How to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

Renew in person at an Alabama DMV office or by mail

You can renew your Alabama driver's license either in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office or by mail, depending on your situation and how much time you have. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes on the day you visit. Mail renewal takes two to four weeks from the time the DPS receives your process.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and whether you have any restrictions or endorsements on your current license. If your license has expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person — the mail option is not available to you.

Key Takeaways

You can renew by mail if your license expired within the last five years, but you must renew in person if it expired more than five years ago.
In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency, and a completed process form (DL-44), and takes about 30 minutes.
Mail renewal costs less than in-person renewal and requires the same documents mailed to the DPS, but takes two to four weeks.
Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal, and you can renew up to six months before your current license expires.

Renewing by mail: documents and mailing address

To renew by mail, you need your current Alabama driver's license, a completed DL-44 form (process for Driver's License or Identification Card), and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. You do not need a new photo for mail renewal — the DPS will use the photo from your current license.

Mail your documents to: Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver's License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee. The DPS does not accept credit cards or debit cards by mail. Once the DPS receives your process, processing takes two to four weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided on your process.

You can read the DL-44 form from the Alabama DPS website or request one by calling the Driver's License Division at 334-242-4437. If you are unsure whether your license qualifies for mail renewal, call before you mail your documents — the DPS can confirm your may be able to access in one call.

Renewing in person: what to bring and where to go

For in-person renewal, bring your current Alabama driver's license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. Proof of address works the same way as mail renewal: a utility bill, bank statement, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. You will also need to complete the DL-44 form, which you can fill out before you arrive or at the office.

Find your nearest DPS Driver's License office on the Alabama DPS website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by location. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only. Call ahead or check the office's page on the DPS website to confirm whether you need an appointment. Wait times at offices that accept walk-ins can range from 15 minutes to over an hour, depending on the time of day and day of the week.

When you arrive, bring all your documents and expect to have your photo taken. The in-person process takes about 30 minutes from check-in to receiving your temporary license. You will receive a paper temporary license valid for 30 days while your plastic license is printed and mailed to you. Your new plastic license arrives within two weeks.

Renewal fees and what your new license covers

The renewal fee for an eight-year license is $28.50 if you renew in person or $25 if you renew by mail. The mail renewal fee is lower because you do not have the cost of office staff time. Both fees are for a standard driver's license. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings), the fee is higher — ask the DPS office or include a note with your mail process if you want Real ID.

Your renewed license is valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired. If you renew early — up to six months before your current license expires — your new license will still be valid for eight years from the renewal date. This means if you renew six months early, your license will not expire for eight and a half years.

When you must renew in person instead of by mail

You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years. You also cannot renew by mail if you need to change your name, address, or any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If your license was suspended or revoked, you must renew in person and may need to complete additional steps before the DPS will issue a new license.

If you are not sure whether your situation requires in-person renewal, call the Driver's License Division at 334-242-4437. They can tell you in one call whether mail renewal is an option for you. If it is not, they can explain what you need to bring when you visit an office.

What happens if your license is already expired

If your license expired less than five years ago, you can still renew by mail or in person using the standard process. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. The in-person process is the same, but the DPS may ask additional questions about why your license lapsed for so long.

You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police before your new license arrives, you could be cited. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, use your temporary license (if you renewed in person) or wait for your new license to arrive by mail before driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Alabama does not offer online driver's license renewal. You must renew either in person at a DPS office or by mail. Some states offer online renewal, but Alabama's system does not yet include that option.

What if I lost my current license?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot use mail renewal. You must go in person to a DPS office and request a replacement license. Bring proof of identity and proof of address. The replacement process is similar to renewal, and your new license will be valid for eight years.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, not for mail renewal. If you renew in person, the DPS will take a new photo. If you want a new photo for a mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.

How long is my temporary license good for?

Your temporary license is valid for 30 days. Your new plastic license should arrive within two weeks, but if it does not, you can use the temporary license until it arrives. If you need to drive after 30 days and your new license has not arrived, contact the DPS to check the status.

What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?

You can update your address during renewal. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) along with your current license and process. Your new license will show your updated address.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.