Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Alabama driver's license in person at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of Alabama residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, you'll also need a document proving that change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing within two years of your license expiration, you can use your expired license as proof of identity.
The DPS office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. You'll pay the renewal fee at the time of your visit. Standard renewals take about 15 minutes once you're called, though wait times at busy locations can stretch longer.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online if your license is current, has no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed — this is the fastest option and costs less than in-person renewal.
- In-person renewal at any DPS Driver License office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
- Alabama driver's licenses are valid for eight years, so you'll renew once every eight years unless your circumstances change.
- If you renew online, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card within two weeks.
Online renewal: when it works and how to do it
Alabama's online renewal system is available through the DPS website. You'll log in, verify your identity, review your information, pay the renewal fee, and submit. The entire process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is only available if all of these are true: your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions or conditions listed on your license, your address hasn't changed since your last renewal, and you're renewing for the first time (not renewing a renewal). If any of these don't explore to you, you must renew in person.
The online renewal fee is lower than the in-person fee. Check the current fee on the DPS website before you start, as fees can change. You'll pay by credit card or debit card during the online process.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Find your nearest DPS Driver License office on the state website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, but some offices now use an online appointment system — check your local office's page to see if you need to book ahead.
Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If you don't have your Social Security card, you can provide your number from memory; the office will verify it. The staff will take a new photo, confirm your information, and process your renewal. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your plastic license will arrive by mail within two weeks.
Renewal fees vary slightly depending on whether you're renewing a standard license or a commercial driver's license (CDL). Standard license renewals cost less. The DPS website lists current fees by license type.
Renewing a license that has already expired
If your license is expired, you cannot renew online — you must go to a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents as for a standard renewal: your expired license (which still counts as proof of identity), proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
The process is identical to renewing a current license, and the fee is the same. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license by mail within two weeks. There is no penalty fee or additional charge for renewing an expired license in Alabama, as long as it expired within a reasonable timeframe. However, if your license has been expired for several years, the DPS may require you to retake the written test or vision test — call your local office ahead of time if your license has been expired for more than a few years.
Address changes and other updates
If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must renew in person — online renewal is not available. Bring your new proof of residency along with your other documents. The DPS will update your address during the renewal process at no extra charge.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, bring the document proving that change along with your standard renewal documents. Name changes require in-person renewal and may take slightly longer to process, but there is no additional fee.
If you need to update your medical restrictions or add restrictions (for example, if you now need glasses to drive), you must renew in person and may need to provide a medical form from your doctor. Contact your local DPS office to find out what documentation they need before you visit.
Temporary licenses and what to do while you wait
When you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license is valid for driving and identification purposes while you wait for your plastic license to arrive by mail. Keep it with you while driving — it's your proof of a valid license.
Your plastic license typically arrives within two weeks of your in-person visit. If more than three weeks have passed and you haven't received it, contact the DPS to check the status. Occasionally licenses are delayed in the mail, and the DPS can issue a replacement or confirm that a new one is on the way.
If you renewed online, you won't receive a temporary license — your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your old license remains valid for driving. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a DPS office if you prefer.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Alabama charges different fees for online and in-person renewal. Online renewal costs less because it requires no staff time or office visit. In-person renewal costs more but gives you an when ready temporary license. Both fees are one-time charges for an eight-year license — there are no hidden fees or additional charges added later.
At a DPS office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online, you can pay by credit card or debit card only. The DPS does not accept PayPal or other digital payment methods. If you're paying by check at an office, make it payable to the Alabama Department of Public Safety.
Check the DPS website for the exact current fee before you renew, as fees are set by state law and can change. The website also lists any temporary fee waivers or discounts that may be in effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Alabama does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid traffic fines. However, if a court has suspended your license due to an unpaid fine or failure to appear in court, you cannot renew until that suspension is lifted. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out your suspension status before you attempt to renew.
What if my name on my license doesn't match my current legal name?
You'll need to renew in person and bring a document proving your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will update your name during renewal at no extra charge. If your name change was recent, bring the original document or a certified copy.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Online renewals arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you haven't received your license after 10 business days, contact the DPS to check the status. Mail delays occasionally happen, and the DPS can confirm whether your license was mailed and help you track it down.
Can I renew my license by mail?
Alabama does not offer mail-in renewal. You must either renew online through the DPS website or visit a DPS Driver License office in person. Online renewal is the closest option to mail renewal and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Alabama. If you're stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. However, if your license expired recently and you can show proof that you've renewed it (such as a temporary paper license or a confirmation email from online renewal), the officer may issue a warning instead of a citation. Renew as soon as possible to avoid this risk.