Renewing Your Alabama Driver License Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Alabama driver license through three routes: online at alabamadmv.gov, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready if you need your license the same day, though wait times at offices vary by location.

Your may be able to access depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether Alabama has flagged your record for any reason. Most standard licenses can be renewed online or by mail. If your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you have certain violations or holds on your record, you must renew in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through alabamadmv.gov is available for most drivers and takes 7 to 10 business days; you need a valid email address and a credit or debit card.
  • Mail renewal requires you to complete Form DL-44, include your current license and a check or money order, and mail it to the Montgomery address on the form.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you have holds or violations on your record.
  • Alabama driver licenses are valid for four years, and you can renew up to six months before expiration or up to one year after expiration.
  • The renewal fee is $25.50 for a standard four-year license, payable by cash, check, money order, or card depending on your renewal method.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route

Online renewal is open to drivers whose licenses are not expired by more than five years and who have no active holds, suspensions, or violations flagged in the Alabama system. You start at alabamadmv.gov, select "Renew Your License," and enter your driver license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will confirm your may be able to access in seconds.

If you are may be able to access, you will answer questions about your address, medical conditions, and whether your information has changed. You will upload a new photo or use the one on file. Then you pay the $25.50 renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you will see the reason — usually an active hold or suspension. In that case, you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office.

Mail Renewal: When You Cannot Go Online

Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no holds or suspensions. You obtain Form DL-44 (process for Alabama Driver License) from alabamadmv.gov or by calling 334-242-4437. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with your current driver license and a check or money order for $25.50 to the address listed on the form (currently the Montgomery Driver License Examiner's Office).

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date Alabama receives your envelope. There is no tracking system, so you cannot check the status online. If your renewal does not arrive within three weeks, call 334-242-4437 to confirm receipt. Keep a copy of the form and your payment receipt until your new license arrives.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have an active suspension or hold, or if the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access. You can also choose in-person renewal if you want your new license when ready or if you need to update your photo.

Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and $25.50 in cash, check, or money order. If your address has changed, bring two documents showing your new address. If you are renewing within six months of expiration, you may not need proof of residency — call your local office to confirm what they require.

Find your nearest Driver License Examiner's Office on alabamadmv.gov or by calling 334-242-4437. Wait times vary; some offices are busier than others, especially on Fridays and early in the month. Your new license is printed on the spot, and you can drive home with it that day.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired by More Than Five Years

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a Driver License Examiner's Office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and $25.50. You will also need to pass a vision screening at the office.

You do not have to retake the written or road test unless Alabama has suspended or revoked your license for a violation or safety reason. If that is the case, the office will tell you what tests you must pass before your license is reissued. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, as the office will verify it against federal records.

Changing Your Address or Photo During Renewal

If you are renewing online, you can update your address in the same transaction. The new address will appear on your renewed license. If you are renewing by mail or in person, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days.

To update your photo, you must renew in person. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from file. If you want a new photo, visit a Driver License Examiner's Office, bring your current license and $25.50, and the office will take a new photo and print your renewed license on the spot.

Renewing Before or After Your License Expires

You can renew your Alabama driver license up to six months before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date four years from the date you renew.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew for up to one year after expiration. However, if it has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Alabama, even if you have applied for renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama license if I have an active suspension?

No. You must resolve the suspension first by paying any fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by Alabama. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. Call 334-242-4437 to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you are renewing online or by mail, you can update your name in the form. Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If you are renewing in person, bring the same document and the office will update your record and print your new license with the correct name.

How long does it take to get my license if I renew in person?

Your new license is printed at the office while you wait, usually within 15 to 30 minutes. You can drive home with it the same day. Wait times to be seen vary by office and time of day; calling ahead or visiting early in the week may reduce your wait.

Can I renew my Alabama license if I live out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail or online if you are not expired by more than five years and have no holds. Online renewal requires a valid email address and credit or debit card. Mail renewal requires you to mail Form DL-44 with your current license and payment to the Montgomery office. If you are expired by more than five years, you must renew in person, which means visiting Alabama or contacting the DMV about other options.

What if I lost my current license before renewal?

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license. You must go to a Driver License Examiner's Office in person and bring proof of residency and $25.50. The office will issue a replacement license with a new expiration date four years from the date of renewal. If you also need to report the lost license, the office can do that at the same time.