What You Pay to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

An Alabama driver's license renewal costs $31.50 if you renew in person at a Department of Public Safety office. If you renew by mail, the fee is the same: $31.50. This price covers a four-year license for most drivers under 65 years old.

Drivers aged 65 and older pay $20 for a four-year renewal, whether in person or by mail. Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals cost more — $56.50 for a four-year license — and cannot be done by mail; you must renew in person at a DPS office.

These are the only fees charged by the state for a standard renewal. There are no additional processing fees, process fees, or hidden charges added at the counter or during mail processing.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Alabama driver's license renewal costs $31.50 for drivers under 65, and $20 for drivers 65 and older, whether you renew in person or by mail.
  • Commercial driver's license renewals cost $56.50 and must be done in person at a Department of Public Safety office.
  • You can pay by cash, check, or money order at an in-person office; mail renewals require a check or money order.
  • The fee covers a four-year license, and the price does not change based on which DPS office you visit or when you renew.

How to Pay When Renewing in Person

When you renew at a Department of Public Safety office, you can pay with cash, check, or money order. The office will not accept credit cards or debit cards. Bring exact change or be prepared to receive change in cash.

If you are renewing multiple licenses at once — for example, renewing your own license and a family member's — you pay the fee for each license separately. The cashier will give you a receipt showing the amount paid and the license number.

How to Pay When Renewing by Mail

Mail renewals require payment by check or money order only. You cannot pay by cash when renewing by mail, and credit cards are not accepted. Make the check or money order payable to the "State of Alabama."

Include the payment with your renewal process materials in the envelope you send to the DPS. Do not send cash through the mail. If your check is returned for insufficient funds, the DPS will contact you to request payment before processing your renewal.

Where to Find DPS Office Locations and Hours

Alabama has Department of Public Safety offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours of operation on the official Alabama DPS website at dps.alabama.gov. The site lists all driver's license offices by county, along with their street addresses and phone numbers.

Office hours vary by location. Some offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours; others have extended evening hours or Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm the hours of the office you plan to visit, especially if you are traveling a distance.

What Happens If You Overpay or Underpay

If you pay more than the renewal fee at an in-person office, the cashier will give you change. If you underpay — for example, you hand over $25 when the fee is $31.50 — the office will ask you to provide the remaining amount before processing your renewal.

If you mail in a check for less than the required fee, the DPS will return your process and request the correct amount. Your renewal will not be processed until the full fee is received. If you overpay by mail, the DPS will not issue a refund; instead, the overpayment may be applied to a future renewal or you can request a refund by contacting the DPS directly.

Fee Differences for Duplicate or Replacement Licenses

A duplicate or replacement license — ordered because you lost your license, it was stolen, or it was damaged — costs $20, regardless of your age. This is less than a renewal fee. A duplicate is processed faster than a renewal and does not extend your license expiration date; it straightforward replaces the physical card.

If your license is expiring soon and you need a replacement, you may want to renew at the same time. In that case, you pay both fees: $20 for the replacement and $31.50 (or $20 if you are 65 or older) for the renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my renewal fee online?

No. Alabama does not offer online payment for driver's license renewals. You must pay in person at a DPS office or by check or money order if renewing by mail. Some counties may have third-party renewal vendors that accept additional payment methods, so call your local office to ask.

What if I renew early — do I pay the same fee?

Yes. The renewal fee is $31.50 (or $20 if you are 65 or older) whether you renew six months before expiration or on the day your license expires. Renewing early does not cost more or less.

Do I have to pay the fee if my renewal is denied?

If your renewal is denied — for example, because you failed the vision test or did not provide required documents — you typically keep the fee. You would need to reapply and pay again once you address the reason for denial. Ask the DPS office about their specific refund policy if your renewal is rejected.

Is there a fee to renew if I am a military member stationed overseas?

The renewal fee is the same: $31.50. However, military members may be able to renew by mail or through a military installation office. Contact the Alabama DPS to ask about military renewal options and whether your installation has a processing center.