How to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

Renewing your Alabama driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Alabama driver's license without visiting a DMV office if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical restrictions. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) lets you renew online through their website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot renew online — because your license expired more than five years ago, you have medical conditions listed on it, or you need to change your address — you must renew in person at an ALEA office.

Your current Alabama driver's license must not be suspended or revoked. If it is, you cannot renew until you resolve the suspension or revocation with ALEA. You also cannot renew online if you are under 18, though minors can renew in person at an ALEA office with a parent or guardian.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the ALEA website works only if your license expired within the last five years and has no medical restrictions.
The renewal fee is $31.50 for a four-year license or $63 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card during online renewal.
Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after online renewal; you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
If your license expired more than five years ago or you need to change your address, you must renew in person at an ALEA driver's license office.
ALEA offices are located in most Alabama counties; you can find the nearest one and check wait times on the ALEA website.

Renewing online through the ALEA website

Go to alea.gov and select "Driver License Services" from the main menu. Click "Renew Your Driver License Online" and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm or update your address. Do not change your address during online renewal if you have moved — you must do that in person at an ALEA office.

Review your name, date of birth, and address on the screen. If any information is wrong, stop and call ALEA at 334-242-4437 before continuing. Once you confirm everything is correct, you will choose your license term: four years for $31.50 or eight years for $63. Pay with a debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving your old license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works if you prefer not to use the internet. Request a renewal form by calling ALEA at 334-242-4437 or visiting an ALEA office in person. Fill out the form completely, including your driver's license number, date of birth, and current address. Do not send your old license — ALEA will keep it on file.

Include a check or money order for $31.50 (four-year license) or $63 (eight-year license) made payable to "ALEA." Mail the form and payment to the ALEA Driver License Section at the address provided on the form. Processing by mail takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date ALEA receives your form. Your new license will be mailed to you once processing is complete.

Renewing in person at an ALEA office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, you have medical restrictions on your current license, you need to change your address, or you are under 18. Bring your current Alabama driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have moved and your license shows an old address, bring proof of your new address.

Find your nearest ALEA driver's license office on the ALEA website and check the current wait time before you go. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Bring cash or a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee. The office will take a new photo, process your renewal, and issue your new license on the spot. You can drive home on your new license when ready.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew your driver's license while it is suspended or revoked. Call ALEA at 334-242-4437 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you must do to clear it. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. ALEA can tell you the specific steps to take and whether you need to contact another agency, such as the court or the Department of Human Resources.

Once your suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew online, by mail, or in person using the steps above. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, you can check the status on the ALEA website by entering your license number and date of birth.

Renewing a license that expired more than five years ago

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to an ALEA driver's license office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal. You will receive your new license on the spot and can drive home on it when ready.

If you have lost your expired license, bring a government-issued photo ID such as a passport instead. ALEA can look up your license record using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

Understanding the renewal fee and license term options

Alabama offers two license terms: a four-year license for $31.50 or an eight-year license for $63. The eight-year license costs more but means you will not need to renew again for eight years. Both licenses are valid for driving in all 50 states and are Real ID compliant, meaning they meet federal standards for air travel and entry to federal buildings.

The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew online or by mail, you pay by debit or credit card or check. If you renew in person, you can pay with cash, debit, or credit card. There are no additional fees for address changes, name changes, or medical restrictions, though name changes require you to renew in person and bring a court order or marriage certificate as proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on my old license while I wait for my new one to arrive?

Yes. If you renew online or by mail, your old license remains valid until your new license arrives. You can drive on it during the 7 to 10 business days (online) or 4 to 6 weeks (mail) it takes to receive your new license. If you renew in person, you receive your new license when ready and can drive on it right away.

What if I have moved since my last license was issued?

If you have moved, you must renew in person at an ALEA office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. Do not try to change your address during online renewal — the system will not process it. Bring both your old license and proof of your new address to the office.

How do I renew if I have changed my name?

You must renew in person at an ALEA office and bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree as proof of your name change. ALEA will issue a new license with your updated name. You cannot change your name online or by mail.

What if my license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines?

You must pay the fines before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the amount owed and how to pay. Once the court confirms payment, call ALEA at 334-242-4437 to confirm your suspension has been lifted. Then you can renew online, by mail, or in person.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

Yes, if your license has not expired by more than five years and has no medical restrictions, you can renew online from anywhere. If you need to renew in person, you must visit an ALEA office in Alabama. Some military members stationed overseas may be able to renew by mail — call ALEA at 334-242-4437 to ask about your situation.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.