Where to renew and what you'll need

In Alabama, you renew your driver's license through the Department of Public Safety (DPS). You can renew in person at any Driver License Examiner's Office across the state, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is faster and handles more situations, but the mail route works if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.

Before you go or mail anything, gather these documents: your current Alabama driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current 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.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at any DPS Driver License Examiner's Office or by mail if your license is not suspended and your address hasn't changed.
  • Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days.
  • In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes to an hour, and your new license is issued the same day.
  • By-mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs less, but only works if you have no suspensions or medical restrictions.
  • Your Alabama license is valid for four years from the date of issue, and you can renew up to 180 days before it expires.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Walk into any Driver License Examiner's Office with your documents and a completed DL-44 form (the renewal process). You can fill this out at home or at the office. The staff will check your documents, take a new photo, and collect the renewal fee. As of now, the fee is $28 for a four-year license, though fees can change. Pay by cash, check, or debit card — not all offices take credit cards, so call ahead if you want to be sure.

The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. Your new license is printed on the spot and you leave with it that day. To find the office nearest you and check current wait times, visit the Alabama DPS website or call 334-242-4437.

Renewing by mail

If you're renewing by mail, you must meet all of these conditions: your current license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions listed on it, your address hasn't changed, and you're not changing your name. Complete the DL-44 form, include copies of your proof of address and Social Security proof, and mail everything to the address listed on the form or on the DPS website.

Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash. Mail your packet to the Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, at the address provided on the DL-44. Your new license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. This route costs less than in-person renewal because you avoid the office visit fee, though the base license fee is the same.

When your license is suspended or has restrictions

If your Alabama license is suspended or has medical restrictions, you cannot renew by mail. You must go in person to a Driver License Examiner's Office. The office staff will review your suspension or restriction and tell you what steps are needed before you can renew. This might mean paying a reinstatement fee, providing medical documentation, or completing a court requirement.

Suspensions in Alabama are usually tied to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court. If you're unsure why your license is suspended, call the DPS at 334-242-4437 and give them your driver's license number. They can tell you the reason and what you need to do to clear it.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must renew in person. Bring your new proof of address along with your other documents. The office will update your address on your new license at no extra charge.

If you've changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you also must renew in person. Bring the legal document proving the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name on it.

How long your license is valid

An Alabama driver's license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. You can renew up to 180 days before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for four years from the date you renew, not from the date your old one expired.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same process — there is no penalty for renewing after expiration, as long as you renew before you drive. Driving on an expired license is illegal, so if your license has expired, do not drive until you have renewed it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama license online?

No, Alabama does not offer online renewal. You can renew in person at any Driver License Examiner's Office or by mail if you meet the conditions. The DPS website has a list of office locations and hours.

What if I lost my license and need to renew?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew by mail. Go in person to a Driver License Examiner's Office and tell them your license is lost. You'll need to complete a replacement process and pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee. Bring the same documents you would for a regular renewal.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Most Alabama DPS offices do not require appointments for renewal. You can walk in during business hours. However, some offices may have a wait, so arriving early in the day or mid-week is often faster. Check the DPS website for your local office's hours and current wait times.

What happens if I renew before my license expires?

Your new license will be valid for four years from the date you renew it, not from the date your old license expired. You can renew up to 180 days before expiration without any problem or penalty.

Can I renew if I owe traffic fines or child support?

If you owe unpaid traffic fines or child support, your license may be suspended. You cannot renew until the suspension is cleared. Contact the DPS at 334-242-4437 to find out what you owe and how to resolve it, then you can renew in person.