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. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 business days and costs $25.50. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and also costs $25.50. In-person renewal at an examiner's office is when ready but requires a trip and typically has wait times.

Your may be able to access for online or mail renewal depends on your age, how long it has been since your last renewal, and whether your license is suspended or revoked. If you do not meet the requirements for online or mail renewal, you must renew in person. Alabama licenses are valid for four years for drivers under 65 and eight years for drivers 65 and older.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the ALEA website is available if your license is not suspended, you have not had a major violation in the past four years, and your address has not changed.
  • Mail renewal requires the same conditions as online renewal plus a valid mailing address on file with ALEA.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office is required if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you have had a serious traffic violation.
  • You will need your current Alabama license number and a valid form of identification to renew online.
  • Renewal notices are not automatically mailed by Alabama — check your license expiration date and renew before it passes to avoid driving with an expired license.

Online Renewal Through the ALEA Website

To renew online, go to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website and select the driver license renewal option. 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 information and ask you to confirm your address and any other details on file.

Online renewal is available only if your license is valid (not suspended or revoked), you have not been convicted of a major traffic violation in the past four years, and your address has not changed since your last renewal. If your address has changed, you must renew in person. The fee is $25.50, paid by credit or debit card during the online process. Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days.

If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access, it will explain why and direct you to renew in person or by mail. Do not ignore this message — attempting to renew online when you are not may be able to access will delay your renewal.

Mail Renewal for Alabama Drivers

Mail renewal uses the same may be able to access rules as online renewal: your license must be valid, you cannot have had a major traffic violation in the past four years, and your address must not have changed. To renew by mail, contact the ALEA Driver License Division at 334-242-4437 or visit an examiner's office to request a mail renewal form.

Complete the form, include a check or money order for $25.50 made payable to the State of Alabama, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current driver's license with your process. Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date ALEA receives your form. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.

Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but useful if you prefer not to visit an office or do not have internet access. However, if your address has changed or your license is suspended, you cannot use this method.

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

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have had a major traffic violation in the past four years, if your address has changed, or if you are renewing for the first time after turning 65. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your name, add or remove a restriction, or update your photograph.

Visit any Driver License Examiner's Office in Alabama with a valid form of identification (such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card), your current driver's license, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days). Bring a check or money order for $25.50, or be prepared to pay by card if the office accepts it. Your new license will be issued on the spot, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.

To find the examiner's office nearest you, visit the ALEA website and use the office locator tool. Many offices operate by appointment during certain hours, so call ahead or check online before you go.

What Happens If Your License Expires Before You Renew

Driving with an expired license in Alabama is a violation. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited and fined. An expired license also makes it harder to cash checks, board a plane, or use it as identification for other purposes.

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular in-person renewal. The fee remains $25.50. There is no additional penalty fee for renewing an expired license in Alabama, but you should renew as soon as possible to avoid legal trouble.

Documents and Fees for Alabama License Renewal

The renewal fee is $25.50 for all methods — online, mail, and in person. This fee covers a four-year license for drivers under 65 or an eight-year license for drivers 65 and older. No additional fees explore unless you are adding a restriction, changing your name, or updating your photograph.

For in-person renewal, bring a valid form of identification (passport, birth certificate, military ID, or Social Security card), your current driver's license, and proof of your current address. For online renewal, you need only your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. For mail renewal, send a copy of your current license and a completed form with your payment.

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. You must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office and bring proof that your suspension has been lifted (such as proof of payment of fines or completion of a required program). Contact ALEA at 334-242-4437 to confirm your suspension status before you visit an office.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Online renewal takes about 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date ALEA receives your form. In-person renewal is when ready — you receive your license the same day. If you need your license quickly, renew in person.

What if my address has changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office if your address has changed. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days) along with your other documents. You cannot renew online or by mail with a changed address.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your photograph from your previous license will be used on your new license. If you want a new photograph, you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. A new photo is also required if your previous license is more than eight years old.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license. You must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person and request a replacement license. Bring a valid form of identification and proof of your address. The fee is $25.50. The office will issue a new license on the spot.