What You Need to Know Before You Renew in Alabama
Alabama allows you to renew your driver's license in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail if you meet specific conditions, or online through the state's portal. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how long until it expires, and whether you need to change information like your address or name. Most Alabama licenses are valid for eight years, so knowing your expiration date is your first step.
You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you are under 18, or if you need to update your photograph. Mail renewal is available only if your current license is still valid and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. If either of those conditions does not explore to you, you must renew in person.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration through any method.
- Online renewal through the Alabama DPS website is the fastest option if your license is current and you have not moved.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office requires a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license has not expired and your address on file matches your current address.
- The renewal fee is $25.50 for an eight-year license, and payment methods vary by renewal method.
Renewing Online Through the Alabama DPS Portal
Online renewal is the fastest method if you are may be able to access. You can renew through the Alabama DPS website at dps.alabama.gov up to one year before your license expires. You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The process takes about 10 minutes, and you will receive a confirmation email when ready.
After you complete the online renewal, the DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal does not allow you to change your photograph, address, or name — if any of those need updating, you must renew in person.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal is available only if your current license is valid (not expired) and your address has not changed since your last renewal. To renew by mail, you must request a renewal form from the Alabama DPS by calling 334-242-4400 or visiting a DPS office in person. Complete the form, include a check or money order for $25.50 made payable to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, and mail both to the address provided on the form.
Processing time for mail renewals is typically 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your process. This method is slower than online renewal and does not allow address or photograph changes. If you move before your renewal arrives, contact the DPS when ready with your new address so they can redirect your license.
Renewing in Person at a DPS Office
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you are under 18, if you need to update your photograph, or if you have moved since your last renewal. You will need to visit a Department of Public Safety office with the following documents: your current Alabama driver's license (or state ID), a valid form of identification if your license is expired, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or card.
Acceptable forms of identification include a U.S. passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address. Bring the originals — photocopies are not accepted. The renewal fee is $25.50, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card depending on the office location.
Processing time at a DPS office is usually 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive until your permanent license arrives.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current Alabama driver's license number, date of birth | $25.50 | 7–10 business days |
| By Mail | Completed renewal form, current license (valid only) | $25.50 | 4–6 weeks |
| In Person | Current license or ID, proof of residency, Social Security number | $25.50 | 7–10 business days for mailed license |
The renewal fee of $25.50 covers an eight-year license. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher and the process is more complex — you must renew in person and may need to pass a medical examination depending on the type of CDL you hold. Contact your local DPS office or the state DPS website for CDL-specific requirements.
Payment methods differ by renewal route. Online renewal accepts debit or credit card only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card, though some offices may have restrictions — call ahead to confirm what your local office takes.
What to Do If Your License Has Already Expired
If your Alabama driver's license has expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license along with a valid form of identification (such as a U.S. passport or military ID), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. The fee remains $25.50.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Alabama, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show your temporary paper license issued at the DPS office as proof that you have renewed. If your license expired more than five years ago, you may be required to retake the written driving test — ask the DPS office when you arrive whether this applies to you.
Finding a DPS Office and Scheduling Your Visit
Alabama has Department of Public Safety offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Alabama DPS website at dps.alabama.gov or by calling 334-242-4400. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Call ahead to confirm whether your local office takes appointments and what the current wait time is.
If you live in a rural area far from a DPS office, online renewal or mail renewal may be your best option if you are may be able to access. If you must renew in person and cannot reach your nearest office easily, ask whether a neighboring county's office can process your renewal — many DPS offices serve multiple counties and can handle renewals from residents outside their when ready area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires through any method — online, by mail, or in person. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license; it will still be valid for eight years from the date you renew.
What if I have moved since my last renewal?
If you have moved, you must renew in person at a DPS office so you can update your address. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) along with your current license and a valid form of ID. Online and mail renewal are not available if your address has changed.
Do I need a new photograph when I renew?
Not necessarily. Online and mail renewal use your existing photograph. If you want a new photograph or if your current one is damaged or unclear, you must renew in person. A DPS office will take a new photograph at no additional cost during in-person renewal.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?
After you renew in person or online, your new license is mailed to you and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer — usually 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your process. You can drive on your current license or temporary paper license until the new one arrives.
What if I need to change my name on my license?
Name changes require in-person renewal. Bring your current license, a valid form of ID, proof of your address, your Social Security number, and a document showing your legal name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DPS will update your name and issue a new license with the same eight-year validity period.