Renewing Your Alabama License: Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can renew your Alabama driver's license online, by mail, or at a Driver License Examiner's Office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements; mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit; in-person renewal is necessary if you cannot use the other two methods.
Your license is valid for four years from the date of issue. Alabama sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Alabama Department of Public Safety website costs $20.50 and takes about 10 minutes if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address.
- Mail renewal requires a completed Form DL-44, a check or money order for $20.50, and takes two to three weeks; mail your packet to the address on the renewal notice.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and the $20.50 fee; bring your current license and any documents showing a name or address change.
- If your license is expired by more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit an examiner's office in person.
- You must renew in person if you want to change your photo, update your address after moving, or correct information on your license.
Online Renewal Through the Alabama DMV Website
Online renewal is available at alabamadmv.gov and is the quickest method if your license is current and your address has not changed. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $20.50.
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), if you need to change your address, or if you want to update your photo. If any of these explore, you must renew in person or by mail.
After you complete the online form and pay the fee, Alabama will mail your new license to the address on file. The process typically takes two to three weeks. You will receive a confirmation number by email; save this for your records.
Mail Renewal: Step-by-Step Process
Mail renewal works if your license is not expired by more than one year and your address has not changed. You will need to complete Form DL-44 (process for Alabama Driver License), which you can read from the Alabama Department of Public Safety website or request by calling the main office.
Mail your completed form along with a check or money order for $20.50 to the address printed on your renewal notice. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license if possible. Mail your packet to:
Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Division P.O. Box 1471 Montgomery, AL 36102-1471
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date Alabama receives your packet. There is no tracking system for mail renewals, so allow extra time before your license expires. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the Driver License Division at 334-242-4437.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office
You must renew in person if your license is expired by more than one year, if you need to change your address, if you want a new photo, or if you have a commercial driver's license. Bring your current license, a valid form of identification, and proof of your current address.
Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name on the document must match the name on your license, or you must bring additional documents showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
The fee is $20.50, payable by cash, check, or debit card at the office. You will take a new photo during your visit. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks; you cannot take it with you the same day.
Finding Your Nearest Driver License Examiner's Office
Alabama has Driver License Examiner's Offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website at alabamadmv.gov, or call 334-242-4437. Some offices are open Monday through Friday; others have limited hours. Call ahead to confirm hours before you visit.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoon. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday morning typically means shorter waits.
What to Do If Your License Is Expired by More Than One Year
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person and complete a full process, not just a renewal. Bring your expired license, a valid form of identification, and proof of residency.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number and pass a vision test. The fee remains $20.50. You will receive a new license in the mail within two to three weeks.
Changing Your Address or Photo During Renewal
If you have moved, you must update your address in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. You cannot change your address online or by mail. Bring your current license, a valid ID, and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. At the examiner's office, you will take a new photo as part of the renewal process at no additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
Yes, if it expired less than one year ago. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. If it has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office and will need to pass a vision test.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take two to three weeks from the date Alabama receives your request or payment. In-person renewal also takes two to three weeks for mailing; you cannot take your license home the same day.
What if I move to a different address before my license arrives?
Contact the Driver License Division at 334-242-4437 with your new address before your license is mailed. They can update your mailing address in the system. If your license arrives at the old address, you can pick it up there or request a remail to your new address.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew online or by mail?
No. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. Only in-person renewal includes a new photo. If you want to update your photo, you must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office.
What payment methods does Alabama accept for renewal?
Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders only. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, and debit cards. Do not send cash by mail.