Alabama driver's license renewal costs $31.25 for a four-year license
The fee to renew your Alabama driver's license is $31.25 for a four-year renewal. This is the standard cost whether you renew in person at an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office or by mail. If you are renewing online through Alabama's system, the fee remains the same.
The $31.25 covers the license itself and the processing. You do not pay extra fees for different types of renewals — the cost is the same whether this is your first renewal or your fifth. Some counties may charge a small additional fee if you request a duplicate or replacement license at the same time, but a standard renewal is $31.25.
Payment methods vary by location. At a DPS office, you can usually pay by cash, check, or card. If you renew by mail, you will need to include a check or money order. Online renewal, where available, typically accepts card payments.
Key Takeaways
- A standard four-year Alabama driver's license renewal costs $31.25, whether you renew in person, by mail, or online.
- You pay the same $31.25 fee regardless of how many times you have renewed before or what type of license you hold.
- Payment methods depend on your renewal route: cash, check, or card at an office; check or money order by mail; card online.
- If you request a duplicate or replacement license at the same time as renewal, your county may charge an additional fee.
Where to pay and what to bring
If you renew at a DPS office, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days works), and your payment method. The staff will collect your $31.25 at the counter. You do not need to make an appointment at most offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
If you renew by mail, you will send your current license, the renewal form (DL-44), proof of residency, and a check or money order for $31.25 to the address listed on the form. Mail renewals take longer — typically two to three weeks after the DPS receives your packet — so send it well before your license expires.
Online renewal through Alabama's system is available if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements. You will enter your information, pay the $31.25 by card, and receive a temporary license number when ready. Your physical license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to a DPS office in person. The fee is still $31.25, but you will also need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written test depending on how long it has been expired. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal.
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew by mail or online and pay only the $31.25 renewal fee. You do not need to retake any tests.
Fees for other license types and changes
The $31.25 renewal fee applies to standard Class D licenses. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the renewal fee is higher — typically around $50 to $60 — because commercial licenses require additional testing and oversight. Check with your local DPS office for the exact CDL renewal cost in your county.
If you want to add an endorsement (such as a motorcycle endorsement) during renewal, there may be an additional fee. The base renewal stays $31.25, but endorsements are charged separately. If you need to change your address, name, or other information on your license, that is included in the renewal fee at no extra cost.
Payment by mail and online options
When you renew by mail, write your check or money order for $31.25 and include it in the same envelope as your form and documents. Do not send cash through the mail. Make the check payable to the Alabama Department of Public Safety. Include your driver's license number on the check so the payment is matched to your renewal.
Online renewal accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The payment is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number for your records. Your temporary license number appears on screen right after payment, and you can use it for identification purposes while you wait for your physical license to arrive.
What to do if you cannot pay the full amount at once
Alabama does not offer a payment plan for driver's license renewals. The full $31.25 must be paid when you submit your renewal, whether in person, by mail, or online. If cost is a barrier, some community organizations or legal aid offices may have information about resources, though this is not common for license renewals.
If you are unable to renew right now, your license can be renewed at any point before or after it expires — there is no penalty for renewing late, and the fee does not increase. You straightforward cannot drive legally on an expired license, so plan to renew before the expiration date if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the $31.25 fee if I renew early?
Yes, the renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or wait until your license is about to expire. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date and still pay $31.25. Renewing early gives you a new four-year license from the date you renew, so your new expiration date will be four years from that date.
Is there a senior discount on license renewal fees?
Alabama does not offer a reduced renewal fee for seniors. All drivers pay $31.25 for a standard four-year renewal, regardless of age. However, drivers 70 and older may renew every eight years instead of four years, which means you renew less often — but the fee per renewal remains $31.25.
What if I lose my license before it expires — do I pay to replace it?
A replacement for a lost or damaged license costs less than a renewal. A duplicate or replacement license typically costs around $10 to $15 in Alabama, depending on your county. This is different from the $31.25 renewal fee. If you need both a replacement and a renewal at the same time, you may pay both fees.
Can I pay online if I renew in person at the office?
Most DPS offices accept card payments at the counter, so you can pay in person without using cash or a check. However, this is not the same as online renewal — you are still going to the office. True online renewal, where you submit everything remotely, is a separate process available through Alabama's website.
Does the $31.25 fee include a Real ID compliant license?
Alabama's standard renewal fee of $31.25 covers a regular driver's license. A Real ID compliant license costs more — typically around $35 to $40 — because it requires additional verification and security features. When you renew, you can choose whether to upgrade to Real ID or keep a standard license. Ask at the office or on the online form which option you prefer.