How to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

Renew your Alabama driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office

Alabama lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at alabamadmv.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is fastest and costs $28.50 for a four-year license or $42.75 for an eight-year license. You can renew online up to one year before your license expires, and the new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot renew online—because your license has been suspended, you need to change your address, or you have medical restrictions—you must go in person or use the mail option.

Your current Alabama driver's license must not be suspended, revoked, or expired by more than five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to take the written test and vision test again, which requires an in-person visit. If you have an out-of-state license or are renewing for the first time in Alabama, you cannot use online or mail renewal; you must visit a DPS office with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal at alabamadmv.gov takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $28.50 for four years or $42.75 for eight years.
You can renew online only if your license is valid (not suspended or revoked) and expired no more than five years ago.
Mail renewal is available only if you have a valid license and meet Alabama's mail renewal rules; contact your local DPS office to confirm before sending documents.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is suspended, revoked, expired more than five years, or if you need to change your address or medical restrictions.
Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment to any DPS office; no appointment is needed but wait times vary by location.

Online renewal through alabamadmv.gov

Start at alabamadmv.gov and select "Renew Driver License" from the homepage. You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity against state records. If verification succeeds, you will answer questions about whether your address, medical conditions, or other license restrictions have changed. If nothing has changed, you proceed to payment.

Payment is by credit card or debit card only; Alabama does not accept checks or money orders online. After payment clears, the system generates a confirmation number. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your license within 14 business days, contact the DPS at 334-242-4437 with your confirmation number.

Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired by more than five years; if you need to change your address, name, or medical restrictions; or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). In any of those cases, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Visit any Alabama Department of Public Safety office with your current driver's license, proof of residency, and payment. Proof of residency must be a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address—a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. If your address has not changed, you can use your current license as proof of residency. No appointment is needed, but wait times vary; some offices are busier on Fridays and at the end of the month.

Bring cash, a check, or a debit or credit card. The fee is $28.50 for a four-year license or $42.75 for an eight-year license. If your vision has changed or you have new medical conditions to report, tell the staff before they take your photo. You will be asked to sign a new license process form (DL-43). Your new license is printed on the spot, and you leave with it the same day.

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked; if it expired more than five years ago (you will take a written test and vision test); if you need to change your address, name, or medical restrictions; or if you are renewing a CDL. Find your nearest DPS office and hours at alabamadmv.gov or call 334-242-4437.

Mail renewal (limited circumstances)

Alabama allows mail renewal only under specific conditions: your license must be valid and not suspended or revoked, it must have expired no more than five years ago, and you must have no address change, name change, or new medical restrictions. Because mail renewal rules are strict and vary by county, contact your local DPS office before sending documents. They will tell you whether your situation qualifies and what documents to include.

If your office approves mail renewal, you will typically mail your current license, a completed process form (DL-43, available at alabamadmv.gov), proof of residency, and payment to the address they provide. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the office receives your envelope. Because mail can be delayed or lost, many people choose online or in-person renewal instead. If you choose to mail, use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail in Alabama. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and payment ($28.50 for four years or $42.75 for eight years). You will take a written test covering commercial driving rules and hazardous materials if your CDL carries those endorsements. You will also take a vision test and a road test if your CDL is expiring for the first time or if you are adding a new endorsement.

If your CDL is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DPS to find out the status of your CDL and what steps are needed to restore it. Find your nearest DPS office at alabamadmv.gov or call 334-242-4437.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your license expires and you have not yet renewed, you cannot legally drive. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited for driving with an expired license. However, if you have already started the renewal process (online, by mail, or in person), you may be able to show proof of that process to an officer. Keep your confirmation number or receipt from your renewal attempt.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it through the normal process. You must visit a DPS office, take a written test and vision test, and pay the renewal fee. This is treated as a new license rather than a renewal. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

Changing your address, name, or medical restrictions during renewal

If your address has changed, you must renew in person or by mail (if your local office approves mail renewal for your situation). Bring proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or insurance policy dated within the last 60 days. The DPS will not accept a change-of-address form alone; you must show a document with your name and new address on it.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring your current license and a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Name changes require an in-person visit. If you have new medical conditions or restrictions (such as corrective lenses, hearing aids, or mobility devices), tell the DPS staff before your photo is taken. They will add or update the restrictions on your new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama license if it is suspended?

No. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended. You must visit a DPS office in person, but the office will not issue a new license until your suspension is lifted. Contact the DPS at 334-242-4437 to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it.

How long does online renewal take?

The online system processes your request when ready, but your new license is mailed to you and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within 14 business days, call the DPS with your confirmation number. In-person renewal is faster—you leave with your new license the same day.

What if I moved out of state but still have an Alabama license?

You cannot renew your Alabama license by mail or online if you have moved. You must either visit an Alabama DPS office in person or switch to your new state's license. If you return to Alabama and want to renew your old license, visit a DPS office with proof of your current Alabama address.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

No. Alabama DPS offices do not require appointments for license renewal. Walk in during business hours, but be prepared to wait. Wait times are often shorter on weekday mornings and longer on Fridays or near the end of the month.

What if my license was lost or stolen?

A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal. You must visit a DPS office in person, bring your proof of identity and residency, and pay a replacement fee (different from the renewal fee). Call your local DPS office or visit alabamadmv.gov to confirm the replacement fee and required documents.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.