Alabama driver's license renewal: the basic path
You can renew your Alabama driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after you submit your documents. In-person renewal at a DPS office is when ready but requires a trip and may involve a wait.
Your renewal may be able to access depends on your current license status, when it expires, and whether you have had any address changes or name changes since your last renewal. If you do not meet the requirements for online or mail renewal, you must go in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have no address or name changes, and you have not had a medical suspension or conviction since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal requires the same may be able to access as online renewal, plus you must mail a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order to the DPS address in Montgomery.
- In-person renewal at any DPS office takes 15 to 30 minutes and requires a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your current license.
- Alabama licenses expire on your birthday in the year shown on your card; you can renew up to 6 months before expiration.
- If your license is already expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal and must appear in person with the same documents as a first-time applicant.
Online renewal: who qualifies and how to do it
Online renewal through the Alabama DPS website is the fastest method if you meet all the conditions. You are may be able to access if your license is currently valid (not expired), you have not changed your address or legal name since your last renewal, you have no active medical suspensions, and you have not been convicted of any disqualifying offense since your last renewal.
To renew online, go to the Alabama DPS website, select the driver's license renewal option, and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $24.50. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If the system rejects your request during online renewal, it means you do not meet one of the may be able to access requirements. Do not try again — instead, move to mail or in-person renewal. The system will tell you why you were denied, which helps you gather the right documents for the next step.
Mail renewal: documents to send and timeline
Mail renewal uses the same may be able to access rules as online renewal. You must have a valid (not expired) license, no address or name changes, no medical suspensions, and no disqualifying convictions. If you meet these conditions, you can renew by mail without visiting an office.
Complete the process for Alabama Driver's License (Form DL-43), which you can read from the Alabama DPS website or request by phone at 334-242-4437. Sign the form and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $24.50 to:
Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver's License Section P.O. Box 1471 Montgomery, AL 36102
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DPS receives your envelope. Do not include cash. Keep a record of what you mailed in case the DPS needs to contact you. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
You must renew in person if your license is expired, you have changed your address or legal name, you have an active medical suspension, or you were denied online or mail renewal. In-person renewal is also the fastest way to get a new license the same day.
Bring these documents to any Alabama DPS office: your current driver's license (or expired license if your current one is lost), one form of valid photo identification (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days). If you changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
The fee for in-person renewal is $24.50. You will take a new photo and sign the process on site. Your new license is printed when ready and you leave with it the same day. Wait times vary by office and time of day; offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings.
Address and name changes during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address. You cannot do this online or by mail — you must go in person to a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or government mail from the last 60 days), and a valid photo ID.
The same rule applies if you changed your legal name. You must appear in person and bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The DPS will not accept photocopies or notarized copies — the document must be certified by the issuing agency.
Medical suspensions and disqualifying convictions
If you have a medical suspension on your license, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person. The DPS may require a medical evaluation or clearance from your doctor before your license can be reinstated. Call the DPS at 334-242-4437 to find out what medical documentation you need to bring.
Certain criminal convictions also block online and mail renewal. These include DUI, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, and hit-and-run. If you have been convicted of any of these offenses since your last renewal, you must renew in person. The DPS will review your driving record during your visit.
Expiration dates and renewal windows
Your Alabama driver's license expires on your birthday in the year printed on the front of your card. You can renew your license up to 6 months before it expires. For example, if your birthday is in March 2025, you can renew starting in September 2024.
If your license has already expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a DPS office in person and bring the same documents as a first-time applicant: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number (W-2, tax return, or Social Security card). An expired license does not count as valid ID for the renewal process.
DPS office locations and contact information
Alabama has DPS driver's license offices in most counties. The main office is in Montgomery, but you can renew at any regional office. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some offices have limited hours on Fridays.
To find the office nearest you or to check current hours, visit the Alabama DPS website or call 334-242-4437. You can also ask about wait times before you go. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a DPS office. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, just as if you were getting your first license. An expired license cannot be used as your form of ID for the renewal.
What if I lost my current license before renewal?
You must go in person to a DPS office. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The DPS will issue a replacement license at the same time. The fee is $24.50 for renewal; there is no separate charge for a replacement.
How long does it take to get my license after I renew online or by mail?
Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days after the DPS processes your request. Your new license is mailed to the address on file. In-person renewal is when ready — you leave the office with your new license the same day.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Not for online or mail renewal — your photo from your current license is used. If you renew in person, the DPS takes a new photo at the office. You cannot bring your own photo.
What if my name is different on my documents?
You must bring a certified copy of the document that shows your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to a DPS office in person. The DPS will not accept photocopies or notarized versions — the document must be certified by the issuing agency.