Where to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

The fastest way to renew in Alabama

You can renew your Alabama driver's license at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Office across the state. The DPS runs all official renewal locations — there is no private vendor network in Alabama. You can also renew by mail if your license is not expired and you meet a few basic conditions, which we cover below.

The quickest path depends on whether you are renewing before your license expires, after it has expired, or if you need a Real ID-compliant license. Each route has different requirements and takes different amounts of time.

Key Takeaways

Alabama has one renewal option for in-person service: any DPS Driver License Office statewide, with no appointment system — you arrive and wait your turn.
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not yet expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address on file is current.
Real ID licenses require an in-person visit and proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers).
Standard renewals take about 10 business days by mail or same-day in person; Real ID renewals take longer because the state must verify your documents.
You can find your nearest DPS office and current wait times on the Alabama DPS website.

In-person renewal at a DPS Driver License Office

Walk into any DPS Driver License Office during business hours with your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. Alabama does not use an appointment system, so you arrive, take a number, and wait. Wait times vary by location and time of day — busier offices in larger cities may have longer lines, especially on weekday mornings and around the 15th and end of the month.

You will receive your renewed license the same day. The office will take a new photo and issue a temporary paper license on the spot; your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized — the DPS will ask for it during processing.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 7, 2025), you must renew in person. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and one document proving citizenship: a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, naturalization papers, or tribal ID. Real ID processing takes longer — expect 2 to 3 weeks for the card to arrive by mail.

Mail renewal for unexpired licenses

If your license has not yet expired, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. You must meet three conditions: your license is still valid, you have no medical restrictions or special conditions on your license, and your current address is correct on your license record.

Mail the DPS a completed renewal form (Form DL-44, available on the Alabama DPS website), your current license, and the renewal fee. The DPS will process your renewal and mail your new license back to you. This route takes 10 to 14 business days from the time the DPS receives your packet.

Do not use mail renewal if your license has already expired, if you have medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required), or if you need to update your address. Those situations require an in-person visit.

What documents you need to bring

For a standard in-person renewal, bring your current Alabama driver's license and one document showing your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are renewing a Real ID license, add one document proving U.S. citizenship: a valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, or tribal ID. A photocopy is not acceptable — bring the original.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will also need the renewal fee: Alabama charges $24.50 for a four-year standard license and $26.50 for a Real ID license. The DPS accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card at most offices.

Finding your nearest DPS Driver License Office

The Alabama DPS maintains a list of all Driver License Offices on its official website, organized by county. Each office listing includes the street address, phone number, and hours of operation. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; a few larger locations have Saturday hours.

You can visit any office in the state — you do not have to go to the one nearest your home or the one where you originally got your license. If you live near a county line, you may find shorter wait times at an office in a neighboring county.

The DPS website also shows current wait times at major offices, updated throughout the day. Check before you leave home to avoid a long wait, especially if you are visiting a large urban office.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A standard four-year driver's license renewal costs $24.50. A Real ID-compliant license costs $26.50. These are the only fees — the DPS does not charge separate processing or process fees.

At in-person offices, you can pay with cash, check, or debit or credit card. If you are renewing by mail, include a check or money order payable to the Alabama Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash through the mail.

If you are over 65 years old, you may be may be able to access for a reduced fee or a longer renewal period. Ask at the DPS office or call ahead to confirm current senior discounts.

What happens if your license has already expired

An expired Alabama license cannot be renewed by mail — you must visit a DPS Driver License Office in person. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee.

The DPS will process your renewal the same way as an unexpired license. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card within 7 to 10 business days. There is no penalty fee for renewing after expiration, but you cannot legally drive until your renewal is complete.

If your license has been expired for more than a few years, the DPS may require you to pass a vision test or written test before renewing. Call your nearest office ahead of time if your license has been expired for longer than two years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama license online?

No. Alabama does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions, or you can visit any DPS Driver License Office in person.

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

If you renew in person, you get a temporary paper license the same day and your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, the entire process takes 10 to 14 business days from when the DPS receives your packet.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DPS office?

No. Alabama DPS offices do not use an appointment system. You walk in during business hours, take a number, and wait your turn. Wait times vary by location and time of day.

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

You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and the renewal fee. The DPS will update your address and issue your new license the same day.

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to resolve the issue first. Call your nearest DPS office for guidance on your specific situation.

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.