How to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

What you need to know before you renew

Alabama driver's licenses expire every four or eight years depending on your age and whether you have a REAL ID endorsement. You can renew in person at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes; online renewal is faster but not available to everyone.

You do not have to wait until your license expires to renew it—you can renew up to one year before the expiration date. This matters if you want to avoid a trip during a busy season or if your current license is damaged.

Key Takeaways

Alabama offers both in-person and online renewal, but online is only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal.
You will need your current Alabama driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number.
In-person renewal at a DPS office costs $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card.
If your license is expired by more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours, and wait times vary by location and time of day.

Online renewal: who can use it and how

The Alabama DPS online renewal system is the fastest option if you are not expired, have no medical restrictions on your license, and have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The process takes about 10 minutes and you pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Visit the Alabama DPS website and look for the online renewal portal to start.

If any of these conditions do not explore to you—your license is expired, you have medical restrictions, or you have moved or changed your name—you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Walk into any Alabama DPS office with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Proof of residency means a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current address: a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count.

Bring your license itself, not a copy. If your license is expired by more than one year, you will retake the vision screening and written test. If it expired less than one year ago, you will skip both. The office will take a new photo, process your payment, and hand you a temporary paper license to use when ready while your permanent card is mailed.

The renewal fee is $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license. You can pay with cash, check, or card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Finding a DPS office and what to expect

Alabama has DPS offices in most counties. You can find the nearest one and its hours on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website by entering your county or city. Offices are open Monday through Friday, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some offices close for lunch.

Wait times depend on the time of day and the office. Early morning and mid-week visits tend to be faster than late afternoon or Friday. There is no way to reserve a time slot, so arrive early if you want to avoid a long wait. Bring all your documents with you—if you are missing proof of residency or your Social Security number, the office will turn you away and you will have to return.

What happens if your license is expired by more than one year

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DPS office in person. You will retake the vision screening to make sure you can still see well enough to drive safely. You will also retake the written test—the same one new drivers take—covering Alabama traffic laws and road signs.

You can study for the written test using the Alabama Driver's Manual, which is free on the DPS website. The test has 30 questions and you need to answer at least 24 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra charge. Once you pass, the office will process your renewal the same way as a standard renewal.

Medical restrictions and special circumstances

If your current license has medical restrictions—such as corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or automatic transmission only—you cannot renew online. You must go in person so the DPS can verify that your medical condition has not changed. Bring any medical documentation that supports your restrictions, such as a letter from your eye doctor or hearing specialist.

If you have changed your name since your last renewal (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you must renew in person and bring proof of the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need to update your address if you have moved.

Renewing a REAL ID license

If your current license has the REAL ID star in the top right corner, you can renew it online or in person using the same process described above. The REAL ID endorsement carries over automatically—you do not need to provide additional documents or pay an extra fee. Your new license will also have the REAL ID star.

If your current license does not have the REAL ID star and you want one, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, Social Security number, and one document proving your identity and date of birth (passport, birth certificate, or military ID). The REAL ID license costs the same as a standard renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for several years?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DPS office. If it has been expired for more than one year, you will retake the vision screening and written test. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease for proof of residency?

A bank statement, insurance policy, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days also works. The document must show your name and current address. If you cannot find any of these, contact your local DPS office to ask what other documents they accept.

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

The Alabama DPS mails new licenses within 7 to 10 business days of renewal. You can drive on your current license or the temporary paper license they give you at the office until the new card arrives.

Do I have to renew in person if I moved to a different county?

If you moved within Alabama and changed your address, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency at your new address, and your Social Security number. You can renew at any DPS office in the state, not just the one in your new county.

What if I fail the written test during in-person renewal?

You can retake it the same day at no extra charge. The office will give you time to study the Alabama Driver's Manual before you try again. Most people pass on the second attempt.

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.