Where and how to renew your Alabama license
You can renew your Alabama driver's license through the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) in person at any Driver License Examiner's Office, or online if you meet certain conditions. The online renewal option is available through the state's official website if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and your license is not expired by more than five years. If you do not meet those requirements, you must visit an examiner's office in person.
In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Online renewal is faster: you complete the process from home, pay the fee, and receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available if your license is current or expired less than five years, has no medical restrictions, and is not suspended or revoked.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and proof of your Social Security number.
- Alabama licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to 60 days before expiration without penalty.
- The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online or in person, and you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal or when ready for in-person renewal.
When your license expires and renewal important date
Your Alabama driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew starting 60 days before your birthday without any penalty or additional fee. If you wait until after your birthday, your license is technically expired, and you should not drive until you have renewed it — driving on an expired license can result in a citation.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use online renewal and must go to a Driver License Examiner's Office in person. You will also need to pass a vision test and may be required to retake the written test, depending on how long it has been expired.
Costs and what you will receive
The renewal fee for a standard Alabama driver's license is $25.50 for an eight-year renewal. This fee is the same whether you renew online or in person. If you choose to renew in person, you receive your new license when ready and can drive with it right away. If you renew online, you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days; during that time, your old license remains valid.
If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025), the fee is $32.50 for an eight-year renewal. Real ID renewal requires in-person verification at a Driver License Examiner's Office and additional documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number.
Finding a Driver License Examiner's Office near you
Alabama has Driver License Examiner's Offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. Some offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, while others have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go, as some locations have reduced schedules.
Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, but you may wait longer during peak times (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available.
Documents you need for in-person renewal
Bring your current Alabama driver's license. You will also need one document proving your current residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail 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. Acceptable documents include your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that caused the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers.
If you are renewing a Real ID license, you will need additional documents: an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a passport or passport card, or a certificate of naturalization. You will also need two documents proving your current address (instead of one), and one document proving your identity beyond your current license.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
If your Alabama license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online. You must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person. The office will check your driving record and tell you whether you are able to renew or whether you must first resolve the suspension or revocation.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court. If your license is suspended for one of these reasons, you will need to resolve the underlying issue before the office can process your renewal. If your license is revoked (usually for serious violations like DUI), you may need to wait a specified period or complete additional requirements before you can renew.
Renewing if you have moved out of state
If you have moved out of Alabama but still hold an Alabama license, you can renew it online if you meet the standard online renewal requirements. However, you will need to provide a current out-of-state address as your mailing address so your renewed license reaches you.
If you have moved to another state and want to switch to that state's license, you will need to contact your new state's motor vehicle department. Most states require you to surrender your Alabama license when you obtain a license in your new state, though some allow you to hold both for a limited time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No, online renewal is not available. You must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person. Depending on how long your license has been expired, you may need to retake the written test and pass a vision test before your renewal is processed.
What if I do not have proof of residency dated within 60 days?
You will need to obtain one before you can renew in person. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a dated document, contact your local examiner's office to ask what alternatives they accept.
How long does it take to get my license if I renew online?
Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to drive. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office.
Do I need a Real ID to drive in Alabama?
No. A standard Alabama driver's license is sufficient for driving. Real ID is required only for federal building access and domestic air travel. If you do not plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, you do not need to upgrade to Real ID.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. You will need this document whether you renew in person or online. For online renewal, you may need to mail or upload a copy depending on the system's requirements.