What You Need to Do to Renew in Alabama
Alabama allows you to renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take 7 to 10 business days by mail, while online renewals are processed within 24 hours.
Your Alabama driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, which means you do not have to wait until the last moment. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at an examiner's office — mail and online options are not available for expired licenses.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama offers three renewal routes: online (fastest, 24 hours), by mail (7 to 10 business days), or in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office.
- You can renew online only if your license is still valid, you have not changed your address, and you do not need to update your photo.
- Renewing by mail requires the renewal notice sent by the state, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a completed process form.
- If your license has expired, you must renew in person and may need to retake the vision test and written exam depending on how long it has been expired.
- The renewal fee in Alabama is $25.50 for an eight-year license, payable by check, money order, or card depending on your renewal method.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Option
Online renewal through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website is the quickest method if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your current license is still valid, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo. The process takes about 10 minutes and your new license is processed within 24 hours.
To renew online, visit the ALEA Driver License Services portal and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will pay the $25.50 renewal fee using a debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days after processing.
If you have moved, changed your name, or want a new photo, you cannot use the online method. You must either renew by mail or in person. Similarly, if your license is expired or you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), online renewal is not an option.
Mail Renewal: What Documents You Need
Renewing by mail works if your license is still valid and you have received the renewal notice from Alabama. The state mails renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. If you have not received a notice, you can request one by calling the ALEA Driver License Section at 334-242-4437.
To renew by mail, you will need:
- The renewal notice sent by the state (this is the form you complete and return)
- A check or money order for $25.50 made payable to the Alabama Department of Public Safety
- Your current driver's license or a copy of it
- If you have changed your address, a utility bill, lease, or other proof of residency dated within the last 60 days
Mail your completed renewal notice, payment, and any required documents to the address listed on the notice itself. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the ALEA receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. Do not mail your original license unless the renewal notice specifically instructs you to do so.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your address and do not have proof of residency, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. You will also need to renew in person if you want to update your name, gender marker, or organ donor status.
Bring these documents to your appointment:
- Your current driver's license or expired license
- Proof of Alabama residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days)
- Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form)
- Proof of date of birth (birth certificate, passport, or military ID)
- Payment of $25.50 by cash, check, money order, or card
If your license expired more than five years ago, you will be required to retake the vision test and the written knowledge exam. If it expired fewer than five years ago, you will only need the vision test. You can find your nearest Driver License Examiner's Office and schedule an appointment on the ALEA website or by calling 334-242-4437.
Fees, Timeline, and What Happens Next
The renewal fee for an eight-year Alabama driver's license is $25.50. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card will arrive by mail within the same timeframe.
Your new license will have the same number as your current one unless you request a change. The expiration date will be eight years from the date you renew. If you renew before your current license expires, the new expiration date is calculated from your current expiration date, not from the renewal date — this means you do not lose any time by renewing early.
If you are renewing a license that has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must appear in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office and may need to provide additional documentation or pay reinstatement fees depending on the reason for the suspension.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent error is attempting to renew online when your address has changed. The online system will reject your renewal if the address on file does not match your current residence. If you have moved, use the mail or in-person method and include proof of your new address.
Another common mistake is mailing payment by personal check without including your driver's license number on the check. The ALEA processes thousands of renewals, and a check without identifying information can be delayed or misapplied. Write your license number clearly on the memo line of any check you send.
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Once it is expired, you lose the option to renew by mail or online and must take time off work to visit an examiner's office in person. Renewing within the one-year window before expiration keeps your options open and prevents the need for retesting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama driver's license if I am out of state?
Yes. If your license is still valid and your address has not changed, you can renew online from anywhere. If you need to renew by mail, you can mail your documents from any state. However, if your license has expired or you need in-person services, you must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in Alabama or contact the ALEA about options for military members or residents stationed overseas.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
Call the ALEA Driver License Section at 334-242-4437 and request a duplicate renewal notice. You can also visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person and ask for a replacement. If you do not have the original notice, you can still renew in person with the documents listed above.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online renewals are processed within 24 hours, and your license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days from the date the ALEA receives your packet. In-person renewals issue a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, unless you choose to update your photo or your license has been expired for more than five years. If you renew online or by mail, your current photo is used. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed.