How to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need before you go

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 suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.

Before you go to an office or start an online renewal, gather these documents: your current Alabama driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing after your license expired more than five years ago, you'll need to take the written test and vision test again, so plan for a longer visit.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online if your license is valid, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed — this takes a few minutes and costs less than renewing in person.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address, and usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you renew, whether you renew online or in person.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and will need to pass the written test and vision test again.
Alabama DPS offices do not take appointments, so arrive early or during slower hours to avoid long waits.

Renewing online through the Alabama DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website, find the Driver License section, and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm whether you can renew online or whether you need to come in person.

If you're approved to renew online, you'll answer questions about any medical conditions or restrictions, confirm your address, choose whether you want an organ donor designation, and pay the renewal fee by debit card or credit card. The fee for a standard four-year renewal is $24.50. After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

If the system tells you that you cannot renew online, it will explain why — usually because your address has changed, you have a medical restriction, or your license is suspended. In that case, you'll need to renew in person at a DPS office.

Renewing in person at a DPS Driver License office

Find the DPS office nearest you on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. Offices are located in most counties, and you can renew at any office — you don't have to go to the one in your county. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change.

Walk in during business hours — DPS offices do not take appointments for renewals. Arrive early in the morning or mid-afternoon to avoid peak times. You'll check in at the counter, submit your documents, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The fee for a standard four-year renewal is $24.50. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

After you pay, you'll receive a receipt with a temporary license number that you can use to drive while your new license is in the mail. Your permanent license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and you don't have the receipt, you can print a temporary license from the DPS website using your receipt number.

What happens if your license expired more than five years ago

If your Alabama driver's license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This means you'll need to take the written test and the vision test again, and you may need to take the road test depending on how long it's been since you last held a valid license.

You must do this in person at a DPS office. Bring your proof of Social Security number, proof of current address, and a document showing your date of birth (a birth certificate or passport). Bring the same documents you would bring for a renewal, plus any additional ID the office requests. Call the DPS office ahead of time to ask what else you might need, because requirements can vary by location.

Renewing if your name has changed

If you've married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last license, bring the document that proves the change. A marriage certificate works if you took your spouse's name. A divorce decree or court order works if you changed your name as part of the divorce. A court order for a legal name change works if you went through that process.

You can renew online only if your name on file with the DPS matches the name on your current license — if your name has changed, you must renew in person. At the office, the staff will update your name in the system, take a new photo, and issue your new license with the correct name. The process is the same as a standard renewal, and the fee is the same.

Renewing if your address has changed

If you've moved since your last license was issued, you can still renew online as long as you meet the other requirements (no suspension, no medical restrictions). The online system will ask you to confirm your new address, and your new license will be mailed there.

If you're renewing in person, tell the staff at the DPS office about your address change when you check in. They'll update your address in the system before they take your photo. Your new license will be mailed to your new address. Bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Fees and how to pay

The renewal fee for a standard four-year Alabama driver's license is $24.50. If you renew online, you pay by debit card or credit card at the time you submit your renewal. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the DPS office.

Some DPS offices may charge an additional fee if you need a duplicate license or if you're renewing after your license has been expired for a long time. Call the office ahead of time if you think your situation might involve an extra fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I'm waiting for my new license to arrive?

Yes. If you renewed in person, you'll receive a receipt with a temporary license number that you can use to drive. If you renewed online, you can print a temporary license from the DPS website using your receipt number. Both are valid until your new license arrives.

What if I need my new license before 7 to 10 business days?

The standard mailing time is 7 to 10 business days, and the DPS does not offer expedited mail. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, use the temporary license number from your receipt. If you need an ID for something other than driving, call the DPS office to ask whether they can issue a duplicate license on the spot.

Can I renew my license if it's suspended?

No. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended. If you try to renew in person, the DPS office will tell you that you need to clear the suspension first. Contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do to lift it.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DPS office?

No. Alabama DPS offices do not take appointments for driver's license renewals. You walk in during business hours and wait your turn. Arriving early or during mid-afternoon usually means a shorter wait than arriving at lunch time or late afternoon.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew a license you don't have. Instead, you'll need to report it lost and request a duplicate. Contact your local DPS office or the DPS website to report the loss and request a duplicate license. You'll need to provide proof of identity and pay a fee for the duplicate.

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.