Renew at the Alabama Department of Public Safety
Alabama's driver's licenses are issued and renewed by the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS), which operates driver's license offices across the state. You cannot renew through the mail, online, or at a third-party location — you must visit a DPS office in person and bring the documents they require.
The DPS has about 30 driver's license offices statewide. Each office handles renewals during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter lines than Friday afternoons.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety driver's license office in person — renewals cannot be done by mail or online.
- Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security card or birth certificate.
- Find your nearest DPS office and its hours on the Alabama DPS website or by calling 334-242-4437.
- Renewal fees are $28 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license, payable by cash, check, or card at the office.
- Your new license is issued on the spot after your visit, though you may receive an updated photo card in the mail within two weeks.
Finding Your Nearest DPS Office
The Alabama DPS website lists all driver's license offices by county and city. You can search by your county or the city closest to you. The website shows the street address, phone number, and hours for each location.
If you do not have internet access, call the DPS main line at 334-242-4437 during business hours. Staff can tell you which office is nearest and whether it has shorter wait times than others in your area. Some people find it helpful to call ahead and ask what time is typically least busy.
What Documents to Bring
Bring your current Alabama driver's license. If you have lost it or it has been stolen, you will need to report that to the DPS office when you arrive — they will handle it as part of your renewal.
You also need one document proving your current address in Alabama. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill does not count, even if it shows your address.
Finally, bring either your Social Security card or your birth certificate. The DPS uses this to verify your identity. If you do not have your Social Security card, a birth certificate works just as well. If you have neither, contact the DPS office before you visit to ask what other documents they will accept.
Fees and Payment Methods
A four-year Alabama driver's license costs $28. An eight-year license costs $48. You choose which term you want when you arrive at the office. The DPS accepts cash, checks, and debit or credit cards at all offices.
If you are renewing because your license has expired, there is no additional penalty fee — you pay only the standard renewal cost. If your license expired more than five years ago, the DPS may require you to retake the written test and vision test, so call ahead to confirm what to expect.
What Happens During Your Visit
When you arrive, you will check in and wait for your number to be called. A DPS staff member will review your documents, take a new photo, and ask you to sign the back of your new license. The entire process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes once you reach the counter, though the wait before that varies.
Your new license is issued when ready. You can use it right away for identification. However, the DPS also mails an updated photo card to your address within two weeks. Some people keep the temporary license and use the mailed card once it arrives; others just use the one issued at the office. Both are valid.
If Your License Has Been Suspended or Revoked
If your Alabama license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at a DPS office. You must first contact the DPS to find out why it was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or driving under the influence convictions.
Call the DPS at 334-242-4437 and ask to speak with someone about license suspension or revocation. They will tell you what you owe or what conditions you must meet. Once those are resolved, you can then visit an office to renew. Do not show up at an office without calling first, because staff will not be able to process your renewal if your license status is not clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their expiration date or to get a new photo if their current license photo is old.
What if I have moved to Alabama from another state?
You need to get an Alabama license rather than renew an out-of-state one. Visit a DPS office with your out-of-state license, proof of Alabama residency, and your Social Security card or birth certificate. You will take a written test and vision test. The fee is $28 for a four-year license or $48 for eight years.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license?
No appointments are required. DPS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You can walk in during business hours. Arriving early in the day or on a Tuesday or Wednesday typically means shorter waits than Friday afternoons.
What if I cannot find my Social Security card or birth certificate?
Call the DPS office before you visit and explain your situation. They may accept other documents such as a passport, military ID, or naturalization papers. Having a backup plan before you arrive saves you a wasted trip.
How long does my new license take to arrive in the mail?
The DPS typically mails your updated photo card within two weeks of your visit. You can use the temporary license issued at the office when ready while you wait. If you do not receive your card within three weeks, call the DPS to check on its status.