Where and how to renew in Alabama

You can renew your Alabama driver license in person at any Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is the most straightforward: you walk in with your documents, pay the fee, take a new photo, and leave with a temporary license valid until your permanent one arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal. You'll send your current license, a completed process, and the renewal fee to the address provided by DPS. This takes longer — typically 2 to 3 weeks — but you avoid a trip to the office.

Alabama also offers online renewal through the DPS website for certain drivers, though may be able to access is limited. Check the DPS website to see if your license qualifies before you attempt it online.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewal at a DPS Driver License office takes about 30 minutes and gives you a temporary license on the spot while your permanent one is mailed.
  • Mail renewal is only an option if your license is valid, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency, and payment — the fee varies depending on how long your new license is valid for.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, as DPS will verify it during renewal.
  • If your license is expired by more than a certain period, you may be required to take the written test again instead of renewing by mail or online.

Documents you need to bring

For in-person renewal, bring your current Alabama driver license and one form of proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you don't have your Social Security card, bring a document that shows it — a tax return, W-2, or Social Security statement will work. DPS verifies this information against federal records during the renewal process.

If you're renewing by mail, send your current license, a completed Form DL-44 (the renewal process), proof of residency, and your payment. Do not send original documents you cannot replace — DPS will not return them.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Alabama driver license renewal fees depend on how long you want your new license to be valid. A 4-year license costs less than an 8-year license. The exact amounts change periodically, so check the DPS website or call your local office before you go in to confirm the current fee.

Most people renew for 8 years, which is the longest option available. If you choose a shorter validity period, you'll pay a lower fee but will need to renew again sooner. Some drivers choose shorter periods if they expect their address or other information to change soon.

Payment methods vary by location. Most DPS offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you're renewing by mail, include a check or money order — do not send cash through the mail.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for less than a year, you can usually renew it using the same process as a standard renewal. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment to a DPS office, or mail in your process if you meet the mail renewal conditions.

If your license has been expired for more than a year, Alabama may require you to take the written knowledge test again and possibly a driving test, depending on how long it has been expired. Contact your local DPS office to find out what's required in your situation before you attempt to renew.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Alabama, even if you've already submitted a renewal process. Do not drive until your temporary or permanent license is in hand.

DPS office locations and wait times

Alabama has DPS Driver License offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the DPS website. Some offices are busier than others — offices in larger cities often have longer wait times, especially on Fridays and at the end of the month.

Many offices do not take appointments, so you arrive and wait your turn. A few locations in larger cities may offer appointment scheduling; check the DPS website to see if yours does. If you have a choice of offices, visiting a smaller or rural location can mean a shorter wait.

Bring something to do. Wait times can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the office and time of day.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your license up to 6 months before it expires. Many people do this to avoid the rush near the expiration date or to may support they have a valid license for an upcoming trip. The new license will be valid for its full term from the date you renew, not from the date your old one expires.

If you renew early and your old license is still valid, you'll receive two valid licenses in the mail — your temporary and your new permanent one. Destroy the old license once the new one arrives, or return it to a DPS office if you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

Alabama offers online renewal through its DPS website, but only for certain drivers. You must have a valid license with no medical restrictions, no address change since your last renewal, and no suspension or revocation. Check the DPS website to see if your license qualifies before attempting online renewal.

How long is my temporary license good for?

Your temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date you renew in person. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within that window, contact DPS to check the status.

What if my address has changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at a DPS office if your address has changed. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and payment. Mail renewal is not an option when your address has changed.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Yes, if you renew in person. DPS takes a new photo as part of the in-person renewal process. If you renew by mail, your photo from your previous license is used on your new license.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must replace it instead. Replacement is a different process than renewal and involves additional steps. Contact your local DPS office or check the DPS website for replacement procedures.