Foreign nationals in Alabama can renew a driver license, but the process differs from renewal for U.S. citizens and permanent residents

If you are a foreign national with a valid Alabama driver license, you can renew it by mail or in person at an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) office. However, your renewal options depend on your immigration status and the type of license you currently hold. The state does not issue standard licenses to undocumented immigrants; if you hold a license now, it was issued under a previous rule or you have a specific immigration status that permitted it. Renewal requires proof of your current legal status in the United States, and the documents you bring must match the category under which your original license was issued.

Your renewal timeline and method depend on whether your license has expired and whether your personal information has changed. If your license is still valid and nothing has changed, you can renew by mail in two to four weeks. If your license has expired or your address or name has changed, you must renew in person at an ALEA office, which takes about 30 minutes plus 7 to 10 business days for the plastic card to arrive by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Foreign nationals renewing in Alabama must bring proof of current legal status — a valid passport, visa, I-94 arrival/departure record, or employment authorization document (EAD) — along with proof of Alabama residency.
  • If your license is expiring and you are no longer in legal status, you cannot renew it; you must first restore your status through immigration channels before ALEA will process a renewal.
  • Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or other identifying information since your last renewal.
  • In-person renewal at an ALEA office takes about 30 minutes and requires an appointment; you can book one online through the ALEA website or call your local office.
  • The renewal fee is the same for all drivers — currently $24.50 for a four-year license — regardless of immigration status.

What documents you need to bring for in-person renewal

Bring your current Alabama driver license, proof of legal status in the United States, and proof of Alabama residency. Your proof of legal status must be a document that shows your current immigration category. A valid passport alone is not enough; you also need a visa, I-94 card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Advance Parole document, or other USCIS-issued proof that you are lawfully present. If your visa or status document has expired but you are still in legal status (for example, you filed an extension and received a receipt notice), bring both the expired document and the receipt notice showing your pending case.

For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your name and Alabama address. A cell phone bill, insurance policy, or government mail also works. If you have recently moved and your license still shows an old address, bring the residency document showing your current address; ALEA will update it during renewal. Do not bring original immigration documents you cannot afford to lose; ALEA will not return them if sent by mail, and originals are not required for in-person renewal if you also bring a copy.

Renewing by mail if you are may be able to access

Mail renewal is available only if your current license has not expired, your address and name have not changed, and you do not need to update your photo. You cannot renew by mail if you are renewing a license that has already expired, because ALEA requires in-person verification of your legal status when a license lapses. Mail renewal also requires that your legal status document is still valid; if your visa or work authorization has expired, you must renew in person even if your license has not.

To renew by mail, complete the Alabama Driver License Renewal process (Form DL-44), include a check or money order for $24.50 payable to the State of Alabama, and mail both to the address listed on the form. You can read the form from the ALEA website. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date ALEA receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Do not send original documents by mail; ALEA will not return them. If you are uncertain whether mail renewal is right for your situation, call your local ALEA office and describe your status; staff can tell you whether in-person renewal is required.

In-person renewal at an ALEA office

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you have changed your address or name, if you need a new photo, or if you prefer to renew in person. Visit the ALEA website to find the office nearest you and book an appointment online. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices but wait times vary; calling ahead is safer. Bring your current license, proof of legal status, proof of residency, and payment (cash, check, or card — accepted methods vary by office, so call first if you want to confirm).

The renewal process takes about 30 minutes. A staff member will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your process. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while you wait for the plastic card to arrive. If you need to drive before the plastic card arrives, the temporary license is valid for all purposes.

What happens if your legal status has changed or expired

If you are no longer in legal status — for example, your visa expired and you did not file an extension, or your work authorization ended — you cannot renew your driver license. ALEA will not process a renewal without current proof of legal status. You must first restore your immigration status through USCIS or the appropriate agency before you can renew. This may involve filing a new visa petition, an extension of stay, or another immigration process depending on your situation. Consult an immigration attorney or a nonprofit immigration legal service to understand your options.

If you are in removal proceedings or have a pending immigration case, you can still renew your license as long as you have a valid document showing you are in legal status or have a pending case (such as a receipt notice for an asylum process or adjustment of status petition). Bring the receipt notice along with your passport or other identity document. ALEA staff are trained to recognize these documents, but if you encounter confusion, ask to speak with a supervisor or call the ALEA main office to confirm what documents are needed.

Differences between renewal and obtaining a new license

Renewal is simpler than obtaining a new license because you already have a license and ALEA has your records on file. When you renew, you do not need to take a written test or a driving test. You only need to verify your identity, legal status, and residency, and pay the fee. The entire process — whether by mail or in person — focuses on confirming that your information is current and that you remain in legal status.

If you are a foreign national who does not yet have an Alabama license and wants to obtain one for the first time, the process is different and requires additional steps, including a written knowledge test and a driving test. That process is covered separately and is not part of renewal. Renewal assumes you have already passed those tests and hold a valid license.

Fees and how long renewal takes

The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license. This fee is the same for all drivers and does not vary by immigration status. Payment is due at the time of renewal, whether you renew by mail or in person. If you renew by mail, include a check or money order. If you renew in person, ask the office which payment methods they accept — most accept cash, check, and card, but some offices may have different policies.

By mail, processing takes two to four weeks from the date ALEA receives your process. In person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license urgently, in-person renewal is faster because you walk out with a temporary license the same day. If you are renewing close to your expiration date, in-person renewal is also safer because you avoid mail delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama license if I am on a student visa?

Yes. Bring your valid passport, your current I-20 form (or I-20 receipt if you are waiting for a new one), and proof of Alabama residency. Your I-20 serves as proof of legal status. If your I-20 has expired but you are still enrolled and your school has issued a new one, bring both documents.

What if my visa is expired but I have a pending green card process?

Bring your expired visa, your passport, and your receipt notice (Form I-797) showing your pending adjustment of status or immigrant petition. The receipt notice proves you are in legal status while your case is pending. ALEA will accept this combination.

Do I need to renew my license before my visa expires?

No. You can renew your license as long as you are in legal status at the time of renewal. If your visa expires before your license expires, you can still renew your license as long as you have extended your stay or filed a new petition before your current status ends. However, if your status expires and you do not file an extension, you cannot renew until you restore your status.

Can I renew by mail if my address has changed?

No. Mail renewal is only for drivers whose address, name, and other information have not changed. If you have moved, you must renew in person so ALEA can verify your new residency and update your record.

What if I lost my current license?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it by mail. You must go in person to an ALEA office to report the loss, verify your identity and legal status, and obtain a replacement. Bring your passport, proof of legal status, and proof of residency. The replacement fee is the same as renewal.