Where to renew your Alabama driver's license
In Alabama, you renew your driver's license at your county's Department of Public Safety office, not at a central state location. Each county operates its own office, and you must go to the office in the county where you live or hold a commercial driver's license. You cannot renew at a different county's office unless you have moved and updated your address.
The Alabama Department of Public Safety website lists all 67 county offices with their addresses and phone numbers. Before you go, call ahead to confirm hours and current wait times — some offices close for lunch or operate on reduced schedules. A few counties also offer online renewal for certain license types, but most require an in-person visit.
Key Takeaways
- You must renew at the Department of Public Safety office in the county where you currently live, not at any other county location.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security card or birth certificate.
- Standard renewals cost $25.50 for a four-year license and $38.25 for an eight-year license; Real ID licenses cost more and require additional documents.
- Processing takes about 10 to 15 minutes at the counter, but wait times vary by county and time of day.
- Your new license is issued on the spot; you do not have to return later to pick it up.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your current Alabama driver's license or learner's permit. If you do not have it, bring a government-issued photo ID such as a passport or military ID. You also need proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.
You must also bring proof of your Social Security number. Your Social Security card itself is acceptable, but so is a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form. If you do not have any of those, bring your birth certificate or passport instead. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you will need a medical certificate as well.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, you cannot renew under a different name.
Real ID versus standard license: what you need to know
Alabama offers both standard licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for domestic flights after May 7, 2025, unless you also have a passport or other federal ID.
To renew a Real ID license, you need the same documents as a standard renewal, plus one additional document proving your date of birth and citizenship. This can be your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. Real ID licenses cost $38.25 for four years or $57.38 for eight years — more than a standard license. Processing takes the same amount of time at the counter.
If you currently hold a standard license and want to switch to Real ID, you can do so at renewal. If you want to switch before your renewal date, you can visit your county office and pay the difference in cost, but this counts as a new license, not a renewal.
Finding your county's Department of Public Safety office
The Alabama Department of Public Safety maintains a county office locator on its official website. Search by county name to find the street address, phone number, and hours of operation. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m. A few rural counties have limited hours — some open only three or four days a week.
Call your county office before you go. Staff can tell you the current wait time, confirm they have the license type you need in stock, and let you know if there are any temporary closures or schedule changes. Some offices accept walk-ins only; others allow you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. If your county offers appointments, booking one can cut your wait time significantly.
If you have moved to a new county since your last renewal, you must update your address with your current county office before you renew. You can do this in person or, in some counties, by mail. Call ahead to ask whether your county accepts address changes by mail.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A standard four-year driver's license costs $25.50. An eight-year license costs $38.25. Real ID licenses cost $38.25 for four years or $57.38 for eight years. These are the state fees only; some county offices may charge a small additional processing fee, though most do not. Call your county office to confirm the exact total you will pay.
All county offices accept cash and checks. Most also accept debit and credit cards, but a few rural offices may accept cash only. Ask when you call to confirm payment methods. If you are renewing by mail (available in some counties for standard renewals only), you must include a check or money order — credit cards are not accepted for mail renewals.
If you renew online (where available), you will pay the same fee and can use a debit or credit card. Online renewal is faster but is only offered for standard license renewals, not for Real ID or commercial licenses.
When your Alabama license expires and renewal windows
Your license expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can renew up to 60 days before it expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at your county office, but you may face a late fee or be required to retake the written test — policies vary by county. Do not wait until your license expires to renew.
If you are over 65 years old, your license is valid for eight years instead of four. If you are under 65, you choose between a four-year and an eight-year license at renewal. The eight-year license costs more but lasts longer, so the per-year cost is lower.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to find out the reason for the suspension and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. This process is separate from renewal and may require paying a reinstatement fee or completing other requirements.
What happens after you renew
Your new license is printed and issued to you at the counter. You receive it when ready — there is no waiting period or mailing delay for in-person renewals. Your old license becomes invalid as soon as you receive the new one. You can keep the old license as a record, but do not carry it or use it for identification.
If you renew by mail (available in some counties), your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can still drive using your old license. Once the new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid.
If you renew online, your new license is mailed to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive using your old license until the new one arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license online?
Some Alabama counties offer online renewal for standard driver's licenses only. Visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety website or call your county office to see if online renewal is available in your county. Online renewal is faster than in-person renewal but costs the same and is not available for Real ID, commercial, or motorcycle licenses.
What if I have moved to a different county?
You must renew at the office in your new county. Before you renew, update your address with that county office. You can usually do this in person or by mail — call ahead to ask. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Policies vary by county. Some offices accept walk-ins only; others require or recommend appointments. Call your county office to find out their policy. If appointments are available, booking one can reduce your wait time significantly, especially during busy hours.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to find out why your license was suspended and what you must do to restore your driving privileges. This may involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or meeting other requirements.
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
Yes, you can renew an expired license at any time. However, some counties may require you to retake the written test or pay a late fee if your license has been expired for a long time. Call your county office to ask about their policy on expired licenses before you go in.