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

You can renew your Alabama driver's license in three ways: online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. Most people renew online because it takes minutes and costs less than in-person renewal. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your license is not expired by more than five years.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by sending your current license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee to ALEA. In-person renewal at an examiner's office is required if your license has been suspended, if you need to update your address or name, or if you have medical conditions that require a new photo or vision test.

Your renewal timeline depends on which method you choose. Online renewal is when ready — you receive a temporary digital license when ready and your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is same-day if you pass the vision test and have all required documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through ALEA's website is the fastest and cheapest option if your license is valid and not suspended.
  • You must renew in person if your license is suspended, if you have medical restrictions, or if you need to change your name or address.
  • Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires your current license, a completed form, and the renewal fee sent to ALEA.
  • Alabama driver's licenses are valid for four years, and you can renew up to six months before expiration.
  • A temporary digital license is issued when ready upon online renewal, so you have proof of a valid license while you wait for your physical card.

Online Renewal Through ALEA's Website

To renew online, visit the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's driver license portal at alea.gov. You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The online system will verify your identity and check whether you are may be able to access to renew without an in-person visit.

The online renewal fee is $20.50 for a four-year license. Once you complete the transaction, you will receive a temporary digital license on your screen that you can screenshot or save. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and counts as proof that your renewal is in progress. Your physical license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you have medical restrictions or vision corrections noted on your current license; or if your license expired more than five years ago. If any of these explore, you must renew in person or by mail.

Mail Renewal: Documents and Mailing Address

To renew by mail, read the Driver License process form (Form DL-44) from the ALEA website or request one by calling the Driver License Section at 334-242-4437. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $20.50 to:

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Section P.O. Box 1471 Montgomery, AL 36102

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date ALEA receives your packet. There is no temporary license issued for mail renewal, so your current license remains valid during processing. If your current license is already expired, you should not drive until your renewed license arrives.

Mail renewal is a good option if you prefer not to visit an office and your license is not suspended. However, you cannot use mail renewal to change your name, address, or to add medical restrictions or vision corrections. Those changes require an in-person visit.

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

Visit any Driver License Examiner's Office in Alabama to renew in person. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the ALEA website. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

The in-person renewal fee is $20.50. You will take a new photo and pass a vision test. If you fail the vision test, you will be required to obtain a vision correction (glasses or contacts) and return to pass before your license is issued. Processing is same-day if you pass all tests and have all required documents.

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked; if you have medical restrictions or vision corrections on your current license; if you need to change your name or address; or if your license expired more than five years ago. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require you to schedule an appointment online through the ALEA website to reduce wait times.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

If your Alabama driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person. The office will tell you the reason for the suspension (unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, or medical disqualification are common reasons) and what you must do to restore your driving privilege.

Restoration requirements vary by reason. For a suspension due to unpaid fines, you may need to pay the fines or set up a payment plan. For a DUI-related suspension, you may need to complete a substance abuse program and obtain an SR22 insurance certificate from your auto insurance company. For a medical suspension, you may need a doctor's clearance or to pass additional testing.

Once you have met the restoration requirements, return to the examiner's office with proof (receipt of payment, program completion certificate, doctor's letter, or SR22 form). The office will lift the suspension and issue you a new license on the spot. Do not attempt to drive before your suspension is lifted — doing so is a separate criminal offense.

Renewing Before Your License Expires

Alabama allows you to renew your driver's license up to six months before it expires. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Renewing early does not shorten the life of your new license — your new license will still be valid for four years from the date of renewal.

Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their expiration date or to may support they have a valid license before a planned trip. If you renew online or by mail before your current license expires, your current license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it. Once your new license arrives, you can begin using it when ready.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using any of the three methods, but you should not drive until your renewed license arrives. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving with an expired license, you may receive a citation.

Real ID Compliance and Alabama Driver's Licenses

Alabama driver's licenses issued after May 3, 2023 are Real ID compliant, meaning they meet federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your current license was issued before that date, it is not Real ID compliant, and you will need a passport or other federal ID to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025.

When you renew your license in person or online, ALEA will issue you a Real ID compliant license automatically if you provide proof of your Social Security number and current address. You do not need to request it or pay extra. If you renew by mail, your new license will also be Real ID compliant as long as your mailing address matches your current residence.

If you need a Real ID compliant license before your current license expires, you can visit a Driver License Examiner's Office and request an early renewal. You will pay the standard $20.50 renewal fee and receive your new Real ID compliant license on the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama driver's license if I moved out of state?

No. Alabama driver's licenses are only issued to Alabama residents. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. You can renew your Alabama license online or by mail only if you still live in Alabama. If you moved temporarily but still maintain an Alabama address, you can renew using that address.

What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?

You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail because you must submit your current license as proof. Visit a Driver License Examiner's Office to report the loss and request a replacement. Bring proof of your identity (passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The replacement fee is $20.50, and you will receive your new license the same day.

How long does a temporary digital license last?

A temporary digital license issued after online renewal is valid for 30 days. During this time, you can use it as proof of a valid license for driving, employment, or age verification. Once your physical license arrives by mail, the temporary license expires and you should use your physical card instead.

Do I need a vision test to renew online or by mail?

No. Online and mail renewal do not include a vision test. You only take a vision test if you renew in person at an examiner's office. If you have vision corrections (glasses or contacts) noted on your current license, you must renew in person so the examiner can verify that you are wearing them during the test.

What if my name changed since my last license was issued?

You must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office if your name has changed. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The renewal fee is $20.50, and you will receive your new license with your updated name the same day.