Where to renew your Alabama driver license

You can renew your Alabama driver 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 online option is faster and requires no office visit, but it is only available if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address on file is current.

If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DPS office. Alabama has driver license offices in most counties; you can find the one nearest you on the DPS website by entering your county or city. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait.

If you are renewing from outside Alabama — for example, if you have moved out of state — you cannot renew by mail or online. You will need to return to an Alabama office in person, or you may be able to transfer your license to your new state instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Alabama DPS website takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license expired within the last five years and has no medical restrictions.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment by cash, check, or card, and typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Your renewed license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the process.
  • If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.

Documents and fees for Alabama driver license renewal

For online renewal, you need only your current Alabama driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is lower for online renewal than for in-person renewal.

For in-person renewal at a DPS office, bring your current driver license and one document that proves your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID with your current address also works. If your address has changed since your license was issued, you must provide proof of the new address.

The renewal fee varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card at the office. Online renewal fees are paid by card only.

How long your renewed license is valid

A standard Alabama driver license is valid for four years from the date of renewal. You can also choose an eight-year license at the time of renewal, which costs more but does not require you to renew as often. The expiration date will be printed on your new license.

Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your old license until the new one arrives, as long as your old license has not expired. If you need to drive before the new license arrives and your old license has already expired, you can request a temporary paper license at the DPS office.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online. You must go to a DPS office in person. Additionally, the DPS may require you to retake the written knowledge test and the vision screening, even though you have held a license before. This is treated more like a new license than a renewal.

Bring the same documents as you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license and proof of current address. You will also need to pass the vision test at the office. The written test may be waived if you can show that you have held a valid license recently in another state, but you should confirm this with your local DPS office before you go.

Renewing a license with medical restrictions or endorsements

If your current license has medical restrictions — such as corrective lenses required, or restrictions on the times you can drive — you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DPS office. The office will review your restrictions and determine whether they still explore to your new license.

If your license has endorsements, such as a motorcycle endorsement or a commercial driver license (CDL) classification, the renewal process depends on the type of endorsement. Standard endorsements renew with your license. A CDL renewal has additional requirements and must be done in person; you may also need to pass a medical examination and provide a Medical Examiner's Certificate.

Renewing after a name change

If your name has changed since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal means — you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address.

The DPS will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the corrected name. This process takes the same amount of time as a standard in-person renewal and costs the same fee.

What to do if you lose your license before renewal

If your license is lost or stolen before you renew it, you can request a replacement at any DPS office. Bring proof of your identity and current address. The replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license was close to expiring anyway, you may want to renew it at the same time rather than paying for both a replacement and a renewal.

You can also report a lost or stolen license online through the DPS website, which may help protect you from identity theft. Reporting it does not replace the license; you still need to visit an office to get a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama driver license online if I have moved out of state?

No. Online renewal is only for people who still live in Alabama. If you have moved to another state, you must either return to Alabama to renew in person at a DPS office, or you should transfer your license to your new state of residence instead.

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

The DPS mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the renewal process. You can continue to drive on your old license until the new one arrives, as long as your old license has not yet expired.

What if I need to drive before my new license arrives?

If your old license has already expired and you need to drive before the new one arrives, ask for a temporary paper license at the DPS office during your renewal. This temporary license is valid for a limited time and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Do I have to retake the written test to renew my license?

Not usually. If your license expired within the last five years and you renew in person, you do not need to retake the written test. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, the DPS may require you to retake the test. You will always need to pass the vision screening at the office.

Can I renew my commercial driver license online?

No. Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a DPS office. You will need to provide a Medical Examiner's Certificate and may need to pass a medical examination. The renewal process for a CDL is more involved than for a standard license.