What you need before you start
Alabama lets you renew your driver license online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed. You will need your current Alabama driver license number, a valid email address, and a payment method — Alabama accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes. You will answer questions about your current information, confirm or update your address, and pay the renewal fee. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your payment is processed.
If your license expired more than five years ago, if you have medical restrictions, or if you need to change your name or address for reasons other than a move, you cannot renew online — you will need to visit an ALEA driver license office in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical suspensions or changes to your restrictions.
- The online process requires your current license number, email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if you need it by a specific date.
- If you have medical restrictions, a name change, or an address change for reasons other than moving, you must renew in person at an ALEA office.
- The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid — check the ALEA website for the current amount.
Step-by-step: completing the online renewal
Go to the ALEA website and look for the driver license renewal section. You will see a link to start an online renewal. Click it and enter your driver license number and date of birth to pull up your record.
Review the information on screen — your name, address, and license details. If your address has changed because you moved, update it now. If everything else is correct, proceed to the next screen. Answer any questions about medical conditions, restrictions, or changes to your vision or hearing. Answer honestly; these questions determine whether you can renew online or must visit an office.
Once you confirm your information is correct, you will be asked to pay the renewal fee. Enter your card details and complete the payment. You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep this number in case you need to check on your renewal status later.
When you cannot renew online
If your license has been expired for more than five years, the online system will not let you proceed. You will see a message telling you to visit an ALEA office instead. The same applies if you have a medical suspension or if your medical restrictions have changed — the online system flags these and requires an in-person visit so an examiner can review your situation.
If you need to change your name on your license for any reason other than marriage or divorce, you must go in person. The same is true if you are changing your address for a reason other than moving — for example, if you are correcting an error on your current license. Bring the appropriate documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or proof of address) when you visit.
What happens after you pay
Your payment is processed when ready. You will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address you provided during renewal — usually the address on your current license unless you updated it.
Mail delivery times vary, but ALEA estimates 7 to 10 business days from the time your payment clears. If you live in a rural area or if mail service is slow in your region, it may take longer. Do not panic if your license has not arrived after 10 days; check the ALEA website to see if there is a way to track your renewal status using your confirmation number.
Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. You can use it to drive and for identification during the waiting period.
The renewal fee and what it covers
Alabama charges a renewal fee that depends on how long your new license will be valid. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The fee is displayed on the ALEA website before you pay, so you will know the exact amount before you enter your card information.
The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. It does not include any additional charges or hidden fees. If you are paying by card, the card company may charge a small processing fee depending on your bank, but ALEA does not add anything beyond the stated renewal fee.
Troubleshooting common problems
If the system says your license number is not found, double-check that you entered it correctly. Your license number is printed on the front of your card. If you still cannot find it, you may need to visit an ALEA office to renew in person.
If your payment is declined, try a different card or contact your bank to make sure there are no blocks on the transaction. Some banks flag online payments to state agencies as suspicious; a quick call to your bank can clear this up. Once cleared, return to the ALEA website and try again.
If you do not receive a confirmation email after paying, check your spam folder. If it is not there, note your confirmation number from the screen and contact ALEA directly using the phone number on their website. They can confirm your payment went through and provide a new reference number if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No. The online system only works for licenses expired five years or less. If yours is older, you must visit an ALEA driver license office in person with your expired license and proof of residency.
What if I moved and need to update my address?
You can update your address during the online renewal process. Enter your new address on the form before you pay. Your new license will be mailed to the updated address.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
ALEA mails licenses within 7 to 10 business days of payment. Actual delivery depends on your location and mail service. Your old license is still valid while you wait.
What if I have a medical restriction on my current license?
If your medical restriction has not changed, you may be able to renew online. The system will ask about your medical status; answer truthfully. If anything has changed, you must visit an office in person so an examiner can review your condition.
Can I renew online if I need to change my name?
Only if your name changed due to marriage or divorce and you have the certificate to prove it. Other name changes require an in-person visit. Bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order when you go.