What you need to renew your Alabama driver's license
You can renew your Alabama driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Mail and online renewals are faster and cheaper than going in person, but they have limits — you cannot use them if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if you have certain medical conditions that require a vision test.
Before you start, gather your current driver's license and a way to pay the renewal fee. The fee varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid for. You will also need a mailing address where the state can send your new license, which usually takes one to two weeks after approval.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Alabama Department of Public Safety website is the fastest option if your license is current and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license and a check or money order to the state, and takes longer but costs less than in-person renewal.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you need a new photo.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks after the state processes your renewal, regardless of which method you choose.
- You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
Renewing online through the Alabama Department of Public Safety
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and look for the driver's license renewal section. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — the state accepts credit cards and debit cards. The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Online renewal is only available if your license is currently valid and you do not need a new photo. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online and must go in person. The state will mail your new license to the address on file, usually within one to two weeks.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but is a good option if you prefer not to use the internet or if you want to avoid a trip to an office. You will need to send your current driver's license, a completed renewal form, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the Alabama Department of Public Safety. The form is available on the state website, or you can call the department to request one by mail.
Mail your materials to the address listed on the form. Processing usually takes two to four weeks, and then the state mails your new license to you, adding another one to two weeks. If you are in a hurry, this method is slower than going in person or renewing online. Like online renewal, mail renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years.
Renewing in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if you have medical conditions that require a vision test. Find the Driver License Examiner's Office nearest you on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). You will also need to bring payment for the renewal fee.
Bring your documents to the office during business hours. You will have your photo taken and may be asked to take a vision test. The office will process your renewal on the spot, and the state will mail your new license to you within one to two weeks. Wait times at offices vary by location and time of day, so arriving early in the morning or on a weekday may mean a shorter wait.
What happens if your license has been expired for a long time
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to a Driver License Examiner's Office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and payment for the fee.
The office staff will take a new photo and may give you a vision test. Some offices may also require you to retake the written test or the road test, depending on how long your license has been expired and the reason it expired. Call the office ahead of time to ask what to expect, since requirements can vary.
Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts
The renewal fee depends on the type of license you have and how long you want the new license to be valid. A standard driver's license can be renewed for four years or eight years. The eight-year renewal costs more upfront but is cheaper per year. The state also charges different fees for commercial driver's licenses and for licenses with special endorsements.
You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute. Renewing early means your new license will arrive before your current one expires, so you will not have a gap in coverage. If you renew after your license has expired, you still pay the same fee — there is no penalty for renewing late.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. A suspension is usually temporary and is lifted after a certain amount of time or after you complete a requirement, such as paying a fine or completing a driving course. A revocation is more serious and usually requires you to go through the licensing process again from the beginning.
Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to find out the status of your license and what you need to do to restore it. If your license is suspended, the department can tell you when the suspension will end. If your license is revoked, ask what steps you need to take to reapply for a license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for two years?
Yes, you can renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for less than five years. If it has been expired for more than five years, you must go in person to a Driver License Examiner's Office.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
The state mails your new license within one to two weeks after processing your renewal. Mail delivery usually takes another few days to a week, so plan for two to three weeks total from the time you submit your renewal.
What if I move before my new license arrives?
Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety with your new address before your license is mailed. The state can update your address on file so your new license is sent to the correct location.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, you do not need a new photo if you renew by mail or online. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo as part of the process.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
It depends on the type of debt. Some unpaid fines may prevent you from renewing, while others may not. Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety or your local court to find out whether your specific debt affects your ability to renew.