Alabama lets you renew online if your license is still valid and you meet a few basic requirements

You can renew your Alabama driver's license online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website if your current license has not expired more than five years ago and you are between 19 and 64 years old. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes, costs $28.50, and you pay by debit or credit card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Not everyone can use the online route. If your license expired more than five years ago, if you are 65 or older, if you need to change your name or address, or if you have medical conditions that affect your driving, you must renew in person at an ALEA office. The same applies if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you lost it and need a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your current license expired within the last five years and you are between 19 and 64 years old.
  • You need your Social Security number, current license number, and a valid debit or credit card to complete the online process.
  • The renewal fee is $28.50 and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago or you are 65 or older, you must renew in person at an ALEA office.
  • You can check your renewal status on the ALEA website using your driver's license number and date of birth.

What you need before you start the online renewal

Gather these items before you go to the ALEA website to renew: your current Alabama driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). You will also need to know your date of birth and the address on your current license.

If any of your information has changed since your last license was issued — your name, address, or medical conditions — you cannot complete the renewal online. You will need to visit an ALEA office in person and bring documents that prove the change, such as a marriage certificate for a name change or a utility bill for an address change.

The step-by-step process on the ALEA website

Go to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website and select "Driver License Services." Click on "Online Renewal" and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your current information and ask you to confirm it is correct.

Review your address, height, eye color, and any medical restrictions listed on your license. If everything matches, proceed to the payment screen. Enter your debit or credit card information and the $28.50 renewal fee will be charged when ready. You will receive a confirmation number by email and on screen — save this number in case you need to check your renewal status later.

After you submit payment, the system will tell you when to expect your new license in the mail. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your new license within 14 business days, contact ALEA with your confirmation number.

When you cannot renew online and must go in person

Visit an ALEA office if your license expired more than five years ago, if you are 65 or older, or if you need to change your name, address, or medical information. You will also need to renew in person if your license was suspended or revoked, if you lost your license, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL).

Bring your current license if you still have it, your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are 65 or older, you may need to pass a vision test or provide a medical report from your doctor, depending on ALEA's current requirements.

ALEA offices are located in most Alabama counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the ALEA website. Wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead can help you plan.

How to track your renewed license after you submit online

The ALEA website has a status checker where you can see where your new license is in the process. Go to the Driver License Services page, select "Check Renewal Status," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you whether your renewal was received, is being processed, or has been mailed.

If the status checker shows your renewal was rejected, the reason will be listed on screen — usually because information did not match or your license was ineligible for online renewal. If you see a rejection, contact ALEA directly with your confirmation number to find out what went wrong and what to do next.

The cost and timeline for online renewal

The online renewal fee is $28.50, charged to your debit or credit card at the time you submit. This is the same price as renewing in person at an ALEA office. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. During busy periods or around holidays, delivery may take up to 14 business days.

You can drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. Your current license remains valid until it expires, even after you have submitted an online renewal. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your current license has already expired, you will need to visit an ALEA office to get a temporary permit.

What happens if your online renewal is denied

The most common reasons for denial are that your license expired more than five years ago, you are outside the may be able to access age range, or information in the system does not match what you entered. Less often, a license is flagged because of a suspension, revocation, or an outstanding traffic fine.

If your renewal is denied, the ALEA website will show the reason. If the reason is unclear or you believe it is wrong, call ALEA's Driver License Section at the phone number listed on their website. Have your driver's license number and confirmation number ready. They can tell you whether you need to renew in person, whether you need to resolve another issue first, or whether there is a data error they can correct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license is already expired?

Yes, as long as it expired within the last five years and you are between 19 and 64 years old. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at an ALEA office.

What if I moved and my address changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must visit an ALEA office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

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

Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days in most cases. During busy periods, it may take up to 14 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at an ALEA office. You will need to pass a written test and a driving test, and bring documents proving your medical fitness to drive.

What if I never received my renewed license in the mail?

Check the renewal status on the ALEA website using your driver's license number and date of birth. If it shows the license was mailed but you did not receive it, contact ALEA with your confirmation number and they can investigate or reissue it.