How to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

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

Alabama lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet a few conditions, by mail if you prefer not to go in person, or at any Alabama Department of Public Safety office. The fastest route is online through the state's website — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.75 for a four-year license. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal process and a check, or walk into an office with your documents and leave with a temporary license the same day.

Your may be able to access for online renewal depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you have had any suspensions or restrictions. If you do not meet the online requirements, the mail and in-person routes are still open to you, though they take longer.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Alabama Department of Public Safety website costs $28.75 for a four-year license and takes about 10 minutes if you are may be able to access.
You can renew by mail by sending your process, current license, and payment to the address on the renewal notice, though processing takes two to four weeks.
In-person renewal at any Alabama DPS office takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary license when ready while your permanent one is mailed.
You must renew in person if your license has been suspended, if you have had a name change, or if your current license is more than five years expired.
Alabama driver's licenses are valid for four years, and you can begin the renewal process up to six months before your expiration date.

Online Renewal Through the Alabama DPS Website

To renew online, go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your information against state records and, if everything matches, you can complete the entire process in one session.

Online renewal is only available if your license is not currently suspended or revoked, if you have not had a name change since your last renewal, and if your license expired no more than five years ago. You also cannot renew online if you need to update your address, add a Real ID designation, or change any other information on your license — those changes require an in-person visit.

After you complete online renewal, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by Mail

If you prefer not to go online or in person, you can mail in your renewal. The Alabama Department of Public Safety will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires — this notice includes the mailing address and the process form you need to complete. Fill out the form, include your current license, and send a check or money order for $28.75 (for a four-year license) to the address listed on the notice.

Mail renewal takes two to four weeks from the time the DPS receives your envelope. There is no way to track the status of a mailed renewal once you send it, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon. If your license expires before your renewal arrives, you cannot legally drive, so do not wait until the last week to mail your process.

You cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended, if you have a name change to process, or if you need to add Real ID or update your address. In those cases, you must visit an office in person.

In-Person Renewal at an Alabama DPS Office

Walk into any Alabama Department of Public Safety office with your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and $28.75 in cash or card. The office will take your photo, verify your information, and print a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have changed your name since your last renewal, if you want to add Real ID status, or if you need to update your address. It is also the only option if your license has been expired for more than five years.

Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Many offices are busiest on Fridays and during lunch hours. You can find the office nearest you and check their hours on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. Some offices take walk-ins only; others allow you to schedule an appointment online.

What Documents You Need

For any renewal method, you will need your current Alabama driver's license. If you are renewing in person, you must also bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A phone bill does not count as proof of address.

If you have changed your name since your last renewal (through marriage, divorce, or legal petition), bring the court order or marriage certificate that documents the change. You must renew in person if you have a name change; online and mail renewal will not process a name change.

If you are adding Real ID status during your renewal, bring a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport, your Social Security card, and proof of address. Real ID costs an additional $10 on top of the standard renewal fee.

Real ID and Alabama Driver's Licenses

Alabama driver's licenses are not automatically Real ID compliant. If you want your renewed license to be Real ID compliant (which you will need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025), you must request it during renewal and bring the required documents.

For Real ID, you need a certified copy of your birth certificate or U.S. passport, your original Social Security card, and proof of your current address. You cannot add Real ID online or by mail — you must go to a DPS office in person. The Real ID designation costs $10 extra and is added to your license at no additional processing time.

If you do not add Real ID during this renewal, you can add it at your next renewal or visit a DPS office at any time to upgrade your current license. There is no penalty for renewing without Real ID.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

A standard four-year Alabama driver's license renewal costs $28.75. If you add Real ID, the total is $38.75. Payment methods depend on how you renew: online and in-person renewals accept debit cards, credit cards, and cash; mail-in renewals require a check or money order.

There are no additional fees for renewing early (up to six months before expiration) or for requesting a duplicate license if yours is lost or damaged. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may be charged a late renewal fee — contact your local DPS office for the exact amount.

Timeline and When to Start Your Renewal

Alabama allows you to begin renewal up to six months before your license expires. If you plan to renew online or in person, you can do so at any point during that six-month window. If you plan to renew by mail, start at least four weeks before your expiration date to account for mail delivery time in both directions.

If your license has already expired, you cannot legally drive. You can still renew, but you must do so in person at a DPS office. Expired licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail.

Your new license will be valid for four years from the date of renewal, not from the date your old license expired. So if you renew early, your new license will still expire four years later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama license if it has been suspended?

No. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to resolve the suspension first, then renew in person at an office. The DPS website has information about why your license was suspended and what steps are needed to lift it.

What if I moved and my address on my license is wrong?

You must renew in person if you need to update your address. Online and mail renewal will not process an address change. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days) to the DPS office along with your current license and payment.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew online or in person, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, processing takes two to four weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope. In-person renewal gives you a temporary license valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DPS office. Online and mail renewal are only available if your license expired no more than five years ago. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and payment to any Alabama DPS office.

Do I need Real ID to renew my Alabama driver's license?

No. You can renew without Real ID. However, if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license or passport. You can add Real ID during renewal or at any time afterward by visiting a DPS office in person with the 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.