Alabama driver's licenses expire every 8 years, and you can renew in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation
Your Alabama driver's license expires on your birthday in the year shown on the card. If you have a standard license, that's every 8 years. The state offers three ways to renew: online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Examiner office. Which route works for you depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've had a name change, and whether you need a new photo.
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than 2 years, if you need a corrected address, if you've changed your name, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). In those cases, you'll need to visit an examiner office in person. Mail renewal is available only if your license is current and you don't need any corrections.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the ALEA website takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a standard 8-year license if your current license is valid and you haven't changed your name or address.
- Mail renewal requires a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order, and takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time ALEA receives it.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Examiner office requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and your current license, and you'll receive a temporary license the same day.
- If your license expired more than 2 years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.
- Alabama does not charge a fee for a duplicate license if yours is lost or stolen, but you will pay the renewal fee when you renew.
Online renewal through the ALEA website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is current and you have no changes to report. Go to the ALEA website, select "Driver License Services," and choose the online renewal option. You'll need your current Alabama driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the $24.50 renewal fee.
The system will ask you to confirm your name, address, and other information on file. If everything is correct, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives.
If you're renewing early (before your expiration date), the new license will be valid for 8 years from the date you renew, not from your original expiration date. This means you'll lose the remaining time on your current license, so check whether early renewal makes sense for your situation.
Mail renewal with a form and check
To renew by mail, read and complete the DL-44 form from the ALEA website, or request one by phone at 334-242-4437. Include your current driver's license, a check or money order for $24.50 made payable to the State of Alabama, and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after ALEA receives your packet. There is no tracking system for mail renewals, so if you need to know the status, you'll have to call the ALEA Driver License Section. Mail renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you need a corrected address, or if you've changed your name.
In-person renewal at a Driver License Examiner office
Visit any Driver License Examiner office with your current Alabama driver's license, a valid photo ID (such as a passport), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
The examiner will take a new photo, verify your information, and collect the $24.50 renewal fee. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is required if your license has expired for more than 2 years, if you've changed your name, or if you need to correct your address.
If your license expired more than 2 years ago, you may be asked to pass a vision screening and retake the written knowledge test. Call ahead to your local examiner office to confirm what you'll need to bring and whether a test is required in your case.
What to do if your license has expired for more than 2 years
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than 2 years. You must go in person to a Driver License Examiner office. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, a valid photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security card or number.
The examiner will likely require you to pass a vision screening and retake the written test covering Alabama traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Alabama Driver's Manual, available free on the ALEA website. After you pass the test and vision screening, you'll pay the $24.50 renewal fee and receive a temporary license. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewal fees and what's included
A standard 8-year driver's license renewal costs $24.50 in Alabama. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you need a corrected address or name change, there is no additional charge — the correction is included in the renewal fee.
The renewal fee covers the new license card and postage. If you lose your license before it arrives, you can request a duplicate at any examiner office for no charge. However, when your current license expires and you renew again, you'll pay the full renewal fee at that time.
Finding your local Driver License Examiner office
Alabama has Driver License Examiner offices in most counties. Find the office nearest you by visiting the ALEA website and using the office locator tool, or call 334-242-4437 for the phone number and hours of your local office. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you want to avoid a wait, try visiting early in the morning or mid-week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license before it expires?
Yes, you can renew up to 6 months before your expiration date. However, your new license will be valid for 8 years from the date you renew, not from your original expiration date. This means you'll lose any remaining time on your current license, so renew early only if you have a specific reason, such as needing a corrected address or name.
What if I've moved and my address on my license is wrong?
If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) and the examiner will correct it as part of the renewal. If you're renewing online or by mail, you cannot change your address — you must renew in person instead.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, your current photo will be used on your new license. If you renew in person, a new photo will be taken. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you'll need to visit an examiner office instead.
What happens if I let my license expire?
You can still drive on an expired license for a short grace period, but it's illegal to drive with an expired license. If you're stopped by police, you may receive a citation. If your license has been expired for more than 2 years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license (CDL) online?
No, CDL renewals must be done in person at a Driver License Examiner office. You'll need to bring your current CDL, a valid photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security card. Bring any medical certificates or other documents required for your class of CDL.