Alabama driver's license renewal basics
Alabama lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Driver License Office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's portal. The method you use depends on whether your license is expired, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew before expiration, which keeps the process simpler and faster.
Your Alabama license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age when you got it. You can check your expiration date on the front of your card. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, though you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama offers online renewal through the state portal for most drivers whose licenses are not expired or expired less than one year, and it costs $28.75.
- Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you have not renewed by mail in the past two years, and takes about two weeks.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Office is required if your license has been expired more than one year, you need a new photo, or you want to change your address or name.
- You will need your current license card, proof of residency, and payment by debit or credit card for online renewal, or a check or money order for mail renewal.
Online renewal through the Alabama portal
The fastest route for most people is online renewal through the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. You can renew online if your license is not expired or expired less than one year, you are not a commercial driver, and you have not had a medical suspension or denial. The process takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in roughly two weeks.
To renew online, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a debit or credit card for the $28.75 fee. The state does not issue a new photo during online renewal — your new license will use the photo from your current card. If you want a new photo or need to update your address or name, you must renew in person instead.
Mail renewal for unexpired licenses
If you prefer not to go online, you can renew by mail as long as your license is not expired and you have not renewed by mail within the past two years. Mail renewal also costs $28.75 and takes about two weeks from the time the state receives your process.
To renew by mail, request an process form from the Alabama Department of Public Safety or read it from their website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $28.75, and mail it to the address listed on the form. You do not need to include your current license card, but keep it until you receive your new one. Like online renewal, mail renewal does not include a new photo.
In-person renewal at a Driver License Office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired more than one year, you need a new photo, you want to change your name or address, or you are a commercial driver. In-person renewal takes about 30 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed to you.
Bring your current license card, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days), and payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The renewal fee is $28.75 for a standard license. Some Driver License Offices accept walk-ins, but many require an appointment — check the office location nearest you on the state website to see their current policy.
What happens if your license is expired more than one year
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a Driver License Office in person. The state treats this as a new license rather than a renewal, so you will need to provide proof of residency and get a new photo. The fee remains $28.75.
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Alabama, even if you are in the process of renewing. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. If your license has been expired for a long time, bring documentation of your renewal process or appointment confirmation when you drive, in case you are stopped before your new card arrives.
Changing your name or address during renewal
If you need to change your name or address, you must renew in person at a Driver License Office. You cannot make these changes online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of residency showing your new address (if changing address), and documentation of your name change if applicable — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The renewal fee is still $28.75. You will receive a new photo during in-person renewal, and your temporary paper license will show your updated information. Your permanent card will arrive by mail within two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license if I live out of state?
Yes, you can renew online or by mail as long as your license is not expired or expired less than one year. You do not need to be a resident of Alabama to renew — only to have originally obtained your license there. Mail renewal may be your best option if you do not have straightforward access to an Alabama Driver License Office.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You must go to a Driver License Office in person. Bring proof of residency and payment of $28.75. The office will issue you a replacement license with a new number and a new photo. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is lost.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewal typically take two weeks from the time the state receives your process. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent card arrives by mail within two weeks. Processing times may be longer during busy periods.
Do I need to take a new written test or driving test to renew?
No. Renewal is not the same as getting a new license. You do not take any tests during renewal unless the state has flagged your record for a medical or safety reason. If that has happened, the Driver License Office will tell you when you contact them.
What if my address changed but I do not want to update my license right now?
You can renew your license online or by mail without changing your address. However, Alabama law requires you to notify the state of an address change within 10 days of moving. You can update your address separately at a Driver License Office or through the mail renewal process when you renew.