How to Renew Your Driver's License in Alabama

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 any ALEA office. Most people renew online because it takes about 10 minutes and costs less than going in person. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is available if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and your license has not been expired for more than five years. If any of those conditions explore to you, you must renew in person at an ALEA office.

Mail renewal exists but is rarely used because it requires you to send original documents and takes longer than online or in-person renewal. Most people skip it unless they have a specific reason they cannot go online or to an office.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the ALEA website is the fastest and cheapest option for most people, taking about 10 minutes and costing $24.50 for a four-year license.
You can only renew online if your license is valid (not suspended or revoked), has no medical restrictions, and has not been expired for more than five years.
In-person renewal at an ALEA office is required if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years, or if you have medical restrictions.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete renewal, whether you renew online or in person.
You can find your nearest ALEA office and check its hours on the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website before you go.

Online Renewal Through the ALEA Website

Go to alea.gov and look for the driver's license renewal section. You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer security questions based on your driving record.

The fee is $24.50 for a four-year license. You will pay online at the time of renewal. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal does not work if your license is suspended, revoked, or has medical restrictions listed on it. The system will reject your renewal and tell you to visit an ALEA office instead. If your license expired more than five years ago, you also cannot renew online.

In-Person Renewal at an ALEA Office

You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if it has medical restrictions, or if it has been expired for more than five years. Bring your current Alabama driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

The fee for in-person renewal is $32.50 for a four-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the office. The ALEA office will take a new photo and issue you a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Wait times at ALEA offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and early afternoons. You can find your nearest office and its hours at alea.gov. Some offices take walk-ins; others use an appointment system. Check before you go.

Mail Renewal (Rarely Used)

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not suspended or revoked and has not been expired for more than five years. You must send your current license, a completed process form (DL-44), a check or money order for $24.50, and a photocopy of proof of address to the ALEA address listed on their website.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks because your documents must travel to the ALEA office, be processed, and then your new license must be mailed back to you. Most people avoid this method because online renewal is faster and in-person renewal gives you a temporary license when ready. Use mail renewal only if you cannot access the online system and cannot visit an office.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

You cannot renew your license online or by mail if it is suspended or revoked. You must visit an ALEA office in person. The office staff will check the status of your suspension or revocation and tell you what you need to do to clear it before you can renew.

Common reasons for suspension in Alabama include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or driving with a suspended license. If your license is suspended for unpaid fines or court costs, you may need to pay those amounts before the ALEA will renew your license. If it is suspended for failure to appear, you may need to contact the court and resolve the case first.

Revocation is more serious than suspension and usually results from multiple serious violations or a DUI conviction. Revocation periods vary, and you may need to complete a driver improvement course or other requirements before you can renew. Ask the ALEA office what steps you need to take.

Medical Restrictions and Vision Requirements

If your current license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required, automatic transmission only, or daylight driving only), you cannot renew online. You must renew in person so the ALEA can verify that your medical condition has not changed or that you still meet the restriction requirements.

Alabama requires a vision test for all in-person renewals. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, the ALEA may add a corrective lenses restriction to your new license or may deny renewal until you see an eye doctor.

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, tell the ALEA office staff when you renew. They can explain what restrictions may explore and whether you need a doctor's statement or medical clearance before your license can be renewed.

Timeline and What to Expect After You Renew

If you renew online, your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your old license until the new one arrives. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the ALEA office where you renewed. Have your confirmation number (if you renewed online) or your temporary license number (if you renewed in person) ready. The ALEA can check the status of your renewal and reissue your license if it was lost in the mail.

Your new license will have the same number as your old one unless you requested a number change. The expiration date will be four years from the date you renewed. If you renewed online or by mail, check that your address and name are correct when the license arrives. If there is an error, return to an ALEA office to correct it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama license if it is already expired?

Yes, if it expired less than five years ago. You can renew online or by mail. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at an ALEA office and may need to retake the written test and vision test.

What if I moved and my address changed since my last license?

You can update your address during online renewal. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The ALEA will print your new address on your license.

Do I need an appointment to renew at an ALEA office?

It depends on the office. Some ALEA offices accept walk-ins; others require appointments. Check the ALEA website or call your local office before you go to find out their policy and current wait times.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You must renew in person at an ALEA office. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The office will issue you a new license with a replacement fee added to the renewal fee.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

It depends on the reason for the ticket. If you have an unpaid fine, the ALEA may suspend your license and prevent renewal until you pay. Contact the court or the ALEA office to find out whether your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear it.

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.