Where to renew and what you need to bring

You renew your Alabama driver's license in person at an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office. There is no online renewal option in Alabama, and you cannot renew by mail. You must visit a physical office location with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

Proof of residency means a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Alabama address. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order documenting the change.

You do not need to take a new written test or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than five years, or unless you are changing your license class. If your vision or medical status has changed, the examiner may require a vision screening during your visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama requires all driver's license renewals to happen in person at a DPS Driver License office; there is no mail or online option.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill or similar), and proof of your Social Security number (card, W-2, or tax return).
  • You will not take a written test unless your license has been expired for more than five years.
  • The renewal fee is typically under $30, but the exact amount depends on whether you renew for four or eight years and your age.
  • Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the week or early in the morning usually means shorter lines.

Finding the nearest DPS Driver License office

The Alabama Department of Public Safety maintains a list of Driver License offices on its official website. You can search by county or city to find the office closest to you. Each office has its own hours, and some are open only certain days of the week.

Many offices do not take walk-ins without an appointment. Before you go, check whether your local office requires you to book a time slot ahead of time. Some offices use an online scheduling system; others ask you to call. The DPS website shows which offices accept appointments and how to book one.

If your nearest office has a long wait or limited hours, you may be able to renew at a different location in your county or a neighboring county. There is no rule requiring you to renew at a specific office.

How long your renewed license lasts

Alabama offers two renewal periods: four years or eight years. The cost is lower for a four-year renewal. If you are under 65, you can choose either option at the time of renewal. If you are 65 or older, Alabama offers a reduced-cost renewal, though the term length may be shorter.

Your new license will be valid starting on the day you renew. If your current license is not yet expired, your new license will still begin on the renewal date, not on the expiration date of your old one. You should destroy or dispose of your old license once you receive the new one.

What happens if your license has been expired for a long time

If your license expired more than five years ago, Alabama treats your renewal differently. You will need to take the written knowledge test and the vision test, just as if you were getting your first license. You may also need to provide additional documentation about your residency and identity.

If your license has been expired for more than ten years, you may need to provide a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport in addition to your other documents. Call your local DPS office before you visit to confirm what documents they will need.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license with special endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement), the renewal process may require additional testing or medical certification. Check with the DPS office about your specific license type.

Fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a four-year license is typically less than $30, and an eight-year renewal is usually less than $50, though the exact amount varies slightly. Alabama DPS offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. Some offices may have restrictions on which payment methods they take, so ask when you arrive or when you book your appointment.

If you are renewing at an age when you may have access to for a senior discount (usually 65 and older), the fee will be lower. Bring proof of your age if you think you may may have access to.

After you renew: receiving your new license

You receive your new physical license on the same day you renew, before you leave the office. The license is printed on-site at most locations. You can drive legally on your old license until it expires, even after you have renewed.

If you need to change your address after renewal, you can update it at any DPS office or through the mail by sending a form to the address listed on your license. You do not need to renew your entire license just to change your address.

Renewing if you have changed your name or address

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring the legal document proving the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS office will update your name on your new license at the time of renewal.

If you have moved to a new address in Alabama, bring proof of your new residency. Your new license will show your current address. If you have moved out of Alabama and then moved back, you will need to show proof that you now live in Alabama again.

If you have moved out of state and then returned to Alabama, you may need to provide additional proof of residency or identity. Call ahead to confirm what documents the office will need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Alabama allows you to renew your license up to six months before it expires. This is useful if you know you will be traveling or if you want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. Your new license will be valid starting on the day you renew.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?

You will need to report the loss and get a replacement before you can renew. You can do both at the same DPS office visit. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number, and tell the office that your license was lost. The replacement and renewal may be handled as a single transaction.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

It depends on your local office. Many Alabama DPS offices now require appointments, especially in larger cities. Check the DPS website or call your local office to find out whether you need to book ahead. If appointments are required and you show up without one, you may be turned away.

What if I have a medical condition that affects my driving?

Tell the DPS examiner about any medical condition when you arrive. They may require a vision test or ask you to provide a letter from your doctor. Some conditions may result in restrictions on your license, such as corrective lenses required or daylight driving only.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must be present in person to renew your license. Alabama does not allow a family member or representative to renew on your behalf. If you have a disability that makes it difficult to visit an office, call the DPS to ask about accommodations they may be able to provide.