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're out of state, or in person at any ALEA office. The online route is fastest — you'll get your renewed license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at an office and you walk out with a temporary license the same day. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. ALEA sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the ALEA website is available if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
- You'll need your current Alabama driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
- If you cannot renew online, you must go to an ALEA office in person with your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
- Alabama driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- If your license is suspended or expired for more than five years, you cannot use the online or mail route and must renew in person.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Option
To renew online, go to the ALEA website and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address and other information. If everything matches what ALEA has on file, you can pay the renewal fee and finish in about 10 minutes.
Online renewal costs $24.50 for an eight-year license. You pay by debit or credit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can continue driving on your current license until it arrives.
You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, if you have medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required), if your address has changed, or if your license has been expired for more than five years. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.
In-Person Renewal at an ALEA Office
Walk into any ALEA Driver's License Office with your current Alabama driver's license, proof of your current address, and payment. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. You do not need to make an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
In-person renewal costs $24.50. You pay cash, debit, or credit card. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you, which takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license for work or travel before the permanent one arrives, the temporary license is valid for driving.
In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, if you have medical restrictions, if your address has changed, or if your license expired more than five years ago. It's also the only option if you need a new photo or if you want to change your name or gender marker.
Mail Renewal for Out-of-State Residents
If you live outside Alabama, you can renew by mail. Request a renewal form from the ALEA Driver's License Division by calling 334-242-4437 or by visiting an ALEA office if you're in the state temporarily. Fill out the form, include a copy of your current license and proof of your out-of-state address, and mail it with a check or money order for $24.50 to the address on the form.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date ALEA receives your packet. Your current license remains valid while you wait. You cannot use mail renewal if your license is suspended, if it expired more than five years ago, or if you have medical restrictions.
What to Bring to an ALEA Office
| What You Need | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Alabama driver's license | Required for all in-person renewals |
| Proof of current address | Utility bill, lease, mortgage, or government mail dated within 60 days |
| Payment | $24.50 in cash, debit, or credit card |
| Social Security card (optional) | Helpful if your name or address in ALEA's system is incorrect |
When You Cannot Use Online or Mail Renewal
Your license must not be suspended. If it is, you must resolve the suspension with ALEA before renewing. Suspensions are usually tied to unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to maintain insurance. Call ALEA at 334-242-4437 to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to lift it.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit, a vision test, and a new photo. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above.
If you have medical restrictions on your license (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), you must renew in person so ALEA can verify the restriction still applies or update it.
Finding an ALEA Driver's License Office Near You
ALEA has offices in most Alabama counties. The main office is in Montgomery, but you can renew at any location. Visit the ALEA website and use the office locator tool to find the nearest office, hours, and phone number. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have different hours, so check before you go.
Wait times are usually shortest early in the morning or mid-week. If you're renewing in person, bring all required documents to avoid a second trip. If you're missing proof of address, some offices will accept alternative documents — call ahead to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license if it's already expired?
Yes, as long as it expired fewer than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a vision test, and a new photo. Check your license to see the expiration date.
How long does online renewal take?
The online process itself takes about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
What if my address changed since my last renewal?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew in person at an ALEA office with proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
No, ALEA offices do not require appointments for license renewal. Walk in during business hours with your current license, proof of address, and payment. Wait times vary by location and time of day.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Go to an ALEA office in person with proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of address. ALEA will issue a replacement license, which costs $24.50.