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. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license the same day. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks but requires no trip to an office.
You are may be able to access for mail renewal if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and your address on file is current. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must renew in person. You can also renew in person even if mail renewal is an option — some people prefer it to avoid the wait.
Key Takeaways
- Mail renewal costs $20.50 and takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal costs $24.50 and you get a temporary license when ready.
- You must renew in person if your license is suspended, revoked, or has medical restrictions, or if your address has changed since your last renewal.
- For mail renewal, send your current license, the renewal form, payment, and proof of address to the DPS address on the form.
- For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of Alabama residency, and payment to any DPS office during business hours.
- Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks for mail renewal, or you receive it in person at the office for in-person renewal.
Renew by mail: what to send and where
To renew by mail, start by getting form DL-44 from the Alabama DPS website or by calling 334-242-4437. Fill out the form completely, including your current signature. You will need your current driver's license, a check or money order for $20.50 made payable to the State of Alabama, and proof that you still live at the address on your license.
Proof of Alabama residency can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Mail the form, your license, payment, and proof of address to the address listed on the form — currently the DPS Licensing Bureau in Montgomery, but confirm the mailing address on the form itself since it can change.
Your new license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before the new license comes, you cannot get a temporary license through mail renewal — you would need to renew in person instead.
Renew in person: documents and office locations
To renew in person, visit any Alabama DPS office during business hours. Bring your current driver's license, proof that you live in Alabama, and payment of $24.50 in cash, check, or debit card. Proof of residency can be the same documents accepted for mail renewal: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
DPS offices are located in most Alabama counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Alabama DPS website under "Driver License Offices." Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices have longer hours or Saturday hours — check the website for your specific location.
The renewal process at the office takes about 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken, sign your license, and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license allows you to drive legally while you wait for the permanent one.
When you must renew in person instead of by mail
You cannot use mail renewal if your current license is suspended or revoked. You also cannot renew by mail if your license has medical restrictions — such as corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or automatic transmission only. In these cases, you must go to a DPS office so an examiner can review your medical status and determine whether the restrictions should continue.
You must also renew in person if your address has changed since your last license was issued. The DPS needs to verify your new address in person. If you have moved, bring proof of your new Alabama address along with your current license and payment.
License expiration and renewal timing
Your Alabama driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew it anytime during the 90 days before it expires, or up to one year after it expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will still expire on your birthday, just four years later.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person using the same process. There is no penalty for renewing after expiration as long as you do not drive with an expired license. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive until you renew it.
What to do if you cannot find your current license
If your current license is lost or stolen, you cannot use mail renewal. You must go to a DPS office in person and request a replacement license instead of a renewal. Bring proof of your Alabama address and payment of $24.50. The office will issue you a temporary license and mail your permanent license within two to three weeks.
If you are renewing and your license is still valid but you have lost it, contact the DPS office before you go in. They can look up your record and confirm your information so the process moves faster when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
No, Alabama does not offer online renewal. You must renew either by mail or in person at a DPS office. Mail renewal is the closest option if you want to avoid going to an office.
What happens if I drive after my license expires?
Driving with an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. You should renew your license before it expires or as soon as possible after expiration. You can renew up to one year after expiration without additional penalty beyond the standard renewal fee.
Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?
For in-person renewal, yes — the DPS office will take a new photo. For mail renewal, your photo from your current license is used on your new license, so no new photo is taken.
How long is my temporary license good for?
The temporary paper license you receive at a DPS office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within two to three weeks, so the temporary covers the gap. If your permanent license does not arrive within 30 days, contact the DPS.
Can I renew someone else's license for them?
For mail renewal, you can mail in their form and documents if they sign the form. For in-person renewal, the person whose license is being renewed must be present at the DPS office — you cannot renew it for them.