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 hasn't been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, and if you don't need to update your address, name, or other information on the card itself.
Before you go to an office or start an online renewal, gather your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Alabama address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. If you're renewing in person and your address has changed, bring proof of the new address.
Your license is valid for four years from the date it was issued. You can renew it up to six months before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last day. Renewing early gives you time to handle any problems that come up—a missing document, a name mismatch in the system, or a long wait at the office.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available only if your license is valid (not suspended or revoked) and you're not changing your address or name.
- In-person renewal at any DPS Driver License office works for all situations and takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.
- You must bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days.
- Your Alabama driver's license is valid for four years, and you can renew it up to six months before it expires.
- The renewal fee is $25.50 for a four-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at an office or by card online.
Renewing online through Alabama's website
The Alabama DPS online renewal system is available at the state's official website. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm it's correct. If everything matches, you'll pay the $25.50 renewal fee by debit or credit card.
Online renewal takes about 10 to 15 minutes and you'll receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can use while your physical card is in the mail. Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. This route only works if your license is currently valid—if it's expired, suspended, or revoked, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
You also cannot renew online if you need to change your address, name, or any other information on the license. If your address has changed since your last renewal, you must go to an office in person and bring proof of your new address.
Renewing in person at a DPS Driver License office
Every county in Alabama has at least one DPS Driver License office. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Alabama DPS website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You do not need to make an appointment at most offices, but calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan when to go.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If you're changing your address, bring proof of the new address. If you've changed your name, bring the legal document showing the change. Hand these documents to the clerk, and they'll take a new photo and process your renewal. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, though it can be longer during busy times.
You'll pay the $25.50 renewal fee at the office by cash, check, or card. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 45 days while your new plastic card is printed and mailed to you. Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license has expired
If your Alabama driver's license has been expired for less than five years, you can renew it using the same process as a standard renewal—either online (if it's valid in the system and you're not changing information) or in person at a DPS office. Bring the same documents: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you'll need to explore for a new license rather than renew. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, a written knowledge test, and a driving skills test. You'll also need to bring your Social Security card or proof of your number, proof of your Alabama residency, and proof of your identity (a passport, birth certificate, or other state ID). The process is more involved and takes longer than a standard renewal.
Renewing a license that's suspended or revoked
If your Alabama driver's license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online. You must go to a DPS Driver License office in person. The office will check the reason for the suspension or revocation and tell you what you need to do before you can renew.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a conviction for driving under the influence. Depending on the reason, you may need to pay a fine, complete a court-ordered program, or wait until a suspension period ends. The DPS office can explain what's required in your case and point you toward the right agency to resolve the issue. Once you've cleared the suspension or revocation, you can renew your license.
Renewing with a name or address change
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring legal proof of the name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The office will update your license with your new name and issue a new card. You cannot make this change online.
If you've moved to a new address in Alabama, you can renew online only if you don't update your address during the renewal. If you want your new license to show your current address, you must renew in person and bring proof of the new address dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all count as proof.
If you've moved out of Alabama, you cannot renew your Alabama license. You'll need to get a driver's license from your new state instead.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for a four-year Alabama driver's license is $25.50. This is the standard fee for all drivers renewing a valid license. If you're renewing in person at a DPS office, you can pay by cash, check, or debit or credit card. If you're renewing online, you can only pay by debit or credit card.
Some DPS offices may charge an additional fee if you need a duplicate license (a replacement for a lost or damaged card) at the same time as your renewal, though this is uncommon during a standard renewal. Ask the office when you arrive if there are any additional charges beyond the $25.50 renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early is a good idea if you're planning a trip or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. Your new license will be valid for four years from the date you renew it, not from the date your old license expired.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Your new plastic driver's license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days after you renew, whether you renewed online or in person. You'll receive a temporary license (digital if you renewed online, paper if you renewed in person) that you can use right away while you wait for the new card.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You'll need to get a duplicate license first, then renew. Go to a DPS Driver License office with proof of your identity, Social Security number, and current address. The office will issue a duplicate of your current license, and you can renew it at the same time if you want. You'll pay both fees together.
Can I renew my license if I owe traffic fines or child support?
No. If you owe unpaid traffic fines or child support, your license will be suspended and you cannot renew it until the debt is paid or a payment plan is set up. Go to a DPS office to find out the exact amount owed and who to contact to resolve it. Once the issue is cleared, you can renew.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person?
Most Alabama DPS Driver License offices do not require an appointment for renewal. You can walk in during business hours. However, some offices may offer appointment slots during busy times. Call the office nearest you to ask about current wait times and whether appointments are available.