Yes, you can renew online if you meet Alabama's requirements

Alabama lets you renew your driver's license online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, but only if your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to change your address, name, or other personal information. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.50 for a four-year license or $42.50 for an eight-year license.

The renewal happens entirely through your computer or phone — you do not go to a driver's license office. ALEA mails your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can keep using it when ready after you complete the online transaction.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your Alabama license is currently valid or expired within the last five years.
  • The online renewal costs $28.50 for a four-year license or $42.50 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card.
  • You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the process.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and your current license stays valid until it does.
  • If you need to change your address, name, or have a suspended license, you must renew in person at an ALEA office instead.

What you need before you start

Gather your current Alabama driver's license and your Social Security number — you will enter both during the online process. ALEA uses these to verify your identity and pull up your existing record. Have a debit or credit card ready to pay the renewal fee.

Check that the address on your license is still correct. If you have moved since your license was issued, you cannot complete the online renewal. You will need to go to an ALEA office in person and update your address at the same time you renew. The same applies if your name has changed since your license was issued.

Steps to renew online through ALEA

Go to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website and look for the driver's license renewal section. Click the link to start an online renewal. You will be taken to a find form where you enter your driver's license number and Social Security number.

Review the information ALEA pulls up — your name, date of birth, address, and current license expiration date. If anything is wrong, stop and contact ALEA before you pay. Confirm that you are renewing for either four years or eight years, then enter your payment information. ALEA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

After payment goes through, you will see a confirmation number on the screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. ALEA will also send a confirmation email to the address on file. Your new license will be mailed to your current address within 7 to 10 business days.

When you cannot renew online

If your license has been suspended or revoked, the online system will reject your renewal. You must visit an ALEA office in person, bring proof of why the suspension or revocation has been lifted, and complete the renewal there. The same applies if you have an outstanding traffic ticket or court order tied to your license.

If your license expired more than five years ago, ALEA treats it as a new license rather than a renewal. You will need to go to an office, take a new photo, and pass a vision test. If you have changed your name or address since your license was issued, you must renew in person and bring documents that prove the change — a marriage certificate for a name change, or a utility bill or lease for an address change.

What happens after you pay

Your transaction is complete as soon as the payment is processed. You do not need to do anything else. ALEA will print your new license and mail it to the address on your current license. The mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during high-volume periods.

Your current license remains valid and legal to use while you wait for the new one. You can drive, use it for identification, and present it to police without any problem. When your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid — you can destroy it or keep it as a record.

If you need to renew in person instead

Find an ALEA driver's license office near you on the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website. Bring your current driver's license, Social Security card or number, and proof of your current address if you have moved. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, but wait times vary. Some offices take appointments through the ALEA website. The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and you will get a temporary paper license to use while your new one is mailed. The cost is the same as online renewal — $28.50 for four years or $42.50 for eight years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license is suspended?

No. The online system will reject your renewal if your license is suspended or revoked. You must go to an ALEA office in person. Bring documentation showing that the suspension or revocation has been lifted — this might be a letter from the court, proof that you paid a fine, or proof that you completed a required program.

What if my address changed since I got my license?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must visit an ALEA office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. The office will update your address and process your renewal at the same time.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

ALEA typically mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days of your online renewal. Mail delivery time varies by location, so it may take a few more days to arrive. Your current license stays valid until the new one reaches you.

Can I renew online if my license expired more than five years ago?

No. Licenses expired more than five years are treated as new licenses, not renewals. You must go to an ALEA office, take a new photo, pass a vision test, and pay the full renewal fee. You cannot do this online.

What payment methods does ALEA accept for online renewal?

ALEA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards for online renewal. You must use a debit or credit card — ALEA does not accept cash, checks, or money orders online. In-person renewals at ALEA offices may accept additional payment methods.