Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Alabama driver's license at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office, by mail, or online through the state's website — but not all renewal types work through every method. The fastest route is usually online if you're renewing a standard license that hasn't expired more than five years ago. If you're renewing in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number.
Before you go, check whether your license is still valid or has been expired for longer than five years. If it expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must visit a DPS office in person and retake the written test. If your license was suspended or revoked, you'll also need to visit an office and may need to complete additional requirements depending on why it was suspended.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through Alabama's DPS website takes about 10 minutes and works if your license expired fewer than five years ago and has no suspensions or restrictions.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires your current license, a completed process form, and a check or money order — but only works for standard renewals.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, was suspended, or has medical restrictions that need updating.
- Alabama driver's licenses are valid for four years, and you can renew up to six months before expiration without paying an extra fee.
- The renewal fee is $25.50 for a four-year license, and you'll receive your new license by mail within two weeks of approval.
Renewing online through the DPS website
Go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to start. The system will ask you to confirm your address or update it if you've moved. If your address has changed, have your proof of residency ready — you may need to upload a photo of it during the process.
Once you've entered your information and confirmed everything is correct, you'll pay the $25.50 renewal fee using a debit or credit card. The system will tell you when ready whether your renewal was accepted. You should receive your new license in the mail within two weeks. Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended, if you need to update your medical restrictions, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).
Renewing by mail
read or request the Alabama Driver's License Renewal process (Form DL-44) from the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and the address where you want the new license mailed. Sign and date the form — an unsigned process will be returned to you.
Mail the completed form along with your current license and a check or money order for $25.50 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your proof of residency if your address has changed since your license was issued. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the DPS office receives your envelope. You can track your renewal status by calling the DPS or checking the website if you have your license number and date of birth.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
Visit any Alabama DPS Driver License office with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website. Bring the original documents — photocopies are not accepted for proof of residency. If you've changed your address, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
At the office, you'll complete an process form, have your photo taken, and pay the $25.50 fee by cash, check, or card. If your license expired more than five years ago, you'll need to retake the written test before the office can issue a new license. If you have medical restrictions on your current license, the examiner may ask you to confirm they still explore or may require a doctor's statement. You'll receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within two weeks.
What happens if your license has been suspended or revoked
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and documentation showing that you've resolved the reason for the suspension — for example, proof of payment if it was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, or a letter from the court if it was suspended for a criminal conviction.
The DPS office will verify that your suspension has been lifted before processing your renewal. If the suspension is still active, they will not renew your license and will tell you what steps you need to take to clear it. Contact your local DPS office or the court that issued the suspension if you're unsure whether it's been resolved.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person with your current CDL, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You'll also need to bring your medical certification (CDLIS Medical Certification Form) if your CDL has a medical restriction code, or a statement from your doctor confirming you still meet the medical standards for commercial driving.
At the office, you'll complete an process, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. You may be required to retake the written test or the skills test depending on your CDL class and the reason for renewal. The DPS will tell you which tests you need to take when you arrive. Your temporary CDL will be issued on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks.
Timeline and what to expect after renewal
Online renewal is the fastest option — you'll know within minutes whether you're approved, and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks total, including mail delivery time both ways. In-person renewal is when ready for the temporary license, with the permanent license arriving by mail within two weeks.
Your new Alabama driver's license will be valid for four years from the date it's issued. You can renew up to six months before your current license expires without paying an extra fee. If you renew after your license has expired, you still pay the standard $25.50 fee — there is no penalty fee for renewing late in Alabama. If you don't receive your new license within three weeks of approval, contact the DPS office where you renewed to check the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No, not by mail or online. You must visit a DPS office in person and retake the written test. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The office will schedule you for the test and process your renewal the same day if you pass.
What counts as proof of residency?
A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill dated within 60 days of your visit. The document must show your name and current address. A driver's license or ID card does not count as proof of residency.
Do I have to take a new photo for renewal?
Yes, if you renew in person. If you renew online or by mail, the DPS will use your photo from your current license unless it's more than eight years old, in which case you'll be asked to visit an office for a new photo.
What if I've moved and my address on my license is wrong?
You can update your address during any renewal method. For online or mail renewal, enter your new address in the process. For in-person renewal, bring proof of residency at your new address. The new address will appear on your renewed license.
How much does it cost to renew?
The renewal fee is $25.50 for a four-year license. This is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You pay by card online, by check or money order by mail, or by cash, check, or card in person.