How to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Alabama driver's license in person at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of Alabama residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. You do not need to bring your birth certificate or passport unless your license is expired by more than five years.

For an online renewal through the Alabama DPS website, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The state will mail your new license to the address on file. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and typically takes five to seven business days after approval.

Key Takeaways

Alabama lets you renew online if your license expired less than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions, which takes five to seven business days.
In-person renewal at any DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
Renewal fees vary by license type and validity period; check the Alabama DPS website for the exact cost before you go.
If your license is expired by more than five years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.

Finding a DPS office near you

Alabama has driver license offices in most counties. The Alabama Department of Public Safety website has a complete list of office locations, hours, and phone numbers. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone first. Call ahead or check the website for your specific office, because appointment policies vary by location.

Wait times at busy offices can run 30 minutes to over an hour, especially on Fridays and near month-end. If you want to avoid a long wait, go early in the week or in the morning. Some smaller county offices have shorter waits than the main city locations.

Online renewal step-by-step

Start at the Alabama DPS website and select "Renew Driver License Online." You'll enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against the state's records.

Next, you'll review your current license information and confirm that your address is correct. If your address has changed, you cannot use online renewal—you must go in person. Once you confirm your information, you'll pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The state will send a confirmation email, and your new license will arrive by mail within five to seven business days.

Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can keep driving. If you need your new license sooner, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Bring all required documents to your nearest DPS office. A staff member will check your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is and whether your documents are in order.

You'll pay the renewal fee at the counter. Alabama accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices, but call ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific location. After you pay, you'll receive a temporary paper license that's valid for 30 days while the state prints and mails your permanent license.

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within that timeframe, contact the DPS office where you renewed to check the status.

What happens if your license is expired by more than five years

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew online. You must go to a DPS office in person. The state may require you to retake the written knowledge test and the vision screening, depending on how long it's been expired and your age. Call your local DPS office before you go to find out whether you'll need to test.

Bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If you need to retake the written test, study materials are available on the Alabama DPS website. The vision screening takes only a few minutes and is done at the office.

Renewal fees and license validity

Alabama driver's license renewal fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The state also charges different fees for REAL ID-compliant licenses versus standard licenses. Check the Alabama DPS website for current fees, as they can change.

When you renew, you can choose how long your new license will be valid—typically four or eight years. A longer validity period costs more upfront but means you won't need to renew as often. Your new license will expire on your birthday in the year the state specifies, so mark your calendar.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid a last-minute rush. Your new license will have a new expiration date based on the validity period you choose, not based on when your old license was set to expire.

If you renew early in person, you'll still receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew early online, the same five- to seven-day timeline applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail?

No, Alabama does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew either online through the DPS website or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is the closest option if you want to avoid going to an office.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DPS office if your address has changed. Bring proof of your new residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). Online renewal will not let you update your address.

Do I need a REAL ID-compliant license?

A REAL ID license is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025. When you renew, you can choose a standard license or a REAL ID license. REAL ID costs more and requires additional documents, such as proof of citizenship. Ask at the DPS office which option you need.

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

If your license is lost or stolen, you must explore for a replacement, not a renewal. This is a different process and requires a visit to a DPS office. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a form of identification. Contact your local DPS office for details.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper 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, so the temporary gives you time to receive it. If your permanent license doesn't arrive within that window, contact the DPS office to check the status.

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.