The three places to renew in Birmingham

You can renew your Alabama driver's license at the Birmingham Driver License Office on Crestwood Boulevard, at any of Alabama's county tag offices (which handle some renewals), or online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website if you meet their requirements. The Birmingham Driver License Office is the most direct route and handles the full range of renewal types — standard renewals, replacements, and corrections.

The office is located at 2100 Crestwood Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35210. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by day and time of day; mornings and mid-week tend to be less crowded than late afternoons and Fridays.

If you are renewing online, you must have a valid Social Security number on file with ALEA, a current or recently expired Alabama license, and a valid payment method. Online renewal takes about 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. This option is not available if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to update your address or other information.

Key Takeaways

  • The Birmingham Driver License Office at 2100 Crestwood Boulevard is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and handles all renewal types without requiring an appointment.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ALEA ID number to renew in person.
  • Online renewal through ALEA is faster for mail delivery but only works if your license is current or recently expired and you have no address or status changes.
  • County tag offices can process some renewals, but the Birmingham Driver License Office is the most reliable location for all renewal scenarios.
  • Bring the correct documents the first time — returning because you forgot something adds another wait and another trip.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your current or expired Alabama driver's license, a valid form of identification (such as a passport or military ID), and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or your ALEA ID number. If you do not have your Social Security number memorized, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it. The office staff can look up your number if you have a current license on file, but bringing it yourself speeds the process.

If you are renewing because your name has changed (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your address has changed, the proof of residency document serves that purpose.

How to renew online through ALEA

Visit the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website and navigate to the Driver License section. You will need your current or recently expired Alabama license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against ALEA's records.

Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal. You pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. After you submit your information and payment, ALEA will mail your new license to the address on file. The process typically takes 10 business days, though it can take longer during high-volume periods.

You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address or other personal information, if you are renewing for the first time after turning 18, or if your license has been expired for more than five years. In any of those cases, you must visit the Birmingham Driver License Office in person.

County tag offices and what they can do

Some Alabama county tag offices can process driver's license renewals, but their availability and the types of renewals they handle vary. In Jefferson County (where Birmingham is located), tag offices can handle standard renewals for licenses that are not suspended or revoked and do not require address changes or corrections.

Tag offices are often less crowded than the main Driver License Office and may have shorter wait times. However, if your renewal involves anything beyond a straightforward renewal — a name change, address change, or any correction to your license — you will need to go to the Birmingham Driver License Office instead.

Call ahead to the tag office nearest you to confirm they are processing renewals that day. Tag office hours and services can change, and some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days.

Fees and payment methods

The cost of renewing your Alabama driver's license depends on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard four-year renewal costs one amount; an eight-year renewal costs more. The Birmingham Driver License Office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some tag offices may have different payment options, so call ahead if you plan to pay a specific way.

If you are renewing online, you must pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. There is no cash or check option for online renewal.

What to expect when you arrive

When you walk into the Birmingham Driver License Office, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will wait until your number is called. Bring all your documents with you — do not leave them in the car. The process at the window usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have all the required documents.

The staff member will verify your information, take a new photo (unless you are renewing online), and process your payment. If everything is in order, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. The permanent license usually arrives within 10 business days.

If you are missing a document or if there is a problem with your information, the staff member will tell you what you need to bring back. They cannot process your renewal without it, so you will have to return another day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you must renew in person at the Birmingham Driver License Office. Online renewal is only for licenses that are current or recently expired. Bring all the same documents you would bring for a standard renewal.

Do I need an appointment at the Birmingham Driver License Office?

No appointment is required. The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You check in when you arrive and wait for your number to be called. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) to your renewal appointment. The staff member will update your address in the system and print it on your new license. You cannot renew online if your address has changed.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

You receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid right away. Your permanent license is mailed to you and usually arrives within 10 business days. During busy periods, it may take longer.

Can I renew someone else's license for them?

No. The person whose license is being renewed must be present in person at the Birmingham Driver License Office. They must provide their own identification and sign the process. This is a legal requirement and cannot be done by proxy.