How to renew your Alabama driver's license

You can renew your Alabama driver's license in person at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and costs $25.50 for a four-year license or $38.25 for an eight-year license. Online renewal is faster and costs $20 if you're renewing before your license expires, but you can only use it if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you haven't changed your address in the last four years.

Your current Alabama license must not be expired by more than five years for you to renew it by mail or online. If it's been longer than five years since your license expired, you'll need to explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal costs $20 and takes a few minutes, but only works if your license isn't suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed in four years.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office costs $25.50 for four years or $38.25 for eight years and takes about 30 minutes.
  • You can renew by mail by sending your current license, a completed process form, and payment to the DPS address — processing takes two to three weeks.
  • If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it; you must explore for a new license and pass the written and driving tests.
  • Alabama licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to 60 days before expiration without penalty.

Online renewal through the Alabama DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website, select the online renewal option, and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You'll pay $20 by credit or debit card. The system will issue you a temporary digital license that you can use when ready while your physical card is mailed to you, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot use online renewal if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have medical restrictions noted on your license, if you've changed your address in the last four years, or if your license expired more than five years ago. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Visit any Alabama Department of Public Safety office with your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Bring your payment method — cash, check, or card — and be prepared to have your photo taken. The process usually takes 30 minutes or less, and you'll receive your new license on the spot.

DPS offices are located in most Alabama counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning often means shorter wait times. You do not need an appointment for standard license renewal.

Renewing by mail

You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended and has not been expired for more than five years. Complete the Alabama Driver License process form (DL-43), include a copy of your current driver's license, and mail both along with your payment ($25.50 for four years or $38.25 for eight years) to the Alabama Department of Public Safety at P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Processing takes two to three weeks, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file.

Mail renewal is useful if you live far from a DPS office or have a busy schedule, but it's slower than in-person or online renewal. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.

What happens if your license is expired

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Alabama, even if you've sent in your renewal. If you're pulled over, you can be cited. However, if you can show proof that you submitted your renewal before the expiration date, an officer may issue a warning instead of a ticket. Keep your receipt or confirmation email as proof.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it through the standard process. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which requires passing a written test and a driving test at a DPS office. This process takes longer and costs more than renewal, so it's important to renew before your license expires or within the five-year window after expiration.

License suspension and its effect on renewal

If your license is suspended, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person. The office will tell you the reason for the suspension and what you need to do to lift it. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or DUI-related suspensions. Some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee in addition to your renewal fee.

If your suspension is related to an unpaid fine or court cost, you may need to bring proof of payment or a letter from the court showing the debt is satisfied. If it's related to a DUI, you may need to show proof of completion of a substance abuse program or an SR-22 insurance form. Ask the DPS office what documents to bring before you visit.

Renewing with a Real ID or standard license

Alabama offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and can be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes after May 7, 2025, though you can still use it to drive.

When you renew, you can choose which type you want. Real ID renewal requires the same documents as standard renewal, plus proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address. The cost is the same. If you want to switch from a standard license to Real ID, or vice versa, you can do so at renewal. straightforward tell the DPS office which type you want when you renew in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama license if I have an out-of-state address?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DPS office in Alabama. You cannot use online or mail renewal if your address is outside Alabama. Bring proof of your Alabama residency (such as a lease or utility bill with an Alabama address) or contact the DPS office beforehand to ask what documents they will accept.

What if I lost my current license?

You can still renew if you have your license number and other identifying information. If you don't have your license number, you can visit a DPS office with your proof of Social Security number and proof of address, and they can look it up for you. You'll pay the standard renewal fee plus a replacement fee for the lost license.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

If you renew online, your physical license arrives in 7 to 10 business days, though you get a temporary digital license when ready. If you renew in person, you receive your license on the spot. If you renew by mail, processing takes two to three weeks.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes. You can renew up to 60 days before your license expires. Your new license will be valid for four or eight years from the date you renew, not from your original expiration date, so renewing early does not extend your total time with a valid license.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS office will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name.