How to renew your Alabama driver's license

You can renew your Alabama driver's license by mail, online, or in person at your local Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have left, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office at all.

Your Alabama license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age when you received it. You'll find the expiration date printed on the front of your card. Alabama sends renewal notices to your mailing address about 60 days before expiration, though you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Alabama DPS website takes about 10 minutes and works if your license hasn't expired and you don't need a new photo.
  • Mail renewal requires a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives it.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary only if your license has been expired for more than two years, you need a new photo, or you're changing your address.
  • The renewal fee is $25.50 for a four-year license and $36 for an eight-year license, payable by check, money order, or card depending on your method.
  • You can renew up to 180 days before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.

Renewing online through the Alabama DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you don't need a new photo. Go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website, find the Driver License Renewal section, and create an account or log in if you already have one. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start.

The online system will ask you to confirm your personal information, choose your license term (four or eight years), and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. Once you submit, you're done—your renewed license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want a new photo. In those cases, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works for most people and requires no office visit. Request a renewal form (DL-44) from the Alabama DPS website or call your local DPS office to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee ($25.50 for four years, $36 for eight years).

Mail your completed form, license, and payment to the address listed on the form—usually the Alabama Department of Public Safety in Montgomery. Processing takes two to three weeks after DPS receives your envelope. Keep your current license with you while you wait; it remains valid until your new one arrives.

Mail renewal is a good choice if you're renewing early and don't need to change anything on your license. If you're renewing after expiration or need to update your photo or address, you'll need to visit an office in person.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Visit your local Alabama DPS office if your license has expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you're changing your name or address. Bring your current license (or an expired one if it's been more than two years), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address such as a utility bill or lease.

DPS offices are located in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait.

The office staff will take your photo, verify your information, collect your fee, and issue your renewed license on the spot or within a few days. Bring your payment method—most offices accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

What documents and information you'll need

For any renewal method, have your current driver's license ready and know your Social Security number and date of birth. If you're renewing by mail or in person, you'll also need to provide proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) and proof of your current address if you've moved since your last license was issued.

Acceptable proofs of address include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you're renewing online, you won't need to submit these documents—the system will verify your information electronically.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Alabama charges $25.50 to renew a four-year license and $36 to renew an eight-year license. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made payable to the Alabama Department of Public Safety. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

You can renew up to 180 days before your license expires, so there's no penalty for renewing early. If you renew after your license has expired, the fee remains the same—there's no late fee or penalty.

Timeline: when to expect your renewed license

Online renewal is fastest: your new license arrives in about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer because DPS must receive your envelope, process it, and mail your license back—typically two to three weeks total. In-person renewal is when ready if you visit an office that issues licenses on-site, or within a few days if the office mails it to you.

Your current license remains valid and legal to use while you wait for your renewed one to arrive, so you don't need to rush. If you're traveling or need your license urgently, in-person renewal is your fastest option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama license if it's already expired?

Yes, but the method depends on how long it's been expired. If it expired less than two years ago, you can renew online or by mail. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office with proof of your Social Security number and current address.

What if I've moved since my last license was issued?

If you're renewing in person or by mail, bring proof of your new address such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. Online renewal will ask you to confirm your address; if it's incorrect, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead.

Can I get a new photo when I renew?

Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The office will take a new photo as part of the renewal process at no extra cost.

How long is my renewed license valid?

You choose either a four-year or eight-year license when you renew. The fee is lower for the four-year option ($25.50 versus $36). Your choice doesn't affect how long the license takes to arrive or any other part of the process.

What if I lose my license before the renewed one arrives?

Contact your local DPS office to report it lost and request a replacement. You can continue using your old license for identification until your new one arrives. If you've already submitted a renewal process, let the office know so they can track both requests.