How to renew your Alabama driver license
You can renew your Alabama driver license in person at any Driver License Examiner's Office, or online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and a fee. The online route, available only if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions, takes a few minutes and costs less.
Your renewal notice will arrive in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. You do not have to wait for the notice to renew — you can start the process anytime within 180 days before your expiration date. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through ALEA's website works only if your current license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions or vision corrections noted on it.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office requires your current license, one proof of residency document, and the renewal fee (currently $24.50 for a four-year license).
- You can renew up to 180 days before your license expires, so you do not have to wait for the renewal notice to arrive.
- If your license has expired, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening depending on how long it has been expired.
Renewing online through ALEA
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Visit the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website and look for the Driver License Online Renewal portal. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against ALEA's records.
Online renewal is not available if your license is already expired, if you wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts), if you have medical restrictions, or if you need to change your name or address. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person. The online fee is $20 and you can pay by debit or credit card. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office
Find your nearest Driver License Examiner's Office on the ALEA website by entering your county. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days. You do not need an appointment — offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring your current driver license, one document proving your current address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and the renewal fee. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. You will have your photo taken and receive your new license on the spot, though you can request a duplicate mailed to you if needed.
The in-person renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or card at most offices, though payment methods vary by location — call ahead if you want to confirm. Your new license is valid for four years from the date of renewal.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired more than 60 days ago, you must renew in person and you will need to retake the written knowledge test and vision screening. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal, plus any corrective lenses you wear. The written test covers Alabama traffic laws and road signs and takes about 15 minutes.
If your license expired fewer than 60 days ago, you may be able to renew without retesting — ask at the office when you arrive. The staff can tell you whether your specific situation requires the test. If you fail the vision screening, you will be issued a license with a restriction requiring corrective lenses, and you will not be able to drive without them.
Changing your address or name during renewal
You can change your address during renewal without visiting an office if you are renewing online. straightforward enter your new address in the online form and it will be updated on your new license.
If you are renewing in person, tell the staff member your new address and they will update it. If your name has changed, bring proof of the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — and the staff will update your license. If you need to change your address or name but are not renewing your license, you must visit an office in person with the appropriate documentation.
Replacing a lost or damaged license before renewal
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can get a duplicate at any Driver License Examiner's Office. Bring your current address proof and pay a $5 duplicate fee. You do not need your original license to get a duplicate. If your license was stolen, you can report it to the office and they will note it in the system.
A duplicate license has the same expiration date as your original, so you will still need to renew on your regular schedule. If you get a duplicate and then renew later, you will pay only the renewal fee — the duplicate fee does not extend your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
No. ALEA will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or an outstanding warrant. You must resolve the ticket or fine before you can renew. Contact the court listed on your ticket to find out the balance owed and payment options.
What if I moved out of state but still have an Alabama license?
You should obtain a driver license from your new state. If you still have an Alabama license and want to renew it, you can renew online if you meet the other requirements, or renew in person if you are visiting Alabama. You cannot use an out-of-state address on an Alabama license.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
If you renew in person, you receive your new license when ready. If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you have not received it after 10 business days, contact ALEA to check the status.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Yes. A new photo is taken during in-person renewal. If you renew online, a photo from your current license is used on your new license, so you do not have a new photo taken.
What if my vision has changed since my last license?
You will take a vision screening during in-person renewal. If you fail the screening, your new license will have a restriction requiring corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, online renewal is not available — you must renew in person so the vision test can be administered.