What You'll Pay to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

An Alabama driver's license renewal costs $31.25 for a standard four-year license if you renew in person at an Alabama Department of Public Safety office. If you renew by mail, the fee is the same. The state does not charge extra for processing or handling — $31.25 is the complete fee you owe.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license (the kind required for domestic air travel and federal building entry starting May 2025), the cost is $36.25 for a four-year license. The $5 difference covers the additional security features and verification the federal government requires. You cannot upgrade to Real ID by mail; you must renew in person at a driver's license office and bring original documents proving your identity and Alabama residency.

Alabama also offers an eight-year license for drivers 65 and older, which costs $62.50 and requires an in-person visit. Younger drivers cannot purchase an eight-year license — the four-year term is the standard option for anyone under 65.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard four-year Alabama driver's license renewal costs $31.25 whether you renew by mail or in person.
  • A Real ID-compliant license costs $36.25 and requires an in-person visit with original identity and residency documents.
  • Drivers 65 and older can purchase an eight-year license for $62.50, but must renew in person.
  • The Alabama Department of Public Safety does not charge separate processing, process, or handling fees on top of the renewal cost.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver's License Office

If you renew in person, you pay the $31.25 fee (or $36.25 for Real ID) at the counter when you submit your process. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most offices, though a few locations may accept credit cards — call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods at your specific office.

Bring your current Alabama driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you are renewing a Real ID license, you also need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate and proof of your current legal name if it has changed since your last license.

The Alabama Department of Public Safety operates driver's license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the state website. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day — early morning visits typically have shorter lines.

Mail Renewal and When It's Available

You can renew by mail if your current license is not expired, you are under 65, and you do not need a Real ID license. Mail the $31.25 fee (check or money order only — no cash) along with your current license and a completed process form to the address provided on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website.

Processing by mail takes two to four weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by regular mail at the address on file. You cannot track the status of a mail renewal online, so if you need your license by a specific date, renewing in person is faster and more reliable.

If your license is already expired, you cannot renew by mail — you must visit a driver's license office in person. The same applies if you need to change your address, update your name, or correct any information on your license.

Additional Costs You Might Encounter

The $31.25 or $36.25 renewal fee is the only charge from the state. However, if you need certified copies of documents (such as a birth certificate for a Real ID renewal), you will pay the county or state office that issues those documents — typically $10 to $25 per copy, depending on where you order it.

If you lose your license before it expires and need a replacement, that is a separate transaction with its own fee ($20.25 for a standard replacement, $25.25 for Real ID). A renewal and a replacement are different processes, so do not confuse the two if you are looking up costs.

Alabama does not charge a fee to change your address on your license if you do it during a renewal. If you change your address between renewals, you can update it by mail for free — the state will send you a new license with the updated address at no cost.

How to Find Your Nearest Driver's License Office

The Alabama Department of Public Safety maintains a list of all driver's license offices on its official website, organized by county. Each office listing includes the street address, phone number, and hours of operation. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have Saturday hours — check before you visit.

If you call ahead, the office staff can tell you the current wait time and confirm whether they accept the payment method you plan to use. They can also answer questions about what documents you need to bring for your specific situation (for example, if your name has changed or you are renewing a Real ID license for the first time).

What Happens After You Pay

If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license at the counter that is valid for 30 days while the state produces your plastic card. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is sufficient for all purposes — police will accept it as proof of a valid license.

If you renew by mail, you do not receive a temporary license. Your new license is mailed to you once processed, which takes two to four weeks. Plan ahead if you have a trip or need your license for identification purposes.

Your new license is valid for four years from the date of renewal (or eight years if you are 65 or older and purchased the longer term). The expiration date is printed on the front of your card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay extra if I renew early?

No. The renewal fee is $31.25 (or $36.25 for Real ID) regardless of when you renew. You can renew up to 180 days before your current license expires without penalty. Your new license will be valid for four years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.

What if I renew in person but do not have all my documents?

You cannot complete the renewal without the required documents. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or number. If you are renewing a Real ID license, you also need your birth certificate. The office staff will tell you what you are missing and will not process your process until you have everything.

Can I renew my license online?

Alabama does not offer online renewal. You must renew either in person at a driver's license office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster and gives you a temporary license when ready.

Is the $31.25 fee the same in every county?

Yes. The renewal fee is set by the state and is $31.25 for a standard four-year license in all Alabama counties. Real ID licenses cost $36.25 statewide. No county charges a different amount.

What if I am a military member stationed outside Alabama?

You can renew by mail if you meet the other requirements (your license is not expired, you do not need Real ID, you are under 65). Mail your process, fee, and current license to the address on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. If you need a Real ID license, you will need to renew in person at an Alabama office when you are next in the state, or contact the department to ask about options for military personnel.