Documents and information you'll need to bring
To renew your Alabama driver's license, you need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Alabama residency. The Alabama Department of Public Safety accepts a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return as proof of your number. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll also need to provide your date of birth and current address, which the examiner will verify against your documents.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current Alabama driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and one piece of proof of your current address.
- If your name has changed, bring the legal document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- You can renew in person at any Alabama Department of Public Safety office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions.
- Renewal fees vary depending on how long your new license is valid for, and Alabama does not accept online renewal for standard driver's licenses.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your renewal.
Where and how to renew in person
Visit any Alabama Department of Public Safety office to renew your license. You can find the office nearest you on the Alabama DPS website by entering your county. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day — calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you a trip during peak hours.
Bring all your documents to the office. An examiner will review them, take a new photograph, and collect your fee. You do not need to take a written test or driving test for a standard renewal unless your license has been expired for more than five years or you are renewing a commercial driver's license.
Renewing by mail
Alabama allows mail renewal only if your license is not expired and you meet specific conditions. Your license must have been issued at least four years ago, you must not have any medical restrictions on your current license, and you must not be renewing a commercial driver's license or a license with hazmat endorsement.
To renew by mail, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to request a renewal form. Mail the form, your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and your renewal fee to the address provided. Processing takes longer by mail — typically two to three weeks — compared to in-person renewal.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Alabama driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years, depending on which you choose. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The exact fee amounts change periodically, so check the Alabama DPS website or call your local office for current pricing before you go in.
You can choose your renewal period when you renew. Selecting the longer period costs more upfront but means you won't need to renew again for eight years. The fee is paid at the time of renewal, whether you renew in person or by mail.
What happens after you renew
After you complete your renewal in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provided, arriving within 7 to 10 business days. Keep the temporary license with you until the permanent one arrives.
If you renewed by mail, you won't receive a temporary license — your permanent license will straightforward be mailed to you. If your license doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety with your confirmation number to check the status.
Special situations: name changes and address updates
If you've changed your name, the renewal process is the same, but you must bring the legal document proving the change. The examiner will update your license to reflect your new name. If you've only changed your address but your license isn't expired, you can update your address without renewing — visit a DPS office or check whether Alabama offers address-only updates by mail.
If you've moved out of state and your Alabama license is still valid, you can renew it by mail from anywhere. However, if you've established residency in another state, that state may require you to obtain a license there instead. Check your new state's requirements before renewing in Alabama.
If your license is expired
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting your first license. This means taking the written test and the driving test again. If your license expired five years ago or less, you can still renew it through the standard process without retesting.
If your license expired recently but you need to drive before you can renew, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety about a temporary driving permit. Availability and requirements for temporary permits vary, so call ahead to understand your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
Alabama does not offer online renewal for standard driver's licenses. You must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail if you meet the mail renewal conditions. Check the Alabama DPS website to confirm whether online renewal has become available since this was written.
What if I lost my current license?
If you've lost your license, you can still renew it. Bring your other documents — proof of Social Security number and residency — to a DPS office. The examiner will issue a replacement license with a new number. You do not need to file a separate lost-license report to renew.
Do I need to pass a vision test to renew?
Yes. When you renew in person, the examiner will conduct a vision screening. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to see an eye doctor and provide documentation before your license is issued.
How long can I drive on my temporary license after renewing?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so you should receive it before the temporary expires. If it doesn't arrive in time, contact the DPS with your confirmation number.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Alabama allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early can be useful if you're traveling or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. Your new license's validity period starts from the date you renew, not from your old license's expiration date.