How to Renew Your Driver's License in Alabama

Alabama driver's license renewals happen through the Department of Public Safety, and you can renew in person, by mail, or online depending on your license type and how much time remains before expiration

Alabama offers three renewal paths. If your license expires more than 60 days from now, you can renew online through the Alabama Department of Public Safety website without visiting an office. If it expires within 60 days, you must renew in person or by mail. Standard licenses last eight years; commercial licenses last five years. The method you choose depends on whether your address or name has changed, whether you need a new photo, and how quickly you need the renewed license in hand.

The online path is fastest if you are may be able to access. You log into your account on the Department of Public Safety portal, verify your information, pay the renewal fee (currently $28.50 for a standard license), and receive a temporary digital license when ready. Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if you have had a suspension, revocation, or medical condition flagged on your record, or if you need to change your address or name.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Alabama Department of Public Safety website takes 7 to 10 business days for the physical card and costs $28.50 for a standard license, but only works if your license expires more than 60 days away and you have no suspensions or address changes.
In-person renewal at a Driver License Examiner office requires your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and payment, and takes about 30 minutes but lets you change your address or photo on the spot.
Mail renewal is an option if your license expires within 60 days and you have no suspensions, but takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send original documents to Montgomery.
Alabama does not require a new vision test or written exam for standard renewals unless your license was suspended or you are over 80 years old.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must take the full written and vision test in person at an examiner office.

Renewing online through the Department of Public Safety portal

The online renewal system is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety website, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, and review your current information. If everything is correct—your name, address, and photo—you can proceed to payment. The fee is $28.50 for a standard Class D license. You will receive a temporary digital license on screen when ready that you can use while waiting for your physical card.

Your new physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot use online renewal if your license expires within 60 days, if you have any active suspension or revocation, if you need to change your address or legal name, or if you want a new photo. You also cannot renew online if you have a medical condition or restriction that requires Department review. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.

Renewing in person at a Driver License Examiner office

In-person renewal is required if your license expires within 60 days, if you need to change your address or name, if you want a new photo, or if you have any suspension or medical flag on your record. Visit your local Driver License Examiner office with your current license, proof of residency, and payment. Proof of residency can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your current address. Bring the original document or a certified copy—a photo of it is not accepted.

The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your renewed license on the spot. You walk out with your new physical license the same day. The visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the office is. There is no written test or vision test required for a standard renewal unless you are over 80 years old or your license was suspended. You pay $28.50 at the office.

To find your nearest examiner office and check current wait times, use the Department of Public Safety office locator on their website. Some offices accept walk-ins; others operate by appointment only. Calling ahead is wise, especially during lunch hours or late afternoon when offices are busiest.

Renewing by mail if your license expires soon

Mail renewal is available only if your license expires within 60 days and you have no suspensions, revocations, or medical holds. You cannot change your address or name by mail. Send your current license, a completed renewal form (DL-44, available on the Department of Public Safety website), proof of residency, and a check or money order for $28.50 to the address listed on the form—typically the Montgomery office.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Department receives your envelope. Your new license arrives by mail. Because mail renewal takes longer than in-person or online renewal, use this option only if you have time and cannot visit an office. If your license expires before your renewed one arrives, you are technically driving with an expired license, which can result in a citation.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license, which means taking the written test and vision test in person at a Driver License Examiner office. You will also need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The fee for a new license is higher than a renewal—currently $28.50 for the license itself plus any test fees your office charges.

Schedule an appointment or visit during walk-in hours. Bring all required documents and plan for the visit to take 45 minutes to an hour. You will take the vision test first, then the written test, then have your photo taken. If you pass both tests, you receive your new license the same day.

Fees, documents, and what to bring

A standard Class D license renewal costs $28.50 regardless of whether you renew online, in person, or by mail. If you are renewing in person or by mail, you must provide proof of residency—an original or certified copy of a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent government mail showing your current address. A photo of the document is not accepted.

For online renewal, you do not need to submit documents; the system verifies your information against state records. For in-person renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency. For mail renewal, send your current license, the completed form, proof of residency, and payment. Do not send cash by mail; use a check or money order.

Address or name changes during renewal

If you need to change your address or legal name, you must renew in person. Online and mail renewal do not allow address or name changes. At the examiner office, tell the staff member that you need to update your information. You will need to provide proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement in your new name if you changed your name) and, if you changed your name, a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The office will update your record, take a new photo, and issue your renewed license with the new information the same day. The fee remains $28.50.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal to arrive?

No. Once your license expires, driving with it is illegal and can result in a citation. If you renew online, you receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can show on your phone. If you renew by mail, your license is expired during the 2 to 3 week wait, so mail renewal is risky if your expiration date is very close.

Do I need a new vision test or written test to renew?

Not for a standard renewal. You only take a test if you are over 80 years old, if your license was suspended, or if your license has been expired for more than two years. For a routine renewal, the Department does not require a test.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew a lost license. You must report it lost to the Department of Public Safety and explore for a replacement. Visit an examiner office with proof of identity and residency. The replacement fee is typically $10 to $15, separate from any renewal fee.

How long does an Alabama driver's license last?

A standard Class D license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Commercial licenses last five years. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before it expires.

What if I moved out of state but still have an Alabama license?

You can renew your Alabama license by mail or online if you meet the other requirements, even if you live out of state. However, if you now live permanently in another state, you should obtain a license from that state instead, as driving with an out-of-state license in your state of residence is typically not legal.

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.