, but you must renew in person at an ALEA driver license office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and Social Security card. The office will process your renewal the same way as a current license, though you may be asked additional questions about the gap in validity.
What if I've moved and my address on file is wrong?
If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) and the office will update it during renewal. If you're renewing online or by mail, you cannot change your address — you must visit an office in person or call ALEA at 334-242-4437 to update it before renewing online.
Do I need a Real ID compliant license in Alabama?
Real ID is required for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. Alabama offers both standard licenses and Real ID compliant licenses. If you want a Real ID license, you must renew in person and bring additional documents such as a birth certificate and proof of Social Security number. Standard licenses work for driving and state ID purposes.
What happens if I renew online but my payment doesn't go through?
Your renewal will not be processed. ALEA will not charge your card if the transaction fails. Try again with a different payment method, or choose mail or in-person renewal instead. If you have questions about a failed payment, call the driver license section at 334-242-4437.
Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?
No. Your renewed license is mailed to the address on file with ALEA. You cannot pick it up in person at an office unless you renewed in person that same day. If you need your license quickly, renew in person to receive a temporary license when ready.